Isaiah 35:2

KJV

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

It shall blossom {H6524} abundantly {H6524}, and rejoice {H1523} even with joy {H1525} and singing {H7444}: the glory {H3519} of Lebanon {H3844} shall be given {H5414} unto it, the excellency {H1926} of Carmel {H3760} and Sharon {H8289}, they shall see {H7200} the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068}, and the excellency {H1926} of our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It will burst into flower, will rejoice with joy and singing, will be given the glory of the L'vanon, the splendor of Karmel and the Sharon. They will see the glory of ADONAI, the splendor of our God.

Berean Standard Bible

It will bloom profusely and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.

American Standard Version

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing; the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon: they shall see the glory of Jehovah, the excellency of our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 35:2 paints a vibrant picture of future restoration, prophesying a dramatic transformation of desolate landscapes into places of unparalleled beauty, fertility, and joyous celebration. This verse, set within a broader prophecy of God's redemptive work, describes a wilderness blossoming profusely and rejoicing, imbued with the majestic splendor of Lebanon and the rich excellence of Carmel and Sharon. Ultimately, this profound renewal serves as a divine revelation, enabling all to witness the resplendent glory and magnificent excellency of the LORD God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 35 stands as a powerful prophetic interlude, dramatically contrasting with the preceding chapters (Isaiah 28-34) which detail God's judgments upon Judah and the surrounding nations. While chapters 28-33 focus on the consequences of human rebellion and the certainty of divine wrath, and chapter 34 describes the desolation of Edom as a type of universal judgment, chapter 35 shifts abruptly to a glorious vision of future restoration and redemption. It serves as a climactic conclusion to this section of prophecies, offering hope and comfort after the pronouncements of judgment. The chapter opens with the desert and solitary place rejoicing and blossoming like a rose ([Isaiah 35:1](/isaiah/35-1 "Isaiah 35:1 - The Desert Blooms")), setting the stage for the abundant flourishing described in verse 2. This immediate context highlights the radical nature of God's restorative power, turning barrenness into beauty and sorrow into singing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Isaiah 35:2 draws heavily on the geography and agricultural renown of ancient Israel. Lebanon, known for its majestic cedars and mountainous grandeur, symbolized strength and beauty. Carmel, a fertile mountain range extending to the Mediterranean, was famous for its lush vegetation and vineyards, representing abundance and fertility. Sharon, a coastal plain south of Carmel, was renowned for its rich pastures and wildflowers, signifying pastoral beauty and fruitfulness. For an audience familiar with these regions, the prophecy that a desolate land would receive the "glory of Lebanon" and the "excellency of Carmel and Sharon" was a powerful promise of unimaginable transformation. This promise would have resonated deeply with a people who had experienced or were facing the desolation of war and exile, offering hope for a return to a land flowing with milk and honey, but on an even grander, divinely orchestrated scale.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical prophecy. The primary theme is **Transformation and Restoration**, where God supernaturally changes barrenness into abundant life and beauty, symbolizing not only physical renewal of the land but also spiritual renewal of the people. This transformation is accompanied by **Joy and Celebration**, expressed through "joy and singing," indicating a profound emotional response to God's redemptive work, a common motif in prophecies of restoration (e.g., [Isaiah 55:12](/isaiah/55-12 "Isaiah 55:12 - Joyful Return")). Most importantly, the ultimate purpose and outcome of this restoration is the **Divine Manifestation** – "they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God." This emphasizes that the renewed creation serves as a testament to God's power, majesty, and presence, leading to a deeper knowledge and experience of Him, a theme echoed in other prophetic visions of God's universal glory (e.g., [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with God's Glory")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blossom (Hebrew, _pârach'_ H6524):** This primitive root means "to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish." In the context of Isaiah 35:2, its usage emphasizes a bursting forth of life and beauty, a spontaneous and abundant flourishing that transforms barrenness into vibrant growth, indicating a powerful and undeniable act of divine renewal.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _gîyl'_ H1523):** This root means "to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice." It conveys a sense of exuberant, even ecstatic, joy and gladness. When applied to the land, it personifies creation's response to God's restorative work, highlighting the overwhelming delight and celebration that accompanies the promised transformation.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_ H3519):** Derived from a root meaning "weight," this word figuratively denotes "splendor or copiousness; honour(-able)." In this verse, it refers to the majestic, inherent splendor and honor of God, which is manifested through the transformed creation. The "glory of Lebanon" and "excellency of Carmel and Sharon" are earthly representations of ultimate beauty and majesty that are "given" to the desolate land, but the ultimate "glory of the LORD" is the divine presence and power revealed through this miraculous renewal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing:"** This opening clause personifies the previously desolate land (referring to the "wilderness and the solitary place" from [Isaiah 35:1](/isaiah/35-1 "Isaiah 35:1 - The Desert Blooms")). The Hebrew construction for "blossom abundantly" (פָּרֹחַ תִּפְרַח, _pāroach tiphrach_) uses an infinitive absolute before the finite verb, intensifying the action and emphasizing the certainty and profuseness of the blooming. The land is not merely blooming, but bursting forth with life. This physical transformation is paralleled by an emotional one: the land will "rejoice" and express its gladness through "joy and singing." This imagery conveys an overflowing, uncontainable delight, signifying a complete reversal of its former state of desolation and sorrow.
* **"the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon,"** This clause specifies the nature of the transformation. The "glory of Lebanon" (known for its majestic cedars and rugged beauty) and the "excellency of Carmel and Sharon" (famed for their lush fertility, vineyards, and pastures) represent the pinnacle of natural beauty, richness, and abundance in ancient Israel. The prophecy states that this splendor will not merely be *like* these regions, but will be *given* to the previously barren land. This implies a divine impartation, a supernatural endowment that elevates the transformed land to a state of beauty and fruitfulness far surpassing its natural capacity, making it a paradise.
* **"they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God."** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose and outcome of the miraculous transformation. The "they" refers to the inhabitants, or perhaps all who witness this divine work. The physical beauty and abundance of the land are not ends in themselves, but serve as a tangible manifestation of God's character. To "see the glory of the LORD" and "the excellency of our God" signifies a profound revelation and experience of God's majestic presence, power, and inherent worth. The parallelism between "glory of the LORD" and "excellency of our God" emphasizes the singular, magnificent nature of the divine being revealed. The restored creation becomes a visible testament to the Creator's power and goodness, leading to a deeper knowledge and worship of Him.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 35:2 is rich with **Personification**, attributing human emotions and actions to the inanimate land. The wilderness is depicted as "rejoicing" and expressing "joy and singing," vividly portraying its transformation from a desolate place to one vibrant with life and celebration. This device highlights the profound and almost sentient response of creation to God's redemptive work. The verse also employs **Metaphor** and **Simile** by comparing the future splendor of the barren land to the renowned beauty and fertility of Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon. While not explicitly using "like" or "as," the statement "the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it" functions as a powerful metaphor for the ultimate beauty and fruitfulness the land will possess. Furthermore, **Hyperbole** is evident in phrases like "blossom abundantly" and "joy and singing," which suggest an overflowing, intense, and almost unimaginable degree of flourishing and gladness. Finally, the verse features striking **Parallelism**, particularly in the concluding phrase "the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the singular, magnificent nature of the divine revelation, emphasizing that the transformed land serves as a clear testament to the majesty and inherent worth of the one true God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 35:2 speaks profoundly to God's sovereign power to transform and restore, not only physical landscapes but also human lives and spiritual conditions. It underscores the biblical theme that God delights in bringing life out of death, beauty out of ashes, and joy out of sorrow. This transformation is not merely aesthetic; it is fundamentally revelatory, designed to showcase the inherent glory and excellency of God Himself. The flourishing of the land serves as a tangible sign of God's presence and blessing, inviting all who witness it to a deeper encounter with the Creator. This vision of a restored creation, filled with divine glory, points forward to the ultimate renewal promised in eschatological hope, where God's presence will fully permeate all things.

* [Isaiah 41:18-20](/isaiah/41-18 "Isaiah 41:18-20 - God Transforms the Wilderness")
* [Isaiah 55:12-13](/isaiah/55-12 "Isaiah 55:12-13 - Joyful Return and New Creation")
* [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 35:2 offers a powerful and enduring message of hope for all who face periods of desolation, barrenness, or despair, whether literally or spiritually. It reminds us that God's transformative power is not limited by the severity of our circumstances. Just as He can cause a desert to blossom with unparalleled beauty and joy, He can bring life, healing, and purpose to the most desolate areas of our lives, our communities, and our world. This verse calls us to trust in God's redemptive plan, even when current realities seem bleak. It encourages us to look beyond immediate difficulties to the glorious future God promises, a future where His presence is fully revealed and brings ultimate joy and flourishing. Our response to this hope should be one of anticipation and active participation, living in a way that reflects the glory we anticipate.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "deserts" or barren places in your life or community are you praying for God to transform?**
* **How does the promise of "joy and singing" in a transformed landscape encourage your personal hope and worship?**
* **In what ways can your life or circumstances become a testament to "the glory of the LORD and the excellency of our God" for others to see?**
* **How does this verse challenge you to see God's power at work even in seemingly impossible situations?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon in this verse?**

Answer: Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon were renowned regions in ancient Israel, each symbolizing peak natural beauty, fertility, and abundance. Lebanon was known for its majestic cedars and mountainous grandeur, representing strength and splendor. Carmel, a fertile mountain range, was famous for its lush vegetation and vineyards, signifying fruitfulness and abundance. Sharon, a coastal plain, was celebrated for its rich pastures and wildflowers, epitomizing pastoral beauty and richness. By stating that the transformed wilderness would receive the "glory of Lebanon" and the "excellency of Carmel and Sharon," Isaiah uses these well-known symbols to convey that the future restoration will be of an unparalleled, almost paradisiacal, beauty and fruitfulness, far exceeding any natural state. It emphasizes the supernatural quality of God's restorative work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 35:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's glory and the agent of true transformation. The physical blossoming of the wilderness foreshadows the spiritual new creation that occurs in Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus brings life to those who are spiritually dead, transforming barren hearts into fertile ground for God's Spirit. Where there was desolation of sin, He offers abundant grace and joy, as He declared, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Good Shepherd")). The "joy and singing" anticipated in the prophecy is realized in the Holy Spirit, who fills believers with "joy in the Holy Spirit" ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")). Furthermore, the "glory of Lebanon" and "excellency of Carmel and Sharon" point to the transcendent beauty and perfection found in Christ, who is "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Supremacy of Christ")). Ultimately, the promise that "they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God" is fulfilled in Christ, for "no one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known" ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through Christ, we not only witness God's glory but are also transformed into His likeness, reflecting that glory (2 Corinthians 3:18), anticipating the day when the knowledge of the glory of the LORD will indeed cover the earth as the waters cover the sea ([Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with God's Glory")).

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 60:13

The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.

Isaiah 25:9

¶ And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Amos 9:13

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.

Amos 9:15

And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.

Romans 10:15

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

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.