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Isaiah 35:8
Verse
Context
The Glory of Zion
7The parched ground will become a pool, the thirsty land springs of water. In the haunt where jackals once lay, there will be grass and reeds and papyrus. 8And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it— only those who walk in the Way— and fools will not stray onto it. 9No lion will be there, and no vicious beast will go up on it. Such will not be found there, but the redeemed will walk upon it.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And a highway - The word ודרך vederech is by mistake added to the first member of the sentence from the beginning of the following member. Sixteen MSS. of Dr. Kennicott's, seven ancient, and two of De Rossi's have it but once; so likewise the Syriac, Septuagint, and Arabic. Err therein - A MS. of Dr. Kennicott's adds בו bo, in it, which seems necessary to the sense, and so the Vulgate, per eam, "by it. "One of De Rossi's has שם sham, there. But it shall be for those "But he himself shall be with them, walking in the way" - That is, God; see Isa 35:4. "Who shall dwell among them, and set them an example that they should follow his steps." Our old English Version translated the place to this purpose, our last translators were misled by the authority of the Jews, who have absurdly made a division of the verses in the midst of the sentence, thereby destroying the construction and the sense.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
In the midst of such miracles, by which all nature is glorified, the people of Jehovah are redeemed, and led home to Zion. "And a highway rises there, and a road, and it will be called the Holy Road; no unclean man will pass along it, as it is appointed for them: whoever walks the road, even simple ones do not go astray. There will be no lion there, and the most ravenous beast of prey will not approach it, will not be met with there; and redeemed ones walk. And the ransomed of Jehovah will return, and come to Zion with shouting, and everlasting joy upon their head: they lay hold of gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing flee away." Not only unclean persons from among the heathen, but even unclean persons belonging to Israel itself, will never pass along that holy road; none but the church purified and sanctified through sufferings, and those connected with it. למו הוּא, to them, and to them alone, does this road belong, which Jehovah has made and secured, and which so readily strikes the eye, that even an idiot could not miss it; whilst it lies to high, that no beast of prey, however powerful (perı̄ts chayyōth, a superlative verbal noun: Ewald, 313, c), could possibly leap up to it: not one is ever encountered by the pilgrim there. The pilgrims are those whom Jehovah has redeemed and delivered, or set free from captivity and affliction (גּאל, לג, related to חל, solvere; פּדה, פד, scindere, abscindere). Everlasting joy soars above their head; they lay fast hold of delight and joy (compare on Isa 13:8), so that it never departs from them. On the other hand, sorrow and sighing flee away. The whole of Isa 35:10 is like a mosaic from Isa 51:11; Isa 61:7; Isa 51:3; and what is affirmed of the holy road, is also affirmed in Isa 52:1 of the holy city (compare Isa 62:12; Isa 63:4). A prelude of the fulfilment is seen in what Ezra speaks of with gratitude to God in Ezr 8:31. We have intentionally avoided crowding together the parallel passages from chapters 40-66. The whole chapter is, in every part, both in thought and language, a prelude of that book of consolation for the exiles in their captivity. Not only in its spiritual New Testament thoughts, but also in its ethereal language, soaring high as it does in majestic softness and light, the prophecy has now reached the highest point of its development.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
highway--such a causeway (raised way, from a Hebrew root, "to cast up") as was used for the march of armies; valleys being filled up, hills and other obstructions removed (Isa 62:10; compare Isa 40:3-4). way of holiness--Hebraism for "the holy way." HORSLEY translates, "the way of the Holy One;" but the words that follow, and Isa 35:10, show it is the way leading the redeemed back to Jerusalem, both the literal and the heavenly (Isa 52:1; Joe 3:17; Rev 21:27); still Christ at His coming again shall be the Leader on the way, for which reason it is called, "The way of the Lord" (Isa 40:3; Mal 3:1). it shall be for those: the wayfaring men--rather, "He (the Holy One) shall be with them, walking in the way" [HORSLEY]. though fools--rather, "And (even) fools," that is, the simple shall not go astray, namely, because "He shall be with them" (Mat 11:25; Co1 1:26-28).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And an highway shall be there, and a way,.... Not two ways, but one; the way shall be a highway, a way cast up, raised, and "elevated" (y); this is to be understood principally of Christ, the only way of life and salvation; and of the lesser paths of duty and ordinances: and the meaning is, that in those desert places, where Christ and his Gospel had not been preached, at least for many ages, here he should be made known, as the way, the truth, and the life; his Gospel preached, and his ordinances administered; and multitudes, both of Jews and Gentiles, should be directed and enabled to walk here. Christ is a highway to both; a way cast up by sovereign grace, which is raised above the mire and dirt of sin, and carries over it, and from it; a way visible and manifest, clearly pointed to and described in the everlasting Gospel; it is the King's highway, the highway of the King of kings, which he has ordered and appointed, and is common to all his subjects, high and low, rich and poor, stronger or weaker believers, all may walk in this way; it is an old beaten path, which saints in all ages, from the beginning of the world, have walked in; it is the good old way, the more excellent, the most excellent one; all obstructions and impediments are removed, cast in by sin, Satan, the law, and the world; nor is anyone to be stopped and molested in this way, and all in it shall come safe to their journey's end: and it shall be called The way of holiness; or, "a holy way" (z); Christ is perfectly holy in nature and life, and the holiness of both is imputed to those that are in this way; all in this way are sanctified by the Spirit and grace of God; this way leads to perfect holiness in heaven, and none but holy persons walk here: salvation by Christ no ways discourages the practice of holiness, but is the greatest motive and incentive to it. Christ leads his people in paths of righteousness; in the paths of truth, of ordinances, and of worship, public and private, all which are holy; and in the path of Gospel conversation and godliness: this way is so holy, that the unclean shall not pass over it; all men are unclean by nature; some are cleansed by the grace of God and blood of Christ; and though, as sanctified, they are not free from sin and the pollution of it, yet, as justified, they are "the undefiled in the way"; and none but such can pass over, or pass through this way to heaven, Rev 21:27, but it shall be for those; for holy men, not for the unclean; for Israel only, as Kimchi, for such who are Israelites indeed; for those who are before mentioned, Isa 35:5 as Jarchi; it is for those to walk in who have been blind, but now see, and these are led in a way that they knew not before; for the deaf, who now hear the voice behind them, saying, this is the way; for the lame man, that leaps like a hart, to walk and run in; for the dumb, now made to sing, and go on in it rejoicing; it is for the redeemed to walk in, as in the following verse. This clause may be rendered, "and he shall be with them" (a); that is, God shall be with them; they shall have his company and gracious presence in the way; he will be with them, to guide and direct them, to supply all their wants, and furnish them with everything convenient for them; to support and strengthen them, on whom they may lean and stay themselves; to guard and protect them from all their enemies; and being with them they shall not miss their way, or fail of coming to the end. Hence it follows, the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein; or travellers; such the saints are, they are strangers, pilgrims, and sojourners here; they have no continuance here; they are like wayfaring men, that abide but for a night; they are bound for another country, a better, even a heavenly one, and at last shall arrive thither: now these, though they have been "fools" in their unregenerate state, with respect to spiritual things; or though they may not have that sharpness of wit, and quickness of natural parts, as some men have; and though they may not have that clear and distinct knowledge of Gospel truths as others, at least of some of them, yet shall not err as to the way of salvation; and though they may err or mistake in some things, yet not in the main, not fundamentally, nor finally; the way of salvation by Christ is so plain a way, that he that has any spiritual understanding of it shall not err in it. (y) "semita strata", Montanus; "vel exaltata lapidibus", Vatablus. (z) "via sancta", V. L. Piscator. (a) "sed ipse illis ambulator vise" De Dieu; "ipse cum eis", Tigurine version.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
35:8 The imagery of the great road recalls Israel’s crossing through the Red Sea (51:10). • Only holy and undefiled people will share the Highway of Holiness. God’s goal in salvation is that humans will share in his character and act as he does (see Eph 5:1-2; 1 Pet 2:21).
Isaiah 35:8
The Glory of Zion
7The parched ground will become a pool, the thirsty land springs of water. In the haunt where jackals once lay, there will be grass and reeds and papyrus. 8And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it— only those who walk in the Way— and fools will not stray onto it. 9No lion will be there, and no vicious beast will go up on it. Such will not be found there, but the redeemed will walk upon it.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Secret to Prayer
By Jon Courson2.9K51:31Prayer2CH 20:21PSA 136:1ISA 35:1ISA 35:5ISA 35:8ISA 35:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God and parading to His will. He references a story from the Bible where King Jehoshaphat and his people faced a great army. Instead of being fearful, they appointed singers to go before them and praise the Lord. As they praised, God gave them victory over their enemies and they were able to gather abundant riches. The speaker encourages listeners to pray for God's will, praise Him even before seeing the answers, and parade to His will by trusting in His promises.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 35:8 - Part 2
By Chuck Smith1.9K25:59ExpositionalISA 35:8MAT 22:37ROM 8:6ROM 8:141CO 11:28GAL 5:16REV 21:4In this sermon, Pastor Chuck encourages listeners to examine their hearts and lives in light of the Scriptures. He emphasizes the importance of forsaking worldly desires and living a life that is pleasing to God. Pastor Chuck reminds believers that they have been redeemed by the Lord and will not experience the consequences of sin. He paints a vivid picture of the glorious future that awaits believers, where they will have eternal communion and fellowship with God, free from sorrow, suffering, pain, and death.
God, as an Enemy
By Erlo Stegen1.8K1:22:00Enemy Of GodEXO 25:9PRO 22:6ISA 35:8MAT 6:331CO 10:11In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the message shared by another preacher and highlights key points. He emphasizes the importance of teaching children the ways of the Lord and encourages preachers to have a burning passion for Christ. The speaker also mentions the vows of the Nazirite and the power of the word of God. He shares his own struggles and the opposition he has faced as a preacher. The sermon ends with a reference to the book of Lamentations and the destruction of Israel.
The the Ministry of the Saints—dying to Self
By Aaron Hurst1.5K1:26:46Death To SelfISA 35:8MAT 18:15ACT 20:35In this sermon, Brother Denny begins by expressing his desire for the listeners' lives to be blessed and changed by the message. He emphasizes that the sermon is not copyrighted and encourages the audience to share it freely. The sermon focuses on the topic of judgment and how the church should function in areas of grace and liberty. Brother Denny references the book of Romans and highlights the importance of not judging one another, but rather focusing on not causing others to stumble. The sermon concludes with a reflection on personal struggles and the need to lay down one's rights and avoid speaking negatively about others.
(Through the Bible) Isaiah 31-35
By Chuck Smith1.4K1:21:17ISA 33:20ISA 34:1ISA 35:1ISA 35:8ISA 35:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the future reign of Christ and the restoration of the world as God intended it. He emphasizes that the current state of suffering and physical impairments is a result of man's rebellion and sin. However, he assures the audience that Jesus came to redeem the world and will one day establish his kingdom, where there will be no more suffering or physical weaknesses. The speaker references various Bible verses to support his points and paints a picture of a glorious future where the blind will see, the deaf will hear, and the lame will leap like deer.
A Highway in the Desert
By David Davis8241:03:07PSA 23:1ISA 35:8ISA 35:10JER 50:25ROM 8:37EPH 2:6REV 21:4This sermon emphasizes the miraculous work of the Lord in Times Square Church, highlighting the transformation and impact of the Word of God and the power of God in caring for the poor in New York and around the world. It speaks of the incredible testimonies of changed lives, reconciliation between Jews and Arabs, and the movement of the Holy Spirit in the midst of darkness and challenges in the Middle East. The sermon encourages surrendering to God, walking on the highway of holiness, and experiencing everlasting joy and victory through faith in Jesus Christ.
Explosion of Light, the White Horse, and the Chariots
By Mike Bickle251:29:56Prophetic MinistryYouth MovementPSA 12:1ISA 35:8MAT 5:8MAT 6:33ACT 2:17ROM 12:12CO 12:91TH 5:17HEB 12:1JAS 1:12Mike Bickle reflects on the prophetic history of the International House of Prayer, emphasizing the significant encounters and revelations that laid the foundation for a new expression of Christianity. He recounts the prophetic words given to him and Bob Jones about a coming youth movement characterized by intercession, holiness, extravagant giving, and prophetic ministry. Bickle highlights the importance of perseverance and the need for young leaders to remain focused amidst challenges, as they are called to usher in a global revival. He stresses that this movement is not just about music or prayer, but about a deep commitment to God's purposes and the salvation of souls.
Great Light // Session 2
By Mike Bickle201:15:54Youth MovementProphetic CallingISA 35:8MAT 5:14Mike Bickle shares the prophetic experiences of Bob Jones, emphasizing the call for a youth movement in Kansas City that will be marked by holiness, intercession, and a commitment to God's glory. Bickle recounts how Jones received revelations about a coming generation of young leaders who will carry the presence of God and perform miraculous works, warning against the dangers of compromise and the fear of man. The sermon highlights the importance of prayer and perseverance in maintaining the standards set by God for this movement, encouraging listeners to remain steadfast in their faith and calling.
Protected on God's Highway
By Erlo Stegen0HolinessUnity in the Body of ChristPSA 51:10PRO 16:18ISA 35:8MAT 11:11GAL 6:1EPH 6:162TI 1:5HEB 10:24JAS 4:71PE 5:8Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of staying on the 'highway of holiness' as described in Isaiah 35, where even the simple-minded will not go astray if they remain on this path. He highlights the dangers of straying from this way, which exposes individuals to the attacks of the devil, and stresses the necessity of unity among believers to withstand spiritual attacks. Stegen reflects on the example of John the Baptist, who, despite not performing miracles, prepared the way for Jesus through his faithfulness. He warns against the dangers of pride and sin, urging listeners to remain humble and teachable, and to return to Jesus for cleansing if they have strayed. The sermon calls for a collective faith, as seen in the faith of Timothy's family, emphasizing that isolation can lead to harm.
Heaven Would Be a Very Hell
By Thomas Brooks0Desire for HeavenHolinessJOB 21:14PSA 24:3ISA 35:8MAT 5:8ROM 12:22CO 5:17GAL 5:24HEB 12:141PE 1:16REV 21:27Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for an unholy heart, heaven would feel like hell due to its purity and holiness, which are contrary to their desires. He points out that while unholy souls may seek heaven for relief from earthly troubles, they lack the true longing for the divine presence and holiness that heaven embodies. The sermon warns that the company and activities in heaven are entirely holy, making it undesirable for those who cling to sin and reject God's ways. Ultimately, Brooks calls for self-examination regarding one's desires for heaven and the nature of one's heart in relation to God.
Zion's Gates and the King's Highway - Part 2
By J.C. Philpot0ISA 26:2ISA 35:8JER 3:22HOS 2:15HOS 14:4ZEC 4:7ROM 5:12TH 2:16HEB 6:19J.C. Philpot preaches about the gates that need to be opened in the journey of faith, starting with the gate of hope, which is anchored in a good hope through grace and leads to a living faith in Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of passing through the gates of faith, hope, and love before entering the presence of the King. The sermon highlights the role of ministers in preparing the way for God's people, casting up a highway of truth, gathering out stumbling blocks, and lifting up the standard of the Gospel for guidance and protection.
Walking With God
By Thomas Cook0GEN 5:24PSA 119:105PRO 4:18ISA 35:8AMO 3:3MIC 6:82CO 3:18GAL 5:25PHP 3:131JN 1:7Thomas Cook preaches on the concept that holiness is not just a state but a way, a highway where believers walk with Christ by consecration, faith, surrender, and trust, growing more like Him each day. Walking with God involves companionship, fellowship, and progress, where believers experience the real presence of Christ, engage in intimate friendship with Him, and steadily progress in their spiritual journey, never going back but always moving forward towards becoming more like Christ.
Experiences Concerning God's Way, Truth, Church, and People
By Isaac Penington0ISA 35:8JHN 8:12JHN 14:6ROM 8:142CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 5:8HEB 4:121PE 2:91JN 1:7Isaac Penington shares his personal experiences of how the Lord has revealed His light, truth, church, and people to him. Through this light, he has been enlightened, guided to distinguish between good and evil, received remission of sins, and empowered to become a child of God. He also recognizes the true church as believers in the Spirit, experiences the gospel worship in the light, and encounters the new creation in Christ Jesus. Penington emphasizes the importance of walking in the light, experiencing peace, mortifying darkness, and manifesting the fruits of the Spirit.
Zion's Waymarks
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 139:23ISA 9:6ISA 26:1ISA 35:8JER 31:21MRK 9:24JHN 14:6HEB 11:10J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of returning to the path of righteousness and salvation, using the metaphor of setting up waymarks and making high heaps to guide the backsliding daughter back to the cities of rest and peace. He emphasizes the need to turn the heart towards the highway of holiness, reflecting on past experiences of grace and mercy. Philpot grounds his message on the strong foundation of the miraculous incarnation of Jesus Christ, highlighting how the Son of God becoming man is the cornerstone of salvation and restoration for all who have strayed.
Perseverance in the Path
By C.H. Spurgeon0FaithfulnessPerseveranceISA 35:8HEB 10:38C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the righteous have a unique path marked by divine command, distinct from worldly ways, and that perseverance in faith is essential for salvation. He warns against the dangers of superficial faith, likening it to rocky soil that withers under pressure, while true believers, like well-rooted trees, endure and bear fruit throughout their lives. Spurgeon highlights the necessity of continuing in the path of holiness, as drawing back from faith leads to God's displeasure, and only those who endure to the end will be saved.
Universal Holiness
By Edward Davies0PRO 4:23ISA 35:8MAT 12:36COL 3:171PE 1:15Edward Davies preaches about the ultimate goal of holiness in the gospel, envisioning a future where even the smallest aspects of life, such as the bells of horses and common household items, are dedicated to the Lord. He emphasizes that holiness should encompass every thought, feeling, word, and action of a believer, as they are all subject to moral law and should be aligned with God's will. Davies highlights the importance of right motives, proper execution, and timeliness in carrying out holy acts, stressing that even seemingly insignificant details can impact one's spiritual journey and relationship with God.
(Sex, Love & Marriage) 9. the Highway of Happiness
By Zac Poonen0GEN 12:2GEN 22:18PSA 23:5PRO 5:11ECC 10:8ISA 35:8JHN 2:1ACT 20:35GAL 3:14GAL 6:71JN 3:5Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of choosing to walk on God's Highway of Happiness in the realms of sex, love, and marriage, emphasizing the need for obedience to God and respect for His boundaries. He warns against the consequences of breaking through God's fences, using the example of Eve being deceived by the Devil in the garden of Eden. Poonen highlights the significance of inviting Jesus into marriages, allowing Him to solve problems and meet needs, as seen in the wedding at Cana where Jesus manifested His glory. He encourages couples to obey God's commands, transforming the ordinary aspects of married life into something precious and valuable.
The King's Highway
By C.H. Spurgeon0Integrity in FaithThe Way of HolinessPRO 3:5ISA 35:8C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the way of holiness is straightforward and accessible, ensuring that even the simplest individuals can navigate it without error if they remain faithful. He contrasts this with the convoluted paths of worldly wisdom, which often lead to mistakes and misdirection. Spurgeon encourages believers to adhere to truth and integrity, avoiding deceitful shortcuts, as these ultimately lead to greater troubles. He asserts that following God's way, despite being perceived as foolish by others, is the wisest course of action. The sermon concludes with a prayer for divine guidance along the righteous path amidst adversities.
Biblical Purity
By Erlo Stegen0Biblical PurityHolinessJOB 31:1ISA 35:8MAT 1:182CO 11:11TI 6:11REV 19:7Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of biblical purity, arguing that true purity extends beyond mere physical boundaries to encompass emotional and relational integrity before marriage. He highlights the need for Christians to uphold God's high standards of purity, warning against the dangers of lowering these standards to avoid losing children or to fit in with societal norms. Stegen draws parallels between the purity expected of believers and the relationship between Christ and His church, urging Christians to prepare themselves as a pure bride for Christ. He cautions against the influences of media and culture that can defile one's purity and stresses the necessity of fleeing from lust and temptation. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to holiness and faithfulness to God, reminding believers that they cannot serve both God and worldly desires.
When We Awake in Glory
By John Newton0PSA 55:22PSA 91:4PSA 119:105PRO 3:5ISA 35:8John Newton preaches about the deceptive nature of the world without the light of the Gospel, likening it to a wilderness that promises much but ultimately disappoints. He emphasizes the importance of being undeceived in time and finding comfort in knowing there is a way through the wilderness with a powerful guard and infallible Guide to lead the way. Newton encourages trusting in the Lord completely, casting all burdens upon Him to experience lightness of spirit and freedom from needless anxieties. He acknowledges that while trusting the Lord consistently may be challenging, it is a gradual process that leads to living peacefully under the shadow of God's wing.
The Evidences of Entire Sanctification-How to Retain It
By Dougan Clark0EXO 29:21PSA 56:13ISA 35:82CO 7:11TH 5:23Dougan Clark preaches about the importance of being assured of the work of grace in one's soul, whether seeking Christ for pardon of sin or a clean heart for sanctification. He emphasizes the consciousness of surrender to Christ, supreme love for God, and the witness of the Spirit as evidences of being sanctified. Clark highlights the need for constant surrender, trust in Christ, and faith in maintaining a clean heart, comparing it to the continuous act of breathing for the soul's spiritual life.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And a highway - The word ודרך vederech is by mistake added to the first member of the sentence from the beginning of the following member. Sixteen MSS. of Dr. Kennicott's, seven ancient, and two of De Rossi's have it but once; so likewise the Syriac, Septuagint, and Arabic. Err therein - A MS. of Dr. Kennicott's adds בו bo, in it, which seems necessary to the sense, and so the Vulgate, per eam, "by it. "One of De Rossi's has שם sham, there. But it shall be for those "But he himself shall be with them, walking in the way" - That is, God; see Isa 35:4. "Who shall dwell among them, and set them an example that they should follow his steps." Our old English Version translated the place to this purpose, our last translators were misled by the authority of the Jews, who have absurdly made a division of the verses in the midst of the sentence, thereby destroying the construction and the sense.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
In the midst of such miracles, by which all nature is glorified, the people of Jehovah are redeemed, and led home to Zion. "And a highway rises there, and a road, and it will be called the Holy Road; no unclean man will pass along it, as it is appointed for them: whoever walks the road, even simple ones do not go astray. There will be no lion there, and the most ravenous beast of prey will not approach it, will not be met with there; and redeemed ones walk. And the ransomed of Jehovah will return, and come to Zion with shouting, and everlasting joy upon their head: they lay hold of gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing flee away." Not only unclean persons from among the heathen, but even unclean persons belonging to Israel itself, will never pass along that holy road; none but the church purified and sanctified through sufferings, and those connected with it. למו הוּא, to them, and to them alone, does this road belong, which Jehovah has made and secured, and which so readily strikes the eye, that even an idiot could not miss it; whilst it lies to high, that no beast of prey, however powerful (perı̄ts chayyōth, a superlative verbal noun: Ewald, 313, c), could possibly leap up to it: not one is ever encountered by the pilgrim there. The pilgrims are those whom Jehovah has redeemed and delivered, or set free from captivity and affliction (גּאל, לג, related to חל, solvere; פּדה, פד, scindere, abscindere). Everlasting joy soars above their head; they lay fast hold of delight and joy (compare on Isa 13:8), so that it never departs from them. On the other hand, sorrow and sighing flee away. The whole of Isa 35:10 is like a mosaic from Isa 51:11; Isa 61:7; Isa 51:3; and what is affirmed of the holy road, is also affirmed in Isa 52:1 of the holy city (compare Isa 62:12; Isa 63:4). A prelude of the fulfilment is seen in what Ezra speaks of with gratitude to God in Ezr 8:31. We have intentionally avoided crowding together the parallel passages from chapters 40-66. The whole chapter is, in every part, both in thought and language, a prelude of that book of consolation for the exiles in their captivity. Not only in its spiritual New Testament thoughts, but also in its ethereal language, soaring high as it does in majestic softness and light, the prophecy has now reached the highest point of its development.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
highway--such a causeway (raised way, from a Hebrew root, "to cast up") as was used for the march of armies; valleys being filled up, hills and other obstructions removed (Isa 62:10; compare Isa 40:3-4). way of holiness--Hebraism for "the holy way." HORSLEY translates, "the way of the Holy One;" but the words that follow, and Isa 35:10, show it is the way leading the redeemed back to Jerusalem, both the literal and the heavenly (Isa 52:1; Joe 3:17; Rev 21:27); still Christ at His coming again shall be the Leader on the way, for which reason it is called, "The way of the Lord" (Isa 40:3; Mal 3:1). it shall be for those: the wayfaring men--rather, "He (the Holy One) shall be with them, walking in the way" [HORSLEY]. though fools--rather, "And (even) fools," that is, the simple shall not go astray, namely, because "He shall be with them" (Mat 11:25; Co1 1:26-28).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And an highway shall be there, and a way,.... Not two ways, but one; the way shall be a highway, a way cast up, raised, and "elevated" (y); this is to be understood principally of Christ, the only way of life and salvation; and of the lesser paths of duty and ordinances: and the meaning is, that in those desert places, where Christ and his Gospel had not been preached, at least for many ages, here he should be made known, as the way, the truth, and the life; his Gospel preached, and his ordinances administered; and multitudes, both of Jews and Gentiles, should be directed and enabled to walk here. Christ is a highway to both; a way cast up by sovereign grace, which is raised above the mire and dirt of sin, and carries over it, and from it; a way visible and manifest, clearly pointed to and described in the everlasting Gospel; it is the King's highway, the highway of the King of kings, which he has ordered and appointed, and is common to all his subjects, high and low, rich and poor, stronger or weaker believers, all may walk in this way; it is an old beaten path, which saints in all ages, from the beginning of the world, have walked in; it is the good old way, the more excellent, the most excellent one; all obstructions and impediments are removed, cast in by sin, Satan, the law, and the world; nor is anyone to be stopped and molested in this way, and all in it shall come safe to their journey's end: and it shall be called The way of holiness; or, "a holy way" (z); Christ is perfectly holy in nature and life, and the holiness of both is imputed to those that are in this way; all in this way are sanctified by the Spirit and grace of God; this way leads to perfect holiness in heaven, and none but holy persons walk here: salvation by Christ no ways discourages the practice of holiness, but is the greatest motive and incentive to it. Christ leads his people in paths of righteousness; in the paths of truth, of ordinances, and of worship, public and private, all which are holy; and in the path of Gospel conversation and godliness: this way is so holy, that the unclean shall not pass over it; all men are unclean by nature; some are cleansed by the grace of God and blood of Christ; and though, as sanctified, they are not free from sin and the pollution of it, yet, as justified, they are "the undefiled in the way"; and none but such can pass over, or pass through this way to heaven, Rev 21:27, but it shall be for those; for holy men, not for the unclean; for Israel only, as Kimchi, for such who are Israelites indeed; for those who are before mentioned, Isa 35:5 as Jarchi; it is for those to walk in who have been blind, but now see, and these are led in a way that they knew not before; for the deaf, who now hear the voice behind them, saying, this is the way; for the lame man, that leaps like a hart, to walk and run in; for the dumb, now made to sing, and go on in it rejoicing; it is for the redeemed to walk in, as in the following verse. This clause may be rendered, "and he shall be with them" (a); that is, God shall be with them; they shall have his company and gracious presence in the way; he will be with them, to guide and direct them, to supply all their wants, and furnish them with everything convenient for them; to support and strengthen them, on whom they may lean and stay themselves; to guard and protect them from all their enemies; and being with them they shall not miss their way, or fail of coming to the end. Hence it follows, the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein; or travellers; such the saints are, they are strangers, pilgrims, and sojourners here; they have no continuance here; they are like wayfaring men, that abide but for a night; they are bound for another country, a better, even a heavenly one, and at last shall arrive thither: now these, though they have been "fools" in their unregenerate state, with respect to spiritual things; or though they may not have that sharpness of wit, and quickness of natural parts, as some men have; and though they may not have that clear and distinct knowledge of Gospel truths as others, at least of some of them, yet shall not err as to the way of salvation; and though they may err or mistake in some things, yet not in the main, not fundamentally, nor finally; the way of salvation by Christ is so plain a way, that he that has any spiritual understanding of it shall not err in it. (y) "semita strata", Montanus; "vel exaltata lapidibus", Vatablus. (z) "via sancta", V. L. Piscator. (a) "sed ipse illis ambulator vise" De Dieu; "ipse cum eis", Tigurine version.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
35:8 The imagery of the great road recalls Israel’s crossing through the Red Sea (51:10). • Only holy and undefiled people will share the Highway of Holiness. God’s goal in salvation is that humans will share in his character and act as he does (see Eph 5:1-2; 1 Pet 2:21).