Looking at Isaiah 35

Isaiah 35:4  -  “Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong & do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.’”

         The first 34 chapters of Isaiah deal with the judgment of all nations for rejecting God. This included Israel & Judah. The general tone was one of wrath, fury, judgment & destruction. It is at this point that the 35^th chapter breaks forth with a much needed prophetic vision of godly beauty & encouragement. God’s mercy is just as morally complete as his distain for all sin. All sin must be judged & although we’d like to be the one calling all the shots, God is the only one who can effectively & unemotionally judge those who have been disobedient. 

         Now in chapter 35 we see hope for restoration represented. God took everything from the people of Israel, but is more than able to replace all that had been taken. It must be understood that the Lord purposely doesn’t allow man to take over the controls, for when he does he crashes & burns. The picture revealed to us is when our life with be peaceful & all wrongs will be made right.

         The loveliness of Mount Carmel & the Plain of Sharon (v.2) represent symbols of productivity & plenty for the people of Israel & is indicative of what we can expect once in heaven. Once made desolate, the former wasteland begins to grow again. Verse 8 tells us the way the people will travel to Jerusalem for their religious holidays will be thru the desert on what shall be called the “Highway of Holiness”. We too shall walk on the “Highway of Holiness”, for only the righteous shall travel upon it. We already know that God is with & in us in the form of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God doesn’t simply point in the direction we should go, but accompanies us every step of the way. 

         Up next is a look at Chapter 37 where King Hezekiah seeks the Lord’s assistance against Assyria. Until then, walk with the King today and be a blessing!

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; https://www.practicaprophetica.com/isaiah-important-chapters-to-study/#Isaiah_35.