35:1 The a wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for
them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the
rose.
(a) He prophecies of the full restoration of the Church
both of the Jews and Gentiles under Christ, which will
be fully accomplished at the last day: although as yet
it is compared to a desert and wilderness.
35:2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and
singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the
excellence of b Carmel and Sharon, they shall c see the
glory of the LORD, [and] the excellence of our God.
(b) The Church which was before compared to a barren
wilderness will by Christ be made most plenteous and
beautiful.
(c) He shows that the presence of God is the reason that
the Church brings forth fruit and flourishes.
35:3d Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble
knees.
(d) He wills all to encourage one another, and especially
the ministers to exhort and strengthen the weak, that
they may patiently abide the coming of God, which is at
hand.
35:4 Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear
not: behold, your God will come [with] e vengeance,
[even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.
(e) To destroy your enemies.
35:5 Then the eyes of the f blind shall be opened, and the
ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
(f) When the knowledge of Christ is revealed.
35:6 Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue
of the dumb shall sing: for in the g wilderness shall
waters break out, and streams in the desert.
(g) They who were barren and destitute of the graces of
God, will have them given by Christ.
35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be
called The way of h holiness; the unclean shall not pass
over it; but it i [shall be] for those: the wayfaring
men, though fools, shall not err [in it].
(h) It will be for the saints of God and not for the
wicked.
(i) God will lead and guide them, alluding to the bringing
forth of Egypt.
35:9 No lion shall be there, nor [any] k ravenous beast shall
go up on it, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed
shall walk [there]:
(k) As he threatens the wicked with destruction by this,
(Isa 30:6).
35:10 And the l ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to
Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they
shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing
shall flee away.
(l) Whom the Lord will deliver from the captivity of
Babylon.
