Commentary on Isaiah by Willem A. VanGemeren

Author:Willem A. VanGemeren [Burge, Gary M. and Andrew E. Hill]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Bible Commentary/Old Testament, REL006050, REL006060
ISBN: 9781493424573
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2019-10-24T00:00:00+00:00

Isaiah 35:2 describes the “splendor of Carmel and Sharon.” This aerial view shows the fertile Sharon plain, located between Joppa and Mount Carmel.

6. The Day of God’s Glory (35:1–10)

The discussion in Isaiah 35 complements that of the day of the Lord’s vengeance (34:8; 35:4). Here the prophet portrays the glories that await the people of God (35:1–7). Whereas the “day of vengeance” (34:8) is characterized by the sword and desolation, the day of the Lord’s deliverance is characterized by his glory and sustenance. Isaiah brings out the nature of the glorious kingdom, which will affect all creation—people as well as nature itself. Although the country has been laid desolate like the wilderness because of Yahweh’s judgment, the desolation will give way to the glory of Lebanon and the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. There will be rejoicing, gladness, blossoming, and shouts of joy. The people will see the glory of their God reflected in the restoration of nature. They will also experience a sense of renewal, as he assures them that their “salvation” includes a salvation from their enemies and restoration. There is no place for fear in God’s kingdom.

Restoration comes to those who are in need: the blind, the deaf, the lame, and the mute (35:5–6). The people who rejected God’s way and suffered the consequences in judgment and alienation will again be the objects of his unmerited favor. They, like Israel of old, will see God’s glory, experience his presence, protection, and guidance, and taste of his provisions in the wilderness.

The word of promise pertains to the postexilic community following the Jews’ return to Palestine from Babylon and Persia (35:8–10). Yet the language of these verses transcends the experience of any ordinary road. The highway is characterized by two qualities: holiness and joy. Its use is limited to those who are holy and have been cleansed from defilement. The people who walk in it are described as “the redeemed” (35:9–10), who are in right relationship with God. The highway is the place where God brings full deliverance to his people and where he supplies their physical and spiritual needs. Hence, those who walk on the highway will be full of joy as they march toward “Zion” (35:10). The redemption of which the prophet speaks will culminate in that day when Jesus comes to restore the present earth to himself.

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