Isaías 35
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Isaías 35
Wiersbe - borrow With the Word - see page 472) The Arabah - (Hebrew: הָעֲרָבָה, HaAravah, lit. "desolate and dry area"; Arabic: وادي عربة, Wādī ʻAraba), known in Hebrew as Arava or Aravah, is a geographic name for the area south of the Dead Sea basin which forms part of the border between Israel to the west and Jordan to the east. The old meaning, which was in use up to the early 20th century, covered almost the entire length of what is today called the Jordan Rift Valley, running in a north-south orientation between the southern end of the Sea of Galilee and the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba at Aqaba/Eilat. This included the Jordan River Valley between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, the Dead Sea itself, and what is commonly called today the Arava Valley. The modern use of the term is restricted to this southern section alone. Like a crocus (chabatstseleth) - This is a term of comparison, more specifically a simile (identified by beginning with "like" or "as"). Whenever you spot one, consider the "5P's" - Pause to Ponder the Passage then Practice it in the Power of the Spirit. Here is a picture of a crocus to help you ponder why the wilderness and the desert will be glad and the Arabah will rejoice and blossum. The only other use of this Hebrew word chabatstseleth is in Song of Songs where it is translated as "rose" Song 2:1 “I am the rose of Sharon, The lily of the valleys.” BKC - Here the beloved spoke of herself as a rose of Sharon, the fertile coastal region of Israel from Caesarea to Joppa. Crocus is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family comprising 90 species of perennials growing from corms. Many are cultivated for their flowers appearing in autumn, winter, or spring. The spice saffron is obtained from the stigmas of Crocus sativus, an autumn-blooming species. Crocuses are native to woodland, scrub, and meadows from sea level to alpine tundra in central and southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Compare Isaiah's earlier description of the period of restoration of the land... And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. 7 Also the cow and the bear will graze, Their young will lie down together, And the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. 9 They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea. 10 Then in that day The nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious. (Isaiah 11:6-10+) Isaiah 32 speaks of both physical and spiritual blessings in the future Millennium Until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high (GOD'S SPIRIT TRANSFORMS THE LAND INTO PRODUCTIVE FRUITFULNESS), And the wilderness becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field is considered as a forest. 16 Then (in the Millennium) justice will dwell in the wilderness and righteousness will abide in the fertile field. 17 And the work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever. 18 Then my people will live in a peaceful habitation, And in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting places (in the Millennium). (Isaiah 32:15-18) Michael Rydelnik - The tone shifts in Isaiah 32:15 from destruction to restoration. In describing the Messianic Kingdom, the author moves beyond the description of the future messianic King (Isa 32:1–8) and the cry of the Israelite women (Isa 32:9–14) to the certain coming of the Messianic Kingdom (Isa 3:15–20+). The devastation just described will only last until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high (Isa 32:15). The prophets frequently link the establishment of the millennial kingdom with the coming of the Spirit upon God’s people (Ezek 36:27+; Joel 2:28–32+). God’s Spirit will perform a reversal of fortune, transforming the city and the people and all that has been destroyed. The progression from desert to fertile field to forest is similar to that in Isa 29:17 and appears to denote extraordinary growth. Not only will the region be restored physically, justice and righteousness will be restored within it. Divine blessing and restoration will come with an infusion of virtue and loyalty to the divine order. Justice and righteousness will dwell in this restored civilization (Isa 32:16) and be fixtures in the land. The return of justice and righteousness represents the true transformation of the land. Righteousness will usher in peace and security (Isa 32:17). When injustice is banished from the land, the people will experience God’s continued abundance, peace, and security. This security will bring lasting rest. For Israel, such rest represents the fulfillment of God’s promise to establish His people in the millennial kingdom. This righteousness will only come when Israel will turn in faith to the Lord at the end of days (see comment on Dt 4:30, cf Hosea 3:4–5). (See Moody Bible Commentary and then Moody Bible Commentary) Will be glad...will rejoice (01523)(gil) means to be glad, be joyful, be in "a state of an attitude or feeling of favorable circumstance. This joy may be expressed in song, shouts, or even joyous shrieks and calls." (Swanson) The verb describes the entire earth rejoicing when the Lord Jesus reigns supreme... (Ps 97:1) The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands be glad. Paul speaks of the reaction of the land in Romans 8 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. (Ro 8:19-23+) J
Isaías 35
Wiersbe - Our Lord referred to these verses (Isaiah 35:3-4) when he sent a word of encouragement to John the Baptist (Luke 7:18–23+). The King was on earth and sharing with needy people the blessings of the coming kingdom. (See context in The Bible Exposition Commentary) Say to those with anxious heart - KJV = "fearful heart." NET - "to those who panic." CSB - "to the cowardly." NIV - "fearful hearts." Spurgeon on KJV's fearful heart - Let me observe that, in the original, the word for “fearful” is “hasty.” Now, a hasty man is never a wise man; and equally true is it that a “fearful” man is never prudent. Fearful men are always hasty; they jump at conclusions. They say, with Jacob, “All these things are against me,” because they cannot see to the end of the Lord’s dispensations. They forget that he is very pitiful, and full of compassion. Circumstance or expediency is their guiding star. They seek to follow the track of the meteors, which fly hither and thither across the midnight sky; they forget the pole-star of God’s truth and faithfulness. They go to sea without chart or compass, and they are driven backwards and forwards by contrary winds; and even when there is no wind they know not not how to steer their ship. As you know, even in this world’s affairs, a hasty man is constantly getting himself into trouble. He speculates in certain stocks and shares because some sharper has told him that he can gain by doing so; and soon he hears quite a different story, some great disaster is about to come; he hastily believes the lie, and is again deceived. So is it with fearful souls; they are always doing this or that on the hasty impulse of an ill-drawn conclusion. Thus they are constantly misjudging their God, misusing his Word, misdirecting their own steps, bringing a world of trouble upon themselves, and dishonour upon the name of their God. Fearful souls are hasty souls. They judge the Lord by feeble sense, by the bitterness of the bud, and not by the sweetness of the flower. They judge by the clouds of the morning, forgetting that the clouds may soon be scattered, and that the sun may shine out brightly again. To them, then, that are of a hasty heart; to those who condemn themselves unjustly, who think that all things are against them, and so become exceedingly fearful, say, “Be strong, fear not.” (Isaiah 35:4 Good Cheer for Many that Fear) Anxious heart is translated in the Septuagint (Lxx) with the adjective oligopsuchos which literally is "little soul" and so describes one who is fainthearted or despondent. Anxious (KJV = "fearful")(04116)(mahar) means to hasten, to hurry, to do something quickly. has the sense always of doing something quickly, in a hurry (e.g., escape judgment in Ge 19:22), hastily, or even rashly because of being in haste. The feet of wicked men hasten (mahar) to shed blood and practice evil (Pr 1:16; 6:18; Isa 59:7). This verb usually has an adverbial meaning when it is linked with another verb, as in Ps 106:13 = "They quickly forgot His works; They did not wait for His counsel". Ge 41:32 = "God will quickly bring it about." Ex 10:16 = Pharaoh hurriedly called for Moses. Distress prompts the prayer, "answer me quickly" (Ps 69:17; Ps 102:2; Ps 143:7; cf. Ps 79:8). Mahar occurs 3 times in the first two OT uses and gives a good sense of the basic meaning - "So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead it and make bread cakes.” Abraham also ran to the herd, and took a tender and choice calf and gave it to the servant, and he hurried to prepare it.(Ge 18:6-7) Of swift divine judgment in Mal 3:5. Eccl. 5:2 = Do not be hasty in word. Exodus 34:8 = Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship. Mahar - 65x in 60v - act quickly(1), anxious(1), bring quickly(2), bring...quickly(1), do quickly(1), haste(2), hasten(3), hastened(1), hastens(1), hastily(1), hasty(1), hurried(10), hurriedly(2), hurry(8), immediately(1), impetuous(1), impulsive(1), made haste(1), make haste(1), make speed(1), prepare(1), quickly(16), quickly thwarted(1), rapidly(1), soon(2), swift(3). Gen. 18:6; Gen. 18:7; Gen. 19:22; Gen. 24:18; Gen. 24:20; Gen. 24:46; Gen. 27:20; Gen. 41:32; Gen. 43:30; Gen. 44:11; Gen. 45:9; Gen. 45:13; Exod. 2:18; Exod. 10:16; Exod. 12:33; Exod. 34:8; Jos. 4:10; Jos. 8:14; Jos. 8:19; Jdg. 9:48; Jdg. 13:10; 1 Sam. 4:14; 1 Sam. 9:12; 1 Sam. 17:48; 1 Sam. 23:27; 1 Sam. 25:18; 1 Sam. 25:23; 1 Sam. 25:34; 1 Sam. 25:42; 1 Sam. 28:20; 1 Sam. 28:24; 2 Sam. 15:14; 2 Sam. 19:16; 1 Ki. 20:33; 1 Ki. 20:41; 1 Ki. 22:9; 2 Ki. 9:13; 1 Chr. 12:8; 2 Chr. 18:8; 2 Chr. 24:5; Est. 5:5; Est. 6:10; Job 5:13; Ps. 106:13; Prov. 1:16; Prov. 6:18; Prov. 7:23; Eccl. 5:2; Isa. 5:19; Isa. 8:1; Isa. 32:4; Isa. 35:4; Isa. 49:17; Isa. 51:14; Isa. 59:7; Jer. 9:18; Jer. 48:16; Nah. 2:5; Hab. 1:6; Mal. 3:5 Heart (03820)(leb) refers figuratively to what I term the "control center" of one's being. Think of an Air Traffic Controller and how dysfunctional, even destructive it is when the controllers fail to function as they should. Parunak on take courage (be strong), fear not - The exhortation is reminiscent of two previous passages. At first one thinks of the Lord's words to Joshua on the death of Moses, Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. But the quote is not exact. Isaiah uses a different verb ירא than does the Lord to Joshua ערץ .Isaiah is probably thinking of David's encouragement to Solomon, which uses the same verb that Isaiah does: 1Ch 28:20 Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; The difference in the episodes is subtle but telling. In Joshua, the people are entering the land to conquer and settle it. There is no temple, nor thought of one—the Lord dwells in their midst in a tabernacle. But David is commissioning Solomon to build the temple. The focus in Isaiah is on the march to Zion. The people are on their way to the sanctuary, and Isaiah encourages them with the memory of how God strengthened Solomon as he prepared a place for the nation to worship the Lord. To both Joshua and Solomon, the basis of the encouragement was the same: “The Lord is with thee.” The same basis is here as well: (Isaiah 34-35 Commentary) Take courage - He repeats the command of the previous passage (same verb chazaq). The latter half of the passage tells them why they can take courage and not be fearful.
Isaías 35
Wiersbe - Isaiah 35:8 expresses one of Isaiah’s favorite themes: the highway (Isaiah 11:16; 19:23; 40:3; 62:10). During the Assyrian invasion, the highways were not safe (Isa 33:8), but during the Kingdom Age it will be safe to travel. There will be one special highway: “The Way of Holiness.” In ancient cities, there were often special roads that only kings and priests could use; but when Messiah reigns, all of His people will be invited to use this highway. (ED: THIS HIGHWAY WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR ALL GENTILES WHO ARE REQUIRED TO GO UP TO ZION TO CELEBRATE THE ANNUAL FEAST OF BOOTHS AS DESCRIBED IN Zech 14:16, 17+). Isaiah pictures God’s redeemed, ransomed, and rejoicing Jewish families going up to the yearly feasts in Jerusalem, to praise their Lord. When Isaiah spoke and wrote these words, it is likely that the Assyrians had ravaged the land, destroyed the crops, and made the highways unsafe for travel. The people were cooped up in Jerusalem, wondering what would happen next. The remnant was trusting God’s promises and praying for God’s help, and God answered their prayers. If God kept His promises to His people centuries ago and delivered them, will He not keep His promises in the future and establish His glorious kingdom for His chosen people? (For more on Kingdom see Luke 17:20-21+) Of course He will! (See context in The Wiersbe Bible Commentary) (Bolding added) Jennings - We justly blame those who take all the promises of the Old Testament, and leave only the threatenings for the poor Jew, for in this they do greatly err; yet there is an element of truth in their contention, since "all the promises of God are Yea and Amen in Christ Jesus." Their error is in saying that since God has no further use for Israel, these comforting forecasts apply, and only apply, to Christians, not to Israel as a nation at all! God be thanked that whatever is of a spiritual character does so apply: the material blessings that Israel shall enter into on the basis of the new covenant of grace are, in a spiritual sense, ours by that same grace. But that does not fulfil these promises that were given directly to Israel as identified with her Messiah, Jesus, and given her long before the Church of God was revealed at all. How lovely the road to Zion! But even for Israel such terms must also have a moral bearing. It is a high way: a path raised above the surrounding land on either side, and keeping the feet of its wayfarers from mud and defilement, as we have already seen it in our seventh chapter. Along that road none unclean can walk; it has no attraction for them; it is for those who have been themselves sanctified (which is the very reverse of meaning those who are conscious of being better than others), and for them alone. They may be very ignorant and simple; but the road is so clearly defined: it is such a high way, so far above low self-seeking paths, that even these simple ones shall have no need to stray from it. Nor can any beast of prey invade it and terrify its travelers; absolute security characterizes it. Why is that? Because those passengers Zionward have all been bought at a great price, and are well-guarded by Him who has thus purchased them. Surely nothing could exceed the beauty of the picture drawn in the last verses. What sorrows have ever been sweeping across what is called "The Christian world" during the centuries! What rivers of tears and blood have drenched its soil, and what sighs have burdened its air! For Israel this is the end of their long journey. Like Jacob their father, they have wandered far, and few and evil have been their days, as were his, for no time is worth anything at all that is spent out of communion with God. But here they are at last back again at "Bethel," the very House of God, and in that House they shall dwell forever, as Ps. 23 foresees. For us too there is a Highway of holiness. High? Yes, big above the ambitions, the lusts, the Christless, bloodless religion of the world. Nor is it less secure than Israel's, for "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor things present, nor things to come, nor any other creature, shall be able to sever us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord," for He Himself is that High-way! (Isaiah 35 Commentary) Lange's Commentary - The expression “a highway and a way” is plainly a hendiadys (the expression of an idea by the use of usually two independent words connected by and (as nice and warm) instead of the usual combination of independent word and its modifier (as nicely warm). This way shall be holy. The LORD built it and destined it to lead to His house. It is a pilgrim way. Hence nothing unclean, neither unclean person nor thing, may come up on it. (Lange's Commentary)
Isaías 35
Wiersbe observes that "The “highway” is one of Isaiah’s favorite images. Those who obey the Lord have a level and smooth road to walk (Isa 26:7, 8). When God calls His people back to their land, He will prepare the way for them (Isa 40:3, 4) and lead them safely (Isa 42:16). He will remove obstacles so the people can travel easily (Isa 49:11; 57:14; 62:10). God’s highway will be called “the Way of Holiness” (Isa 35:8). (See context in Be Comforted - Isaiah) Holiness (06944)(qodesh) is a masculine noun which means set apart, distinct, unique. Qodesh describes that which has been consecrated or set apart for sacred use and was not to be used for common or profane tasks. If it were used for profane things, in simple terms, it became "not holy." It is fitting that the first OT use of qodesh was in God's instruction to Moses - "Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” (Ex 3:5). The Lxx translates qodesh with hagios, set apart from the common. The unclean will not travel on it, But it will be for him who walks that way, and fools will not wander on it - As explained in the next verse, only the redeemed (believers in Messiah) will travel this highway. Unclean (02931)(tame) was used to describe those who were ceremonially defiled or ritually impure. The Septuagint translates tame with akathartos which means ritually unacceptable and pertains to that which may not be brought into contact with God's holiness, in this case His holy highway. NET Note - In this context "fools" are those who are morally corrupt, not those with limited intellectual capacity. We see similar descriptions in other prophetic writings... Joel 3:17+ Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, Dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain. So Jerusalem will be holy, And strangers will pass through it no more. Zechariah 14:20; 21+ In that day (PLAY - O GLORIOUS DAY) there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, “HOLY TO THE LORD.” And the cooking pots in the LORD’S house will be like the bowls before the altar. 21 Every cooking pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to the LORD of hosts; and all who sacrifice will come and take of them and boil in them. And there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts in that day. David Cooper - This highway has by some commentators been understood to be a prediction of the gospel and its conditions of salvation. Thus we are told that the gospel is so very plain and clear that the "wayfaring men, yea fools, shall not err therein." I admit that the gospel plan of salvation is very clear and anyone, even with subnormal intelligence, can comprehend it and can accept the Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy His salvation. About this proposition there can be no question. But when Isaiah 35:8 and the highway mentioned there are studied in the light of the facts of Isaiah 19 and parallel statements, one sees that Isaiah was not speaking of the gospel at all but was talking of a literal highway that will connect Assyria and Egypt in the Millennial Age. This position becomes more abundantly apparent when we recognize that in verses 5-10 of this chapter the prophet was speaking of things out beyond the second coming of our Lord. Thus one does violence to the Scriptures, when one interprets this passage as a reference to the gospel. (Isaiah 36 Commentary) Brian Bell - (Isaiah 35:8-10a) A road that you can’t get lost on! Here I find comfort & all hope...that even the fool/simple, as long as he’s on the road, will find his way & not get lost. The Kings Highway was cut off to them back in Numb.20. Here a Highway is built(Fast Track Lane i.e. members only!) The Christian way is not the "middle way" between extremes, but the "narrow way" between precipices. (Donald G. Bloesch in Theological Notebook I. Christianity Today, Vol. 39, no. 5.) God says we can walk safely on His Highway! Prov.4:14 “Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil.” Prov.4:18 “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” Prov.15:19 “The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the uprightis a highway.” Only Believers enter into Millennium. Prov.10:30 “The righteous will never be removed, But the wicked will not inhabit the earth.” Mt. 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.” Also sheep & goat judgment of the Gentiles Mt.25, and Ezek.20:38 = Judgement of the Jews = "and I will purge from you the rebels and those who transgress against Me; I will bring them out of the land where they sojourn, but they will not enter the land of Israel. Thus you will know that I am the LORD." Q: What blessings are spoken of here which are available now on His Highway (i.e. Christian life)? Being redeemed; ransomed; singing; joy; gladness. Q: Are you personally waiting for any of these physical blessings? In the meanwhile can you enjoy: Deliverance from your enemies? Fruitfulness in your time left here? Spiritual strength in the midst of your physical weaknesses? Holiness in a very unholy world? Joy & Gladness despite the devils discouragements? Story: 89 workers were accidentally killed during the building of the Boulder Dam(Hoover). The memorial plaque reads: “For those who died that the desert might bloom.” One day, the desert will bloom to the Glory of God, because of Jesus’ death upon the cross for you & I. All earthly wrongs will be righted. Sufferings will cease. Maladies will be removed. But only believers will partake of these blessings. If you are not a believer, this present, fallen world is the only kingdom you’ll ever know. Put your trust in Jesus for a glorious future! C H