Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 35

Introduction

Isaiah 34-35. The Downfall of Edom, and Permanent Desolation of its Land. The Blessedness of God’ s People and Fertility of its Land.— These chapters are generally, and probably correctly, attributed to the same hand. Isaiah 34 exhibits the fiercest hatred of Edom, reminding us most of Isaiah 63:1-7. This hatred, for which we may compare Lamentations 4:21 f., Psalms 137:7, Jeremiah 49:7-22, was largely due to the exultation displayed by the Edomites at the destruction of Jerusalem in 586, and it was cherished by the Jews from that time forward. The desolation of Edom is described in language very similar to that used in Isaiah 13 for the desolation of Babylon. The connexion of Edom with the judgment of all nations, and especially the reference to a collection of prophecies as a Book of Yahweh, points to the post-exilic period as the most probable date for its composition. Isaiah 35 implies the Dispersion and a knowledge of Isaiah 40-66.

Verses 1-10

Isaiah 35. The wilderness shall become fruitful as the most fertile districts of Palestine. Let the timid take courage, for Divine vengeance on the enemy is at hand. The blind and deaf, the lame and dumb, will be healed. The thirsty desert shall abound with streams and springs. In the haunts of wild creatures will be grass for cattle. There shall be a holy way for pilgrims, on which the godless will not be permitted to travel; it will be unmolested by wild beasts, so that the pilgrims may travel on it in safety as they go up to Zion.

Isaiah 35:1 . rose: better “ autumn croons” ( mg.) or “ narcissus.”

Isaiah 35:3 . Carmel: pp. 28– 30.— Sharon: p. 28.

Isaiah 35:5-7 . The descriptions are literally intended.

Isaiah 35:7 . glowing sand: the rendering “ mirage” ( mg.) is very attractive. The phantom lake which deceives the traveller in the desert will be replaced by real pools of water. But it forms no good parallel to thirsty ground, and is not suitable in Isaiah 49:10 *

Isaiah 35:7 b. The text has been mutilated. Originally it may have run somewhat as follows: “ In the haunts of jackals and wild cats Will be a resting place for your flocks and herds; The enclosure of the ostriches Will be filled with reeds and rushes.”

Isaiah 35:8 . for those: read, “ for his people,” and continue, “ when it walks in the way, and fools shall not go to and fro in it.” “ Fools” bears a moral rather than an intellectual sense. They are the irreligious, and they will be excluded. The EV is singularly unfortunate, since it has been commonly taken to mean that the way to heaven is so plain that not even a fool can miss it.