Isaiah 35:1
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
Original Language Analysis
מִדְבָּ֖ר
The wilderness
H4057
מִדְבָּ֖ר
The wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
2 of 7
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
וְתָגֵ֧ל
shall rejoice
H1523
וְתָגֵ֧ל
shall rejoice
Strong's:
H1523
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
עֲרָבָ֛ה
for them and the desert
H6160
עֲרָבָ֛ה
for them and the desert
Strong's:
H6160
Word #:
5 of 7
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
Cross References
Isaiah 51:3For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.Ezekiel 36:35And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited.Isaiah 27:6He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.Isaiah 4:2In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.Isaiah 29:17Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?Isaiah 40:3The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.Psalms 48:11Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.Psalms 97:8Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.Isaiah 27:10Yet the defenced city shall be desolate, and the habitation forsaken, and left like a wilderness: there shall the calf feed, and there shall he lie down, and consume the branches thereof.
Historical Context
Following Edom's judgment oracle, this chapter promises restoration for God's people. The wilderness imagery resonated with Israel's Exodus experience and Babylonian exile return.
Questions for Reflection
- How does creation's rejoicing at redemption reflect God's comprehensive salvation plan?
- What spiritual wilderness in your life needs God's transforming power?
- How does the promise of future glory sustain faith during present trials?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The "wilderness" and "desert" rejoicing marks a dramatic shift from chapter 34's judgment to restoration. The Hebrew "suws" (rejoice) and "gil" (be glad) express exuberant joy, personifying creation's response to redemption. This connects to Romans 8:19-22 where creation awaits liberation from corruption. The rose (possibly crocus) blooming symbolizes beauty emerging from barrenness, prefiguring the gospel transforming spiritually dead souls into vibrant spiritual life.