Isaiah – Chapter 35

Old Testament • 10 Verses

Chapter Summary

Isaiah 35 opens with the words: "The land that was desolate and impassable shall be glad, and the wilderness shall rejoice, and shall flourish like the lily." Across its 10 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and courage in the face of fear. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1The land that was desolate and impassable shall be glad, and the wilderness shall rejoice, and shall flourish like the lily.

2It shall bud forth and blossom, and shall rejoice with joy and praise: the glory of Libanus is given to it: the beauty of Carmel, and Saron, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the beauty of our God.

3Strengthen ye the feeble hands, and confirm the weak knees.

4Say to the fainthearted: Take courage, and fear not: behold your God will bring the revenge of recompense: God himself will come and will save you.

5Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

6Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall be free: for waters are broken out in the desert, and streams in the wilderness.

7And that which was dry land, shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water. In the dens where dragons dwelt before, shall rise up the verdure of the reed and the bulrush.

8And a path and a way shall be there, and it shall be called the holy way: the unclean shall not pass over it, and this shall be unto you a straight way, so that fools shall not err therein.

9No lion shall be there, nor shall any mischievous beast go up by it, nor be found there: but they shall walk there that shall be delivered.

10And the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and shall come into Sion with praise, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

Important Verses in Isaiah 35

“The land that was desolate and impassable shall be glad, and the wilderness shall rejoice, and shall flourish like the lily.”

Isaiah 35:1

“Say to the fainthearted: Take courage, and fear not: behold your God will bring the revenge of recompense: God himself will come and will save you.”

Isaiah 35:4

“And that which was dry land, shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water. In the dens where dragons dwelt before, shall rise up the verdure of the reed and the bulrush.”

Isaiah 35:7

“And the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and shall come into Sion with praise, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. ”

Isaiah 35:10

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Isaiah was written with judah in crisis, the exiles in Babylon, and all who await the Messiah in view. Chapter 35 of 66 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 10 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "The land that was desolate and impassable shall be glad, and the wilderness shall rejoice, and shall flourish like the…" The final verse reads: "And the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and shall come into Sion with praise, and everlasting joy shall be upon…" The wider setting of Isaiah is this: Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem during the Assyrian crisis, calling kings to trust God rather than alliances. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

Who Wrote It

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples

When It Was Written

Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC)

Catholic Commentary

In this 10-verse passage, the sacred author describes events, speeches, or revelations central to judgment, comfort, and messianic hope. A pivotal line is verse 1: "The land that was desolate and impassable shall be glad, and the wilderness shall rejoice, and shall flourish like the lily." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope. Isaiah's prophecies are fulfilled in Christ, especially the Suffering Servant (CIC 601). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1700).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓God's presence casts out fear; His command 'Be not afraid' echoes throughout salvation history.
  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

Reflection for Today

In Isaiah Chapter 35, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Isaiah Chapter 35 supports that call by drawing attention to purity of heart and interior conversion within the wider message that God's salvation reaches to the ends of the earth.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of purity of heart and interior conversion bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isaiah Chapter 35 about?

Isaiah 35 contains 10 verses. It opens with "The land that was desolate and impassable shall be glad, and the wilderness shall rejoice, and shall flourish like the…" and closes with "And the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and shall come into Sion with praise, and everlasting joy shall be upon…". The book as a whole is prophetic oracles and poetry.

What is a key verse in Isaiah 35?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "The land that was desolate and impassable shall be glad, and the wilderness shall rejoice, and shall flourish like the lily." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Isaiah and when?

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples. Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Prayer to St. Michael🙏Guardian Angel Prayer

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