Isaiah 35 Commentary
“Highway of holiness,” and “the unclean shall not be there.” Then you know Isaiah isn’t talking about a physical place. He isn’t talking about a physical nation with physical political administrative structures.
By the “unclean”, Isaiah has in mind individuals whose sins are “like scarlet,” and “red like crimson”.
As we have repeatedly seen, the unclean aren’t residents of a special country. They are not confined to a definition like tribe or nation.
Therefore, the good news of the LORD Jesus Christ isn’t for Christians only. It’s for humanity!
“The desert and patched land” gives the thought of want and longing. It is the condition of the unclean. But strangely, it is also the condition of the clean as they continually pant for streams of water. The saint’s desire for the LORD God grows with each step toward holiness!
The good news of Chapter 35 is that “They shall see the glory of the LORD.” Verse 2b. Then joy, fruitfulness, peace – the entire package under the government of the Son.
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 and false safety!
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 refer 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 who walk there. It is a call to abandon self-rule and accept the lordship of the LORD Jesus Christ.
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