Isaiah Chapters 35-36
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, As we open Your Word today in Isaiah 35 and 36, we thank You for being the God who brings both righteous judgment and glorious restoration. Soften our hearts to receive Your truth. Strengthen our weak hands and feeble knees, open our eyes and ears to see and hear You more clearly, and fill us with hope in Your deliverance. May Your Holy Spirit guide our discussion, deepen our trust in You alone, and draw us closer to You as we walk the highway of holiness together. In the name of Jesus, our Redeemer, we pray. Amen.
Looking Back
Recalling Isaiah 34: In Isaiah 34, the prophet delivers a sobering vision of the Lord’s fierce indignation and judgment against all nations and their armies, with a particular focus on Edom as a representative of God’s enemies. The earth itself reels under His wrath as mountains melt with blood, the heavens roll up like a scroll, and the land is turned into a desolate wasteland filled with corpses and overrun by wild beasts and creatures of desolation—an everlasting desolation for the proud and ungodly who oppose God’s people.
Introduction to Isaiah 35-36 In striking contrast, Isaiah 35–36 shifts from judgment to joyful hope as the desert blossoms into abundant life along the holy highway for the redeemed, followed by the historical account of Assyria’s menacing threat against Jerusalem under King Hezekiah.
Scripture NKJV
Isaiah 35
The Future Glory of Zion
1 The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them,
And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, Even with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, The excellence of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord, The excellency of our God.
3 Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees.
4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear!
Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God;
He will come and save you.”
5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing.
For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert.
7 The parched ground shall become a pool, And the thirsty land springs of water;
In the habitation of jackals, where each lay, There shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
8 A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.
The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others.
Whoever walks the road, although a fool, Shall not go astray.
9 No lion shall be there, Nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it;
It shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there,
10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing,
With everlasting joy on their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 36
Sennacherib Boasts Against the Lord
1 Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them. 2 Then the king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeh with a great army from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. And he stood by the aqueduct from the upper pool, on the highway to the Fuller’s Field. 3 And Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came out to him.
4 Then the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: “What confidence is this in which you trust? 5 I say you speak of having plans and power for war; but they are mere words. Now in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me? 6 Look! You are trusting in the staff of this broken reed, Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.
7 “But if you say to me, ‘We trust in the Lord our God,’ is it not He whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah has taken away, and said to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You shall worship before this altar’?” ’ 8 Now therefore, I urge you, give a pledge to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give you two thousand horses—if you are able on your part to put riders on them! 9 How then will you repel one captain of the least of my master’s servants, and put your trust in Egypt for chariots and horsemen? 10 Have I now come up without the Lord against this land to destroy it? The Lord said to me, ‘Go up against this land, and destroy it.’ ”
11 Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it; and do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.”
12 But the Rabshakeh said, “Has my master sent me to your master and to you to speak these words, and not to the men who sit on the wall, who will eat and drink their own waste with you?”
13 Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out with a loud voice in Hebrew, and said, “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! 14 Thus says the king: ‘Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he will not be able to deliver you; 15 nor let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord, saying, “The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.” ’ 16 Do not listen to Hezekiah; for thus says the king of Assyria: ‘Make peace with me by a present and come out to me; and every one of you eat from his own vine and every one from his own fig tree, and every one of you drink the waters of his own cistern; 17 until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards. 18 Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, “The Lord will deliver us.” Has any one of the gods of the nations delivered its land from the hand of the king of Assyria? 19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Indeed, have they delivered Samaria from my hand? 20 Who among all the gods of these lands have delivered their countries from my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?’ ”
21 But they held their peace and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, “Do not answer him.” 22 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of the Rabshakeh.
Explanation of Isaiah 35-36
These two chapters form a powerful contrast that highlights a central theme in Isaiah: God’s judgment on the proud and ungodly versus His tender restoration and deliverance for those who trust in Him. Chapter 34 (which you asked to recall previously) ends with bleak desolation and divine wrath; chapters 35–36 pivot to hope and real-life testing of faith.
Isaiah 35: The Highway of Holiness and Restoration
This short, poetic chapter is one of the most beautiful in the Bible. It paints a vivid picture of transformation and joy for God’s redeemed people after judgment:
The desert blooms (verses 1-2): The wilderness and dry land rejoice and blossom abundantly like a crocus. This imagery symbolizes spiritual renewal—where there was barrenness, despair, and exile, God brings life, glory, and beauty. The “glory of Lebanon” and “excellence of Carmel and Sharon” represent the richest, most fertile places coming to the desolate areas.
Strength for the weary (verses 3-4): God encourages the weak hands, feeble knees, and fearful hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.” This is both a promise of the Messiah and comfort for those facing trials.
Miraculous healing and renewal (verses 5-7): The blind see, the deaf hear, the lame leap, the mute sing. Waters break forth in the wilderness, and burning sand becomes a pool. Creation itself is restored alongside God’s people.
The Highway of Holiness (verses 8-10): A safe, elevated road appears where only the redeemed can walk—no unclean or foolish person will travel it. The ransomed of the Lord return to Zion with singing, everlasting joy on their heads, and sorrow and sighing fleeing away.
Application for today: Isaiah 35 reminds us that God specializes in turning deserts into gardens. In seasons of dryness, illness, fear, or spiritual attack, He brings healing, strength, and a clear path home to Him. It points forward to Jesus, who fulfills these promises through His ministry of healing and ultimate salvation.
Isaiah 36: The Assyrian Threat – Faith Under Fire
This chapter shifts from poetry to historical narrative (also recorded in 2 Kings 18 and 2 Chronicles 32). It shows the promises of chapter 35 being tested in real time.
The historical setting (verse 1): In Hezekiah’s 14th year (around 701 BC), the mighty Assyrian king Sennacherib has already conquered many fortified cities of Judah and is now threatening Jerusalem. Assyria was the superpower of the day—brutal, seemingly unstoppable.
The Rabshakeh’s taunts (verses 2-21): Sennacherib sends his field commander (the Rabshakeh) with a large army to Jerusalem. He stands at the aqueduct and delivers a demoralizing speech to Hezekiah’s officials (and within earshot of the people on the wall):
He mocks reliance on Egypt (a weak ally).
He ridicules Hezekiah’s reforms (removing high places and altars, which the Rabshakeh twists as offending God).
He claims the Lord Himself sent Assyria to destroy Judah.
He offers false peace: surrender and live in relative comfort elsewhere.
He boasts that no god of any nation has saved its people from Assyria.
The officials ask him to speak in Aramaic so the people won’t understand, but he deliberately shouts in Hebrew to sow fear and doubt. Hezekiah’s men remain silent as instructed and report the threats to the king.
Key theme: This is spiritual warfare in action—the enemy attacking trust in God by magnifying human threats and twisting truth. Hezekiah (a godly king who trusted the Lord) now faces a crisis that will test whether Judah will rely on political alliances, military strength, or the God who just promised deliverance in chapter 35.
Overall connection and encouragement: Isaiah 35 gives the beautiful promise; Isaiah 36 shows the pressure. Together they teach that God’s people will face fierce opposition, but the same God who transforms deserts also hears the taunts of our enemies and is able to deliver. The story continues into chapter 37, where Hezekiah prays and God dramatically rescues Jerusalem.
What Does Isaiah 35-36 Mean?
Isaiah 35–36 together proclaim a profound message of contrast, hope, and tested faith: God judges evil and restores His people, but that restoration is lived out in the real world through courageous trust when enemies threaten.
The Big Picture Meaning
Chapter 35 is a radiant vision of God’s redemption and renewal. After the dark judgment of chapter 34, God promises to reverse desolation. Barren places bloom, the weak are strengthened, the sick are healed, and a safe “Highway of Holiness” leads the redeemed home to Zion with singing and everlasting joy. This is not just poetry — it reveals God’s heart and character. He delights in transforming suffering into joy and making a clear, protected path for those who belong to Him. It points forward to the coming Messiah (Jesus) who brings physical and spiritual healing and ultimately leads us to the New Jerusalem. The meaning is clear: No matter how dry or broken life feels, God has the power and desire to restore and bring you home with joy.
Chapter 36 brings the vision down to earth as a historical test of faith. The Assyrian empire (the superpower of the day) has conquered much of Judah and now besieges Jerusalem. The Rabshakeh’s speech is a masterclass in enemy tactics: intimidation, twisting truth, mocking God, and offering false alternatives to trusting the Lord. The meaning here is that God’s promises (like those in ch. 35) are proven in crisis. Hezekiah and the people must choose whom they will trust—political alliances, their own strength, or the Lord alone—while the enemy loudly declares that faith is useless.
Core Theological Meanings
Judgment and Mercy Held Together — God is holy and will judge wickedness (ch. 34), but He is also compassionate and eager to save and restore (ch. 35).
The Highway of Holiness — Salvation isn’t a vague feeling; it’s a defined path of obedience and trust that only the redeemed can walk. It is safe because God Himself guards it.
Spiritual Warfare — The Rabshakeh’s taunts mirror how the enemy still attacks believers today: “Your God can’t save you. Look at your circumstances. Try something else.” Isaiah 36 shows us we should respond with silence to the lies and turn to prayer (as Hezekiah does in ch. 37).
Christ-Centered Hope — For New Testament believers, Isaiah 35 finds fulfillment in Jesus’ miracles and the Church as the redeemed community traveling the highway to glory. Chapter 36 reminds us that following Jesus doesn’t remove opposition—it gives us victory through trust in the greater King.
Personal & Group Application
These chapters mean that God’s people can face overwhelming threats with confident hope. Your desert season (grief, marriage struggles, ministry challenges, fear) is not the end of the story. God is turning it into something beautiful. The same God who promised the highway in chapter 35 heard the Assyrian insults in chapter 36 and delivered His people.
Exploring the Highway of Holiness (Isaiah 35:8-10)
The “Highway of Holiness” is one of the most encouraging images in the book of Isaiah. It appears in the context of chapter 35’s promise of complete restoration after judgment.
Key Verses (Isaiah 35:8-10, ESV)
“And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
What Does the Highway of Holiness Mean?
It Is a Prepared Path Made by God In ancient times, a “highway” (or raised road) was an engineered, elevated route that lifted travelers above obstacles, floods, and dangers. God Himself builds and maintains this highway. It is not something we construct through our own effort — it is a gift of grace.
It Is Exclusively Holy
The unclean cannot travel it. This speaks of moral and spiritual purity — only the redeemed, those made righteous by God, walk here.
It is protected: no lions or dangerous beasts (symbolizing threats, enemies, or sin) can harm travelers on this road.
It Is Accessible Even to the Weak or “Foolish” Even if someone is simple, inexperienced, or prone to mistakes (“fools”), they will not get lost on this highway. God’s grace keeps His people on the path. This is incredibly comforting — the way of holiness does not depend on our perfect wisdom or strength.
It Leads to Joyful Homecoming The destination is Zion (God’s presence, ultimately the New Jerusalem). Travelers go with singing, everlasting joy, and the complete removal of sorrow and sighing. This is both a picture of Israel’s return from exile and a prophecy of our ultimate redemption in Christ.
New Testament Connections
Jesus is the Way: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The Highway of Holiness finds its fulfillment in Him.
The Narrow Way of Discipleship: It echoes Jesus’ teaching about the narrow gate and road that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14), a path of holiness empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Sanctification: As believers, we are already positionally holy in Christ, and we are progressively walking this highway as the Spirit makes us more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
Future Glory: Revelation 21–22 pictures the final fulfillment — no more tears, the redeemed safely home in the presence of God.
Practical Application for Today
In Daily Life: The Highway of Holiness is the everyday path of obedience, prayer, Scripture, repentance, and dependence on God. It lifts us above the “desert” of worldly distractions and sin.
When You Feel Weak: Even on hard days, you cannot wander off if you stay on God’s way — His grace holds you.
For Your Group: This is a beautiful encouragement for women facing weariness, fear, family struggles, or spiritual dryness. God is building a safe road through it all.
Exploring the Imagery in Isaiah 35
Isaiah 35 is rich in vivid, poetic imagery that contrasts desolation with abundant life. The prophet uses sensory pictures — sight, sound, touch, and movement — to convey God’s power to restore what sin and judgment have ruined. These images work on multiple levels: literal (restoration of the land), personal (healing and renewal), and ultimate (eschatological hope in Christ and the new creation).
1. The Blooming Desert (Verses 1-2)
“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus [or rose]; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon.”
Imagery: A barren, lifeless desert suddenly bursts into colorful flowers (crocus/rose), singing, and abundant growth. It gains the lush beauty of famous fertile regions: Lebanon’s cedars, Carmel’s orchards, and Sharon’s plains.
Meaning: God reverses curse into blessing. Dryness and despair (common symbols of spiritual exile or personal trial) become places of joy and divine glory. The land itself rejoices, showing creation’s response to God’s salvation.
Application: Your “desert” seasons — grief, loneliness, ministry dryness, or family struggles — can bloom under God’s touch.
2. Strength for the Weak (Verse 3-4)
“Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.’”
Imagery: Drooping hands, buckling knees, and fearful/anxious hearts — physical signs of exhaustion and terror.
Meaning: God empowers the weary and commands His people to encourage one another. Deliverance is certain because God Himself is coming.
3. Miraculous Healing and Restoration of the Body (Verses 5-6)
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.”
Imagery: Blind eyes opened, deaf ears unstopped, lame leaping like deer, silent tongues bursting into song.
Meaning: Comprehensive physical and spiritual healing. These are signs of the Messiah’s kingdom (fulfilled in Jesus’ miracles — see Matthew 11:4-5). It points to inner renewal: seeing God’s truth, hearing His voice, moving forward in faith, and praising Him.
4. Water in the Wilderness (Verses 6-7)
“For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.”
Imagery: Parched ground turning into pools and springs; jackals’ desolate lairs becoming lush wetlands with reeds.
Meaning: Life-giving water symbolizes the Holy Spirit and God’s refreshing presence (cf. Isaiah 41:18, John 7:38-39). Where death and danger once ruled, abundance and peace flourish.
5. The Highway of Holiness (Verses 8-10)
“And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness… the redeemed shall walk there… the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
Imagery: A raised, safe highway reserved for the redeemed; no predators; joyful procession to Zion with singing and crowns of joy; sorrow fleeing like an enemy in retreat.
Meaning: A protected, clear path home to God. It is holy (set apart), accessible by grace (even “fools” won’t stray), and leads to eternal celebration.
Overall Message of the Imagery
Isaiah 35 uses creation imagery (desert → garden) and body imagery (broken → whole) to show that God’s salvation is total — it touches land, people, and future hope. The chapter moves from passive rejoicing of creation to active response of healed people walking and singing toward God. It is a foretaste of the new heavens and new earth.
Affirmations
Isaiah 35:1-2 “The wilderness and dry places in my life are glad because of God’s work in me. My personal deserts rejoice and blossom abundantly like the crocus; they burst forth with joy and singing. I receive the glory of Lebanon, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon—I see the glory of the Lord and the excellency of my God.” Life-Changing Today: This shifts my perspective from barren struggles (marriage challenges, discouragement, or ministry dryness) to expectant hope. God specializes in making beautiful things grow in impossible places—right now in my daily life.
Isaiah 35:3-4 “I strengthen my weak hands and make firm my feeble knees. To my anxious heart I say, ‘Be strong; do not fear! Behold, my God will come with vengeance and recompense—He is coming to save me.’” Life-Changing Today: In moments of exhaustion or fear, this empowers me to speak God’s courage over myself and others instead of spiraling. It anchors me in the truth that deliverance is on the way.
Isaiah 35:5-6 “The eyes of my blind heart are opened, and my deaf ears are unstopped. I, who have been lame, now leap like a deer, and my tongue that was silent now sings for joy.” Life-Changing Today: This reminds me that Jesus still heals spiritually and emotionally. Areas where I’ve felt stuck or unable to hear God’s voice can be transformed—bringing fresh freedom and praise into my walk with Him.
Isaiah 35:7 “Waters break forth in my wilderness, and streams in my desert places. The burning sand in my life becomes a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water.” Life-Changing Today: God’s refreshing presence satisfies the dry, weary places of my soul (loneliness, ongoing trials, or spiritual fatigue). His living water sustains me daily.
Isaiah 35:8 “A highway is there for me—it is called the Way of Holiness. The unclean cannot pass over it, but I walk on it. Even when I feel foolish or weak, I shall not go astray.” Life-Changing Today: This gives me confidence and security. I don’t have to be perfect to stay on God’s path—His grace keeps me from wandering, protecting me from enemy attacks.
Isaiah 35:10 “As the ransomed of the Lord, I return and come to Zion with singing. Everlasting joy is upon my head; I obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing flee away from me.” Life-Changing Today: This replaces cycles of discouragement with lasting joy. No matter what I face, my story ends in celebration—sorrow does not have the final word.
Isaiah 36:5 (in context of the threat, spoken as trust) “In the face of every enemy’s taunt and overwhelming threat, I declare that my confidence and counsel come from the Lord alone. I will not be shaken by the words of the oppressor.” Life-Changing Today: When lies, fear, or real-life pressures (like family struggles or opposition) try to intimidate me, this verse strengthens my resolve to trust God over circumstances—just as Hezekiah did.
Closing for Today's Reading
As we close our time in Isaiah 35 and 36, may the striking contrast between judgment and joyful restoration, between the enemy’s loud threats and God’s faithful deliverance, anchor your heart in unshakable hope. The desert still blooms, the Highway of Holiness remains open to the redeemed, and our God still silences every intimidating voice when we trust Him. Walk boldly on that holy path today—strengthened, healed, and singing with everlasting joy.
Thank you, dear friends and fellow travelers, who have joined me on this journey through the Bible. Your presence in our group and online makes this chronological study so rich and encouraging. I’m grateful to walk alongside you as we continue discovering God’s faithfulness page by page. I pray you find peace in your lives and joy in your heart. I love you.
Special thanks are given to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, for the gift of writing and the privilege of sharing this Bible Study. His guidance and blessings have made this work possible, and it is with a grateful heart that can share my study with you. I hope you find it informational and helpful in your spiritual journey. I am asking that you open your hearts and minds to accept the word of Christ into your hearts and accept His word to transform your life in positive ways. This is the first part of my online Christian Bookstore Fellowship and I do accept donations that will further my mission to have a Bookstore in our community, a place where we can sit down face to face and enjoy this Bible Study over open and honest conversation. I will continue this online Study as well to complete the entire year. Thank you for following The Mustard Seed Christian Bookstore Fellowship & Café online Bible Study.
This Bible study is written with inspiration and wisdom from the Holy Spirit, Scripture from the Holy Bible (NIV), NKJV Life Application Study Bible, analytical support and help in organizing and presentation from Grok AI (which examines multiple sources online) and writing assistance with drafting and editing from Microsoft Co-Pilot.
