Isaiah 35:10
So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.
And the redeemed of the LORD
The term "redeemed" comes from the Hebrew word "ga'al," which means to buy back or reclaim. In the ancient Near Eastern context, redemption often involved a kinsman-redeemer who would restore a family member's lost property or freedom. Spiritually, this points to God's act of salvation, where He redeems His people from sin and captivity. The "redeemed of the LORD" signifies those whom God has delivered, emphasizing His sovereignty and grace in salvation.

will return
The Hebrew word "shuv" is used here, meaning to turn back or return. Historically, this evokes the imagery of the Israelites returning from Babylonian exile, a physical and spiritual journey back to their homeland. Prophetically, it also points to the ultimate return of God's people to Him, symbolizing repentance and restoration.

and enter Zion
"Zion" refers to the city of Jerusalem, specifically the hill where the Temple stood. It is a symbol of God's presence and His covenant with Israel. Entering Zion implies coming into the presence of God, a place of worship, peace, and divine fellowship. This phrase underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the hope of eternal communion with Him.

with singing
The act of singing in the Hebrew culture was often associated with joy, victory, and worship. The redeemed entering Zion with singing indicates a celebration of God's deliverance and faithfulness. It reflects the joy of salvation and the communal expression of gratitude and praise to God.

crowned with everlasting joy
The imagery of being "crowned" suggests honor and victory. "Everlasting joy" indicates a joy that is not temporary but eternal, rooted in the eternal nature of God Himself. This joy is a divine gift, a crown bestowed upon the redeemed, signifying their triumph over sin and sorrow through God's grace.

Joy and gladness will overtake them
The Hebrew words for "joy" (simchah) and "gladness" (sason) convey a deep, abiding sense of happiness and contentment. To be "overtaken" by these emotions suggests an overwhelming, all-encompassing experience. It speaks to the transformative power of God's redemption, where joy becomes the defining characteristic of the redeemed's existence.

and sorrow and sighing will flee
"Sorrow" and "sighing" represent the pain, grief, and burdens of life. The promise that these will "flee" indicates a complete reversal of the human condition through God's intervention. It is a prophetic assurance of the ultimate eradication of suffering, pointing to the eschatological hope of a new creation where God will wipe away every tear. This phrase encapsulates the hope and promise of eternal peace and joy in God's presence.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Redeemed of the LORD
Refers to those whom God has saved or delivered. In the context of Isaiah, it often points to the Israelites returning from exile, but it also has a broader application to all believers redeemed by God.

2. Zion
A term that originally referred to the hill in Jerusalem where the city of David was built. It later came to symbolize the entire city of Jerusalem and, in a spiritual sense, the dwelling place of God and His people.

3. Singing and Joy
Represents the response of the redeemed as they experience God's salvation and blessings. It signifies a state of worship and celebration.

4. Everlasting Joy
A joy that is eternal and unending, contrasting with temporary happiness. It is a gift from God that transcends circumstances.

5. Sorrow and Sighing
Represents the pain, grief, and struggles of life that will be removed in the presence of God's salvation.
Teaching Points
The Promise of Redemption
God's promise of redemption is not just for the Israelites but extends to all who believe in Him. This redemption brings a transformation from sorrow to joy.

The Joy of Salvation
Salvation brings a profound and everlasting joy that is not dependent on earthly circumstances. Believers are encouraged to live in this joy daily.

The Hope of Restoration
Just as the Israelites looked forward to returning to Zion, Christians can look forward to the ultimate restoration in God's kingdom, where sorrow and sighing will be no more.

Worship as a Response
The response of the redeemed is singing and worship. Believers are called to express their gratitude and joy through worship.

Living in Anticipation
While we experience joy now, the fullness of this promise will be realized in eternity. Christians are encouraged to live in anticipation of this future hope.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of "the redeemed of the LORD" in Isaiah 35:10 apply to believers today?

2. In what ways can we experience "everlasting joy" in our current lives, despite ongoing challenges?

3. How does the imagery of entering Zion with singing and joy inspire your personal worship practices?

4. What are some practical ways to remind ourselves of the hope and joy promised in Isaiah 35:10 during times of sorrow?

5. How do the themes of redemption and restoration in Isaiah 35:10 connect with the promises found in Revelation 21:4?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 126
This psalm reflects the joy and celebration of the Israelites returning from captivity, similar to the imagery in Isaiah 35:10.

Revelation 21:4
Describes a future where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death or sorrow, echoing the promise of joy and the absence of sorrow in Isaiah 35:10.

Hebrews 12:22-24
Speaks of believers coming to Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, drawing a parallel to the spiritual fulfillment of entering Zion with joy.
Deliverance from the Burdens of LifeA. Barry, D. D.Isaiah 35:10
Everlasting Joy Upon Their HeadsR. Macculloch.Isaiah 35:10
Marching to MusicJ. O. Keen, D. D.Isaiah 35:10
Sorrow and Sighing Shall Flee AwayS. Martin.Isaiah 35:10
The Flight of SorrowS. Martin.Isaiah 35:10
The Return of the RansomedR. Tuck Isaiah 35:10
Within the GatesW. Clarkson Isaiah 35:10
Christianity Finally TriumphantJ. Parsons.Isaiah 35:1-10
Christmas BlessingsJosiah Batsman, M. A.Isaiah 35:1-10
Glories of the Messianic AgeE. Johnson Isaiah 35:1-10
Life Out of DeathJ. R. Miller, D. D.Isaiah 35:1-10
NativityW. Jones, M. A.Isaiah 35:1-10
The Blessings of the GospelG. F. Pentecost, D. D.Isaiah 35:1-10
The Desert BlossomingA. Smellie, M. A.Isaiah 35:1-10
The RoseW. Houghton, M. A.Isaiah 35:1-10
The RoseP. Delitzsch, D. D.Isaiah 35:1-10
The Transformative Field and Force of the GospelHomilistIsaiah 35:1-10
The Wilderness Made GladJames Foote, M. A.Isaiah 35:1-10
TransformationJ. Kay.Isaiah 35:1-10
HighwaysSir E. Strachey, Bart.Isaiah 35:8-10
Holiness Can be Understood by the UnletteredW. G. Pascoe.Isaiah 35:8-10
Holiness, Under the Old Dispensation and Under the NewW. Hay Aitken, M. A.Isaiah 35:8-10
Simplicity of the Religion of JesusW. H. H. Murray.Isaiah 35:8-10
The Appian Way and the Highway to HeavenT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.Isaiah 35:8-10
The Highway of HolinessW. Hay Aitken, M. A.Isaiah 35:8-10
The Highway of HolinessM. G. Pearse.Isaiah 35:8-10
The Highway of the King of KingsE. Girdlestone, M. A.Isaiah 35:8-10
The Holy RoadIsaiah 35:8-10
The King's HighwayHomiletic ReviewIsaiah 35:8-10
The King's HighwayW. J. Chapman, M. A.Isaiah 35:8-10
The Pilgrim and His DestinationJ. N. Norton.Isaiah 35:8-10
The Road to the CityT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.Isaiah 35:8-10
The Way of Salvation PlainIsaiah 35:8-10
The Way to HeavenDavid Russell.Isaiah 35:8-10
The Way to HeavenW. S. Smart.Isaiah 35:8-10
The Way to ZionC. Bradley, M. A.Isaiah 35:8-10
People
Isaiah
Places
Carmel, Edom, Lebanon, Sharon, Way of Holiness, Zion
Topics
Crown, Enter, Everlasting, Flee, Gladness, Heads, Joy, Obtain, Ones, Overtake, Ransomed, Return, Sighing, Singing, Sorrow, Zion
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 35:10

     1140   God, the eternal
     4010   creation, renewal
     4207   land, divine gift
     5157   head
     5567   suffering, emotional
     5841   ecstasy
     5952   sorrow
     5970   unhappiness
     6227   regret
     6714   ransom
     7960   singing
     8162   spiritual vitality

Isaiah 35:1-10

     4209   land, spiritual aspects
     4824   famine, spiritual
     8149   revival, nature of

Isaiah 35:3-10

     6659   freedom, acts in OT

Isaiah 35:4-10

     1315   God, as redeemer

Isaiah 35:8-10

     5336   highway
     7145   remnant

Isaiah 35:9-10

     9414   heaven, community of redeemed

Library
What Life's Journey May Be
'The redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.'--ISAIAH XXXV 9,10. We have here the closing words of Isaiah's prophecy. It has been steadily rising, and now it has reached the summit. Men restored to all their powers, a supernatural communication of a new life, a pathway for our journey--these have been the visions of the preceding
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Miracles of Healing
'Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing.'--ISAIAH xxxv. 5,6. 'Then'--when? The previous verse answers, 'Behold, your God will come, He will come and save you.' And what or when is that 'coming'? A glance at the place which this grand hymn occupies in the series of Isaiah's prophecies answers that question. It stands at the close of the first part of these, and is the limit of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Mirage or Lake
'For in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the glowing sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water.' ISAIAH xxxv. 6, 7. What a picture is painted in these verses! The dreary wilderness stretches before us, monotonous, treeless, in some parts bearing a scanty vegetation which flourishes in early spring and dies before fierce summer heats, but for the most part utterly desolate, the sand blinding the eyes, the ground cracked and gaping as if
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The King's Highway
'And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there.'--ISAIAH xxxv. 8, 9. We can fancy what it is to be lost in a forest where a traveller may ride round in a circle, thinking he is advancing, till he dies. But it is
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Effects of Messiah's Appearance
The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped: Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing. H ow beautiful and magnificent is the imagery, by which the Prophet, in this chapter, represents the effects of MESSIAH'S appearance! The scene, proposed to our view, is a barren and desolate wilderness. But when He, who in the beginning said, Let there be light, and there was light, condescends to visit this wilderness, the face of nature is
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Weak Hands and Feeble Knees
But my text, especially commands the minister to deal tenderly with those of Christ's people who are in such a condition, and these are not a few, for although religion changes the moral temperament of men, it does not change the physical. A man who is weak in health before conversion will probably be as weak afterwards, and many a spirit that has a tendency to despondency, has exhibited that tendency after conversion. We do not profess that the religion of Christ will so thoroughly change a man
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

The Pathway of the Holy
An highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness.' (Isaiah xxxv. 8.) One would think that Isaiah was speaking of two separate roads, for his prophetic eye sees 'a highway and a way' along which the course of God's people runs. Perhaps we may interpret the prophet's distinction as referring to the higher and lower paths along some of the roadways in the Holy City; but he makes it quite plain that the course of the truly godly may be correctly described as 'The
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

The Highway of Holiness
One of the things that we must learn if we are to live the victorious Christian life is its utter simplicity. How complicated we have made it! Great volumes are written, all sorts of technical phrases are used, we are told the secret lies in this, or that and so on. But to most of us, it is all so complicated that, although we know it in theory, we are unable to relate what we know to our practical daily living. In order to make the simple truths we have been considering even clearer, we want in
Roy Hession and Revel Hession—The Calvary Road

The Blessed Country
"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose."--Is. xxxv. 1. C. P. C. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 O glad the wilderness for me, And glad the solitary place, Since Thou hast made mine eyes to see, To see Thy Face. Not heavenly fields, but desert sands Rejoice and blossom as the rose; For through the dry and thirsty lands Thy River flows. O Way beside that living tide. The Way, the Truth, the Life art Thou; I drink, and I
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

Light and Sound
"Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped."--Is. xxxv. 5. C. P. C. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Thou glorious Lord! mine eyes at last unsealed Behold Thee now-- In sudden radiance to my soul revealed, Light, sight, art Thou. One moment--and the night has passed away, Unbarred the prison; And I pass forth to God's eternal day, The dead arisen. One moment--and I see Thy glorious Face Look down on me, Unutterable love that fills all space, Where'er I
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

Oil and Wine
Gerhard Ter Steegen Is. xxxv. 10 There is a balm for every pain, A medicine for all sorrow; The eye turned backward to the Cross, And forward to the morrow. The morrow of the glory and the psalm, When He shall come; The morrow of the harping and the palm, The welcome home. Meantime in His beloved hands our ways, And on His Heart the wandering heart at rest; And comfort for the weary one who lays His head upon His Breast.
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

John's Doubts and Christ's Praise
'And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. 19. And John calling unto him two of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou He that should come? or look we for another? 20. When the men were come unto Him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto Thee, saying, Art Thou He that should come? or look we for another? 21. And in the same hour He cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind He gave sight. 22. Then Jesus, answering,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

John's Doubts of Jesus, and Jesus' Praise of John
'Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3. And said unto Him, Art Thou He that should come, or do we look for another? 4. Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5. The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me. 7.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way
A sermon (No. 1948) delivered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain."--Proverbs 15:19. You must have noticed how frequently godly people almost wear out their Bibles in certain places. The Psalms, the Gospel of John, and parts of the Epistles are favourite portions, and are thumbed in many an old believer's Bible till the fact is very noticeable. There are certain sheep-tracks
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Healed by Divine Power
I have now to relate what to me is one of the most important events of my life. Up to this time I had been a hopeless invalid. The doctors could not cure me. Under the care of some, my health would improve for a short time; but others would not undertake to do anything for me. After inquiring into my condition, they would say that it would be as easy to make a world as to restore me to health. I remember especially that this remark was made by the doctor who was attending me shortly before my healing.
Mary Cole—Trials and Triumphs of Faith

Blind Bartimeus
Mark 10:52 -- "And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way." When the apostle Peter was recommending Jesus of Nazareth, in one of his sermons to the Jews, he gave him a short, but withal a glorious and exalted character, "That we went about doing good." He went about, he sought occasions of doing good; it was his meat and drink to do the works of him that sent him, whilst the day of his public administration
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

Last Journey and Death, 1858 --Concluding Remarks.
We are now arrived at the closing scene of John Yeardley's labors. The impression which he had received, during his visit to Turkey in 1853, of the opening for the work of the Gospel in the Eastern countries, had never been obliterated; it had rather grown deeper with time, although his ability to accomplish such an undertaking had proportionately diminished. This consideration, however, could not satisfy his awakened sympathies, and, according to his apprehension, no other course remained for him
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober Reason,
appears of itself highly credible and probable, and abundantly recommends itself in its native simplicity, merely by its own intrinsic goodness and excellency, to the practice of the most rational and considering men, who are desirous in all their actions to have satisfaction and comfort and good hope within themselves, from the conscience of what they do: So it is moreover positively and directly proved to be actually and immediately sent to us from God, by the many infallible signs and miracles
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of Heartlessness and Fainting through Discouragements.
There is another evil and distemper which believers are subject to, and that is a case of fainting through manifold discouragements, which make them so heartless that they can do nothing; yea, and to sit up, as if they were dead. The question then is, how such a soul shall make use of Christ as in the end it may be freed from that fit of fainting, and win over those discouragements: for satisfaction to which we shall, 1. Name some of those discouragements which occasion this. 2. Show what Christ
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

In Judaea
If Galilee could boast of the beauty of its scenery and the fruitfulness of its soil; of being the mart of a busy life, and the highway of intercourse with the great world outside Palestine, Judaea would neither covet nor envy such advantages. Hers was quite another and a peculiar claim. Galilee might be the outer court, but Judaea was like the inner sanctuary of Israel. True, its landscapes were comparatively barren, its hills bare and rocky, its wilderness lonely; but around those grey limestone
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Christian Behavior
Being the fruits of true Christianity: Teaching husbands, wives, parents, children, masters, servants, etc., how to walk so as to please God. With a word of direction to all backsliders. Advertisement by the Editor This valuable practical treatise, was first published as a pocket volume about the year 1674, soon after the author's final release from his long and dangerous imprisonment. It is evident from the concluding paragraph that he considered his liberty and even his life to be still in a very
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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