Isaiah 35:10

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.

And the ransomed {H6299} of the LORD {H3068} shall return {H7725}, and come {H935} to Zion {H6726} with songs {H7440} and everlasting {H5769} joy {H8057} upon their heads {H7218}: they shall obtain {H5381} joy {H8057} and gladness {H8342}, and sorrow {H3015} and sighing {H585} shall flee away {H5127}.

Those ransomed by ADONAI will return and come with singing to Tziyon, on their heads will be everlasting joy. They will acquire gladness and joy, while sorrow and sighing will flee.

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 ransomed of Jehovah shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Context of Isaiah 35:10

Isaiah chapter 35 is a powerful prophetic vision, often referred to as a "highway of holiness" chapter, describing the glorious future restoration of Israel. It paints a vivid picture of the wilderness blossoming, the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, and the lame leaping. This chapter provides immense hope to a people facing or enduring exile, offering a glimpse into a time of divine blessing and return. Verse 10 serves as the triumphant conclusion to this vision, summarizing the ultimate outcome for God's redeemed people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Redemption and Return: The central promise is for "the ransomed of the LORD" to "return, and come to Zion." This speaks not only to the physical return from Babylonian exile but also to a deeper spiritual redemption and restoration to God's presence. It highlights God's faithfulness in delivering His people from bondage, whether literal or spiritual.
  • Everlasting Joy: A profound transformation from sorrow to "everlasting joy" is promised. The emphasis on "songs" and "joy upon their heads" signifies an open, unhindered, and permanent rejoicing that defines their new state. This joy is not fleeting but eternal.
  • Absence of Suffering: The verse culminates in the glorious statement that "sorrow and sighing shall flee away." This complete eradication of grief and pain is a hallmark of God's full restoration and points forward to the ultimate renewal promised in the new heavens and new earth, where God will wipe away every tear.
  • Zion as the Destination: Zion, representing Jerusalem and God's dwelling place, is the ultimate destination. It symbolizes a place of security, peace, and divine blessing for those who have been redeemed.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the ransomed of the LORD" comes from the Hebrew word padah (פָּדָה), which means to redeem, to deliver, or to buy back. It implies a cost paid for liberation, pointing ultimately to the sacrificial work of Christ as the means of our redemption. The "everlasting joy" (Hebrew: śimḥat 'ôlām - שִׂמְחַת עוֹלָם) emphasizes the eternal and unending nature of this joy, a stark contrast to the temporary happiness of this world.

Practical Application and Reflection

Isaiah 35:10 offers profound hope and comfort to believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God is a Redeemer: Just as God ransomed Israel from physical captivity, He has provided spiritual redemption through Jesus Christ, freeing us from the bondage of sin and death. This is the ultimate redemption through His blood.
  • Joy is Our Inheritance: For those who are redeemed, joy is not merely a feeling but a permanent state, rooted in God's presence and promises. Even amidst present trials, we can anticipate the fullness of joy that awaits us.
  • Sorrow is Temporary: This verse provides assurance that all suffering, sorrow, and sighing are temporary. There is a future hope where God will bring an end to all pain and grief, establishing His eternal kingdom of peace and joy.

This verse is a powerful reminder of God's ultimate plan for His people: a complete restoration marked by triumphant return, unending joy, and the permanent absence of sorrow.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 30:19

    For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.

  • Revelation 21:4

    And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

  • Isaiah 25:8

    He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

  • Isaiah 51:10

    [Art] thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?

  • Isaiah 51:11

    Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

  • Revelation 14:1

    ¶ And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

  • Revelation 14:4

    These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, [being] the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
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