Streams in the Desert – Isaiah 35

In the history class for high schoolers that I have been teaching we looked at the development of Israel as a modern nation.  I found a 4-minute video comparing sites in Israel from 100 or more years ago and today, with obviously stunning improvements and life where there was no life.  Isaiah is predicting even more than this kind of transformation of the chosen land.

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.  The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.  They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.  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.”

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.  For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it.  It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.  No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.  And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.  (Isaiah 35 ESV)

Yahweh gives Israel another glimpse of the day of her final salvation when her repentance is complete and God’s rule is absolute.  Here are the blessings He will provide:

1) Unparalleled soil fertility.  Even desert lands will become crop lands and forests.  Yahweh’s glory will be displayed through this.

2) All enemies will be dispatched.  Those who have lived in anxiety will have peace.

3) Complete healing of the body and the land.  Handicaps will be undone and the land will have abundance.

4) Absolute holiness will prevail.  Only those who worship Yahweh will be there.  Those who hurt and damaged others will be gone.  Even the animals will be at peace with the people.  And all the exiles will return to the land with everlasting joy.

We expect these same blessings to come to all those redeemed by Jesus, not just Israel.  Revelation 20,21 describes much the same future.

Discussion Questions

1. What physical malady do you eagerly anticipate being healed in the kingdom?
2. Why, when Israel is so guilty of rebellion against God, does He take pains to emphasize her future blessing in the kingdom?
3. Of the four blessings Isaiah describes, which excites you the most?
4. What aspects of the curse in Genesis 3 do you see being reversed in the kingdom?
5. Do you see any evidence in this passage that humans will still work?
6. How does God’s promised coming kingdom help you deal with life now?