Isaiah 35 Commentary
Isaiah’s choice of words can be frightening. Does the saint fall in the category of “the desert and patched land”? Is he talking about a point in time or a general description of the condition of the remnant? Of course, the good news is that they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42. Maybe, Isaiah’s visuals aren’t frightening, after all. The saint’s desire for God grows with each step toward holiness. The desert gives us an impression of the desire for fruitfulness and general vitality.
The LORD calls us into abundance yet it is all brokenness of the heart; the feeling of inadequacy; the ever-increasing desire for God’s presence; knees that nearly give way; and fearful hearts. Interestingly, it is this blessing that the world is missing. Salvation is a point at which a man begins to see just how much he needs God.
Isn’t the saint surprised by the freedom and courage of wicked people – their zero fear of the LORD and general belief in self!
The mention of a highway may remind the saint of the only Way, the only truth, and the only life – the LORD Jesus Christ. And lest we forget, it is called the Way of Holiness. It is for those who walk the way, who walk the talk. Verse 8 is so profound!
It is a narrow way, the LORD Jesus Christ explained. You won’t get many votes for walking on this path! But it is an invitation that the LORD makes to all – the only way to see the splendor of the LORD.
At the same time, the desert may be a reference to the emptiness of the sinner’s life. The highway to fullness is described as the Way of Holiness. You can have it! You can be the redeemed that walks there. It is a call to abandon self-rule and accept the lordship of the LORD Jesus Christ.
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