Isaiah 35:1

KJV

¶ The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

KJV (with Strong's)

The wilderness {H4057} and the solitary place {H6723} shall be glad {H7797} for them; and the desert {H6160} shall rejoice {H1523}, and blossom {H6524} as the rose {H2261}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The desert and the dry land will be glad; the 'Aravah will rejoice and blossom like the lily.

Berean Standard Bible

The wilderness and the land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.

American Standard Version

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 35:1 opens a profound prophetic vision of future restoration and divine transformation. It paints a vivid picture of the most desolate and barren places—the wilderness, solitary place, and desert—being radically changed by God's presence, bursting forth with life, beauty, and exuberant joy, blossoming like a rose. This verse serves as a powerful beacon of hope, promising a reversal of the curse and a glorious renewal that permeates creation, foreshadowing a time of unprecedented divine blessing and comfort for God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 35 stands as a striking and deliberate contrast to the preceding chapter, [Isaiah 34](/isaiah/34 "Isaiah 34 - Judgment on the Nations"), which vividly describes widespread desolation, divine judgment, and the destruction of the nations, particularly Edom. Following such a bleak portrayal, chapter 35 bursts forth with imagery of vibrant life, healing, and restoration for God's redeemed people, often referred to as "the highway of holiness." This juxtaposition emphasizes God's sovereign power to bring about radical transformation, shifting from judgment to ultimate salvation. It functions as a "little gospel" within the book of Isaiah, providing a concentrated message of hope and future glory that anticipates the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah were delivered to a people facing or experiencing the consequences of their sin, including the threat and reality of exile under Assyrian and later Babylonian empires. For the ancient Israelites, the "wilderness" (Hebrew: _midbar_) was a potent symbol—a place of barrenness, danger, and divine judgment, yet also a site of God's miraculous provision and covenantal presence, as seen in the [Exodus journey](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness"). The imagery of a desert blooming was not merely poetic but deeply significant in an arid land where water meant life and fertility was a sign of divine blessing. The promise of the desert rejoicing and blossoming would have offered immense comfort and hope to a people enduring hardship, reminding them of God's power to reverse their desolate circumstances and bring about a new era of flourishing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several major theological and narrative themes that resonate throughout Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Divine Transformation**, showcasing God's unparalleled power to radically alter the most desolate and seemingly hopeless situations into scenes of vibrant life and beauty. This transformation is accompanied by **Joy and Rejoicing**, personified in the very landscape, indicating a pervasive and overflowing gladness that extends beyond humanity to all of creation, reflecting the joy of God's redemptive work. The phrase "blossom as the rose" signifies **Abundant Blessing and Fertility**, an outpouring of beauty, prosperity, and life where there was once only barrenness. This speaks to a time of unprecedented divine favor and provision. Ultimately, Isaiah 35:1 serves as a powerful message of **Hope for the Future**, offering a vision of ultimate restoration and renewal that transcends immediate suffering, pointing towards an eschatological reality where God's presence brings complete healing and flourishing, echoing the promises of a new heaven and new earth found in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wilderness (Hebrew, _midbâr'_):** From a root meaning "to drive," this word refers to a pasture or open field where cattle are driven, and by implication, a desert. In the biblical context, it often denotes a desolate, uncultivated, and uninhabited region, symbolizing hardship, testing, and barrenness. Its transformation in this verse highlights the miraculous nature of God's intervention.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _gîyl'_):** This primitive root means "to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion)," typically resulting in joy or gladness. It conveys an exuberant, almost physical expression of delight and mirth. The personification of the desert "rejoicing" emphasizes the profound and overwhelming joy that will accompany God's restoration, permeating the very fabric of creation.
* **rose (Hebrew, _chăbatstseleth'_):** Of uncertain derivation, this term likely refers to a type of bulbous plant such as meadow-saffron, crocus, or lily, known for its striking beauty and ability to bloom in less fertile ground. While translated "rose" in the KJV, the precise flower is less important than the imagery it conveys: a sudden, unexpected, and breathtaking display of beauty, fertility, and flourishing life in a place previously characterized by barrenness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them":** This clause introduces the theme of radical transformation. The "wilderness" (_midbâr_) and "solitary place" (_tsîyâh_, meaning aridity or desert) represent the most desolate and barren parts of the land, symbolically reflecting the spiritual and physical desolation of God's people. The personification of these places as "glad" (Hebrew: _sûws_, to be bright, cheerful) immediately signals a reversal of their natural state, indicating an outpouring of joy and life that is divinely initiated. The phrase "for them" refers to God's redeemed people, indicating that this transformation of the land is a direct result of God's favor and presence among His chosen ones.
* **"and the desert shall rejoice":** This phrase reinforces and expands upon the previous clause through synonymous parallelism. The "desert" (_ʻărâbâh_, referring specifically to a sterile valley or plain) is also personified, experiencing profound "rejoicing" (Hebrew: _gîyl_, exuberant joy). This repetition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the coming gladness, underscoring that no part of the desolate landscape will be untouched by God's restorative power. The joy is not merely human, but cosmic, a reflection of creation responding to its Creator's redemptive work.
* **"and blossom as the rose":** This final clause provides the specific imagery of transformation. The desert will not merely be glad or rejoice, but it will "blossom" (_pârach_, to break forth as a bud, to bloom, to flourish) with vibrant life. The comparison "as the rose" (or lily/crocus) highlights the beauty, unexpectedness, and abundance of this flourishing. It signifies an explosion of fertility and aesthetic delight in a place previously devoid of such things, symbolizing the spiritual and physical renewal that God will bring to His people and their land, turning barrenness into a garden of delight.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 35:1 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its message of hope and transformation. **Personification** is central to the verse, as the "wilderness," "solitary place," and "desert" are endowed with human emotions and actions: they "shall be glad" and "rejoice." This device vividly conveys the profound and pervasive impact of God's redemptive work, suggesting that even the inanimate creation will participate in the coming joy and renewal. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is employed, with the "wilderness," "solitary place," and "desert" representing not only literal barren landscapes but also the spiritual and physical desolation experienced by God's people due to judgment or exile. Conversely, the "rose" (or lily/crocus) symbolizes beauty, fertility, and abundant life, signifying the miraculous flourishing that God will bring. Finally, **Parallelism** is evident, particularly **synonymous parallelism**, where "the wilderness and the solitary place" are paralleled with "the desert," and "shall be glad" is paralleled with "shall rejoice." This repetition reinforces the central message of comprehensive transformation and joy, adding emphasis and poetic rhythm to the prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 35:1 is a profound theological statement about God's redemptive power and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It articulates a vision of complete reversal—where desolation becomes delight, and barrenness overflows with beauty. Theologically, it underscores the truth that God is not limited by human circumstances or natural limitations; He can bring life out of death, hope out of despair, and beauty out of ashes. This verse is a powerful affirmation of God's sovereignty over creation and His capacity to restore what is broken, not merely to its former state, but to a state of even greater glory and joy. It points to an eschatological hope, a future where God's presence so permeates the earth that even the most desolate parts of creation respond with exuberant praise, a foretaste of the new heavens and new earth where all things are made new.

* [Isaiah 51:3](/isaiah/51-3 "Isaiah 51:3 - God Comforts Zion")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")
* [Romans 8:19-22](/romans/8-19 "Romans 8:19-22 - Creation Groans for Redemption")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 35:1 offers enduring hope and profound encouragement for all who navigate "wilderness" seasons in their lives—be they spiritual droughts, emotional barrenness, physical trials, or periods of deep despair. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that no situation is too desolate, too hopeless, or too barren for God to transform. Just as the literal desert is promised to blossom with vibrant life, so too can God bring beauty, joy, and new beginnings to the most challenging and seemingly unproductive circumstances of our lives. It calls us to cultivate a radical faith in God's power to restore what is broken, to bring joy out of sorrow, and to manifest His glory even in the most unexpected and unlikely places. This prophecy encourages us to look beyond our present difficulties and perceived limitations to the promised future, where God's presence brings ultimate and complete restoration, reminding us that our hope is anchored in a God who specializes in turning deserts into gardens.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wilderness" or "solitary place" in your life currently feels barren or desolate?**
* **How does the imagery of the desert blossoming as a rose speak to your current circumstances or hopes?**
* **What specific actions can you take to cultivate hope and trust in God's transforming power, even when circumstances seem bleak?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to be an agent of His transformation and joy in the "deserts" of others' lives?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "rose" imagery in this verse?**

Answer: While the KJV translates the Hebrew word _chăbatstseleth_ as "rose," it more likely refers to a type of lily, crocus, or meadow-saffron. Regardless of the precise flower, its significance lies in its striking beauty and its ability to bloom in less fertile or even arid ground. The imagery conveys a dramatic and miraculous transformation from barrenness to flourishing life, symbolizing an outpouring of fertility, beauty, and prosperity where there was once only desolation. It emphasizes the unexpected and abundant nature of God's blessing and restoration, turning a place of death into a vibrant garden.

**How does Isaiah 35:1 relate to the broader message of the book of Isaiah?**

Answer: Isaiah 35:1 is a pivotal verse within the book of Isaiah, serving as a powerful counterpoint to the preceding chapters that detail God's judgment and the desolation of the land and nations. It marks a dramatic shift in tone, introducing a section focused on comfort, redemption, and future glory for God's people. This verse encapsulates Isaiah's overarching message of divine sovereignty, demonstrating God's power to bring both judgment and ultimate salvation. It foreshadows the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom, where righteousness will flourish and creation itself will be renewed, echoing themes found in [Isaiah 60](/isaiah/60 "Isaiah 60 - The Glory of Zion") and [Isaiah 65](/isaiah/65 "Isaiah 65 - The New Heavens and New Earth").

**Does the phrase "for them" refer to a specific group of people?**

Answer: Yes, "for them" in Isaiah 35:1 refers to God's redeemed people, specifically the remnant of Israel who will return from exile and experience God's promised restoration. The entire chapter of [Isaiah 35](/isaiah/35 "Isaiah 35 - The Highway of Holiness") describes the blessings and glory awaiting those who walk on the "Highway of Holiness," a path prepared by God for His chosen ones. This transformation of the wilderness is not a random act but a direct manifestation of God's favor and presence among His people, signaling their deliverance and the flourishing of their homeland as a testament to His faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 35:1 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of spiritual transformation and renewal. Just as the prophet foretold the literal desert blossoming, Jesus' ministry inaugurated a spiritual blossoming, bringing life to those in spiritual wildernesses. He came to preach good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners, as prophesied in [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Spirit of the Lord") and fulfilled in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement"). Where there was spiritual barrenness, Jesus brought the living water ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")) and the bread of life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), transforming hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. His death and resurrection are the ultimate act of turning desolation into delight, conquering sin and death to bring new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The joy and blossoming described in Isaiah 35:1 are fully realized in the kingdom of God, which Jesus proclaimed and established, and will be consummated in the new heavens and new earth, where God's presence makes all things truly new, and the former things have passed away ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-5 - New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 51:3

For 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 36:35

And 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 55:12

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands.

Isaiah 55:13

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign [that] shall not be cut off.

Isaiah 27:6

He 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 52:9

Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.

Isaiah 52:10

The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.