Chapters 34 and 35 could not be more opposite. This is one place in the Bible where there can be no doubt that they got the chapter division right. Chapter 34 is an oracle of awful judgment against the nations; chapter 35 prophesies a glorious future for God’s people and land.
On the face of it, these chapters are not about the Messiah. There are no signals that indicate that the one who brings judgment and blessing is the same messianic individual already mentioned repeatedly in the book. In the light of the New Testament, we can clearly see how Jesus will play an important role in these events, but I don’t know if this was clear to Isaiah in this passage.
The imagery of these two chapters is powerful, both for the descriptions of judgment and for that of restoration. For instance, Isaiah 34:6 says that the Lord’s sword is “sated with blood…gorged with fat.” To describe the devastation of the land of the nations, Isaiah pictures desert creatures living in the thorn-infested ruins. Picture New York City as Tell Lachish.
The same intensity is used for the Lord’s restoration of his people. He doesn’t just say that the land will burst into bloom, but that “the wilderness will rejoice,” and “they will see the glory of the Lord” (Isa 35:1-2). Blind eyes will see, deaf ears will hear, lame limbs will leap, and the mute will shout. This means more if you can’t walk, or if your child can’t.
Whereas the nations ‘ glorious cities will become the haunts of jackals, in Israel wild animals will be replaced by a thriving people. But it is not just any people, but “the redeemed” and “the ransomed.” Who are these people?
Does this just mean those who are “redeemed” from Babylon and brought back to live in Judah after the exile? The answer is clearly negative, for these reasons (Isa 35:8):
- The unclean will not be part of this restored land (Isa 35:8).
- There will not be fools there (Isa 35:8, NIV/NASB).
- Only the redeemed walk on this road (Isa 35:9). If the redeemed were all of those who came back from exile, then this statement wouldn’t make any sense.
What does this mean to you? Nothing, if you ‘re self-sufficient, in control of everything, and have no need of divine deliverance. But if you ‘re hurting, weak, or oppressed, then this message is a ray of hope that God will come to your aid. In Isaiah’s words:
Isaiah 35:3-4 (ESV) “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.””
Thanks for sharing, again, Todd. Your blog is so helpful in re-framing my thoughts, encouraging my soul. Blessings.
P.S.
I like the image of NYC as Tell Lachish–puts it into perspective.