Isaiah 35 - Introduction

Chapter 35 God's Future Blessing on His People.

This chapter possibly completes the first half of the book (but see note at the end of chapter 33) prior to entering the corridor that leads into the second half of the book, that is chapter 36-39 which deal with historical events that carry us from the first to the second, and illuminate both halves. It thus deals with the final triumph of the people of God through redemption.

The chapter is in huge and deliberate contrast with the previous one. There the dreadful doom of Esau was pronounced, but here the huge blessing of Jacob. In the end all will be as God had determined, but in the case of Jacob/Israel not as they deserved. Their destiny is of God's grace as revealed to the remnant, just as Edom's is of God's wrath (Malachi 1:2). For in contrast to the steaming pitch and brimstone on Edom, the desert of Israel will blossom like a rose (or ‘crocus'), and in contrast to the everlasting emptiness of Eden, the remnant of the people of God will enjoy their land in everlasting joy. The land will then flourish in such a way that it will be evident that the curse is over. There will be no more curse (Revelation 22:3).

The result will be that the redeemed will walk in it in total safety. Gladness and joy will abound and there will be no more sorrow or sighing. The two Chapter s illustrate well the words of Jesus, ‘these (like Edom) will go into eternal punishment, but the righteous (the true Israel) into life eternal' (Matthew 25:46).

Again we must note the prophetic method. The whole future is seen as one. We, looking back on the gradual unfolding of it, can see its many facets, but what mattered to the prophet was the idea as a whole, the final redemption and glorifying of God's people.