Isaiah 35:5-10

5 1Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
6 2then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. 3For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;
7 4the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of 5jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
8 6And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; 7the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.[a]
9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.
10 8And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; 9everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 35:5-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 35

This chapter is a prediction of the glory and flourishing estate of the Gospel church, and of the blessings received by it from Christ. Its flourishing state is expressed by the fruitfulness of the desert, being made like to Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon; and by the inhabitants of it seeing the glory and excellency of Christ, Isa 35:1,2 the ministers of the word are directed and exhorted to strengthen the weak, and comfort the feeble minded, by assuring them of the coming of Christ to save them, Isa 35:3,4 when miracles, both in nature and grace, should be wrought; and great alterations should be made in the wilderness, by the power of God, Isa 35:5-7 when a way should be cast up, described; and the persons that should walk in it are pointed at; and the end it should bring them to, everlasting joy and happiness, Isa 35:8-10.

Cross References 9

  • 1. Isaiah 32:3, 4
  • 2. [See ver. 5 above]
  • 3. [ver. 1; Isaiah 41:18; Isaiah 43:19; Isaiah 44:3, 4; John 7:38, 39]
  • 4. Isaiah 48:20, 21; Isaiah 49:10
  • 5. See Isaiah 13:22
  • 6. Isaiah 40:3
  • 7. Isaiah 52:1
  • 8. Isaiah 51:11
  • 9. Isaiah 65:19; [Isaiah 25:8; Revelation 7:17; Revelation 21:4]

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or if they are fools, they shall not wander in it
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.