Isaiah 35:9

KJV

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]:

KJV (with Strong's)

No lion {H738} shall be there, nor any ravenous {H6530} beast {H2416} shall go up {H5927} thereon, it shall not be found {H4672} there; but the redeemed {H1350} shall walk {H1980} there:

Complete Jewish Bible

No lion or other beast of prey will be there, traveling on it. They will not be found there, but the redeemed will go there.

Berean Standard Bible

No lion will be there, and no vicious beast will go up on it. Such will not be found there, but the redeemed will walk upon it.

American Standard Version

No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go up thereon; they shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 35:9 vividly portrays the absolute security and purity of the "Way of Holiness," a divinely ordained path. This prophetic verse assures that no dangerous predators or destructive forces will be present on or threaten this sacred route, guaranteeing that only the redeemed of the Lord will walk upon it. Situated within a broader vision of Israel's glorious restoration and joyous return, the verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to protecting His people on their journey of deliverance and ultimate redemption, foreshadowing an era where all threats are banished and His delivered ones dwell in perfect peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 35 serves as a dramatic and hopeful transition from the severe pronouncements of judgment against Edom and the nations in [Isaiah 34](/isaiah/34 "Isaiah 34 - Judgment Against Edom"). It shifts the prophetic focus to a glorious vision of restoration and transformation, portraying a desolate wilderness blossoming with the glory of God, as seen in [Isaiah 35:1-2](/isaiah/35-1-2 "Isaiah 35:1-2 - The Desert Blooms"). The chapter continues to detail miraculous physical healings, such as the opening of eyes and ears and the lame leaping, in [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Miraculous Healing and Water in the Desert"). The establishment of a special "highway" or "way" is introduced in [Isaiah 35:8](/isaiah/35-8 "Isaiah 35:8 - The Way of Holiness"), specifically designated for the "redeemed." Verse 9 then elaborates on the unique nature and unparalleled safety of this divine path, emphasizing the complete absence of any danger for those who traverse it, culminating in the joyous return of the ransomed to Zion in [Isaiah 35:10](/isaiah/35/10 "Isaiah 35:10 - The Ransomed Return to Zion").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies within Isaiah, particularly those concerning restoration, deeply resonate with the historical experience of the Israelite people, most notably the Babylonian exile. The vision of a "highway" through the wilderness for returning exiles would have offered profound comfort and hope to a people longing for safe passage back to their homeland. In the ancient Near East, lions and other wild beasts were not merely abstract symbols but very real and significant threats to travelers, livestock, and even settled communities. The promise of a path free from such dangers was an extraordinary assurance of divine protection and a powerful reversal of the chaotic, perilous conditions often associated with judgment or arduous wilderness journeys. This imagery also powerfully evokes the Exodus narrative, where God supernaturally protected and guided His people through a dangerous wilderness, providing a safe and miraculous passage.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes present throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. **Divine Protection and Security** is a central theme, as God Himself guarantees the absolute safety of this path, removing all natural and spiritual threats. The concept of **The Way of Holiness**, introduced in [Isaiah 35:8](/isaiah/35-8 "Isaiah 35:8 - The Way of Holiness"), is paramount; it signifies a consecrated, pure, and secure path established by God for His covenant people. This "way" is intrinsically linked to **Redemption and Restoration**, highlighting God's active and powerful work in delivering His people from bondage and bringing them back into a right relationship with Him, marked by joy and peace. Ultimately, the vision points towards **Eschatological Hope** and the **New Creation**, where the redeemed will dwell in a perfected environment, eternally free from the curse and all its dangers, echoing themes found in later chapters of Isaiah, such as [Isaiah 65](/isaiah/65 "Isaiah 65 - New Heavens and New Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **redeemed (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** This primitive root carries profound theological weight, referring to the act of buying back, delivering, or liberating, often by a "kinsman-redeemer" (go'el). This figure, typically the nearest male relative, had the legal and moral responsibility to restore a family member's lost property, avenge a wrong, or marry a deceased brother's widow to preserve the family line. In this context, it signifies God's powerful, personal, and covenantal intervention to deliver His people from bondage and restore them to their rightful inheritance and relationship with Him. The "redeemed" are those who have experienced God's active, saving work, purchased back from a state of ruin or captivity.
* **ravenous (Hebrew, _pᵉrîyts'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to break forth," this term denotes something violent, a tyrant, destroyer, or robber. When combined with "beast" (chay, meaning a living thing, often a wild animal), it paints a vivid picture of a living creature that is inherently aggressive, destructive, and predatory. This word powerfully conveys the complete absence of any destructive, life-threatening animal on this holy path, symbolizing the removal of all forces that would seek to harm God's people.
* **walk (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** This primitive root signifies movement, often in a continuous, habitual, or unhindered manner. It can refer to literal walking, but also broadly to one's conduct, way of life, or progression. In Isaiah 35:9, it depicts the secure, unhindered, and joyful progression of the redeemed along the Way of Holiness. It implies not just a momentary passage, but a sustained journey in safety, reflecting a new mode of existence where fear and danger are conspicuously absent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"No lion shall be there,"**: This clause immediately establishes the absolute safety of the path by negating the presence of the most formidable and feared predator in the ancient world. The lion, a powerful symbol of strength, danger, and often chaos or evil, is explicitly excluded. This sets an immediate tone of complete and assured divine protection.
* **"nor [any] ravenous beast shall go up thereon,"**: This expands upon the previous negation, assuring that not only lions but no other violent or destructive wild animal will ascend or be found on this specific highway. The phrase "go up thereon" emphasizes that even the most determined and dangerous creatures will be unable to access or traverse this consecrated path, reinforcing its unique and impenetrable security.
* **"it shall not be found there;"**: This is a potent reiteration and emphatic confirmation of the complete absence of danger. It signifies a thorough, total, and permanent removal or non-existence of any threat on this way. The repetition serves to underscore the certainty and comprehensiveness of God's protective promise, leaving no room for doubt.
* **"but the redeemed shall walk [there]:"**: This final clause shifts from what is absent to who is present and what they will do. It provides the positive counterpoint to the preceding negations. The "redeemed" – those whom God has bought back and delivered through His covenantal power – are the exclusive inhabitants of this path. Their ability to "walk" implies a peaceful, unhindered, and joyful journey, free from fear, a stark and glorious contrast to the perilous journeys often faced in the wilderness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 35:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message of divine protection and restoration. **Negation** is prominently featured through the repeated use of "No... nor... it shall not be found there," which emphatically denies the presence of any danger. This creates a strong sense of absolute security and a clear contrast with the perilous world outside this divine path. **Symbolism** is central, with "lion" and "ravenous beast" representing not only literal dangers but also broader spiritual adversaries, oppressive forces, and the chaos of a fallen world. Their absence symbolizes the eradication of all threats under God's dominion. The "Way" itself is a powerful **Symbol** of God's provision, a divinely ordained path of salvation and restoration. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting the terrifying presence of wild beasts (common in the wilderness) against the peaceful, secure walk of the redeemed. This highlights the radical transformation brought about by God's redemptive work and the unique privilege of those who belong to Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 35:9 is a profound declaration of God's redemptive power and His unwavering commitment to His people's safety and flourishing. It speaks to a future reality where God's sovereignty is fully manifest, and His people are brought into a state of perfect peace and security, free from all forms of danger, both physical and spiritual. This vision transcends a mere physical return from exile, pointing to the ultimate eschatological hope of a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells and all threats are eternally banished. It underscores that God's redemption is comprehensive, not only delivering from bondage but also providing a secure and holy environment for His delivered ones to dwell and journey.

* [Psalm 91:1-4](/psalm/91-1-4 "Psalm 91:1-4 - Dwelling in the Shelter of the Most High") - Echoes the theme of divine protection, assuring those who dwell in God's secret place of His covering and deliverance from snares and pestilence, much like the Way of Holiness.
* [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Purity of the New Jerusalem") - Describes the ultimate fulfillment of a holy place where "nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false," mirroring the purity and security of the Way of Holiness in the new creation.
* [Ezekiel 34:25](/ezekiel/34-25 "Ezekiel 34:25 - Covenant of Peace and Safety") - Prophesies a "covenant of peace" where God will "rid the land of wild beasts," allowing His flock to dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forests, reflecting the same promise of safety from predators for His people.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 35:9 offers immense comfort and a powerful call to trust in God's protective care. For believers today, this verse assures us that as we commit to walking in God's "way of holiness"—a life consecrated to Him, guided by His Word, and empowered by His Spirit—we are under His divine guardianship. The "lions" and "ravenous beasts" of our contemporary experience may manifest as spiritual adversaries, societal pressures, personal temptations, the anxieties of life, or even the destructive forces of sin. Yet, God promises that on His path, these dangers will not ultimately prevail or consume us. This encourages us to continually pursue purity and righteousness, not out of fear, but out of a confident assurance that our journey with God is secure, leading us ultimately to His eternal presence where all threats are forever banished and perfect peace reigns. It reminds us that our security is not in our own strength, but in the unwavering faithfulness of our Redeemer, who has paved the way for our safe passage.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lions" or "ravenous beasts" in your life currently threaten your peace or spiritual walk?**
* **How does the promise of a "Way of Holiness" free from danger encourage you in your daily pursuit of God?**
* **In what ways can you actively "walk" in the Way of Holiness, trusting in God's protection and guidance?**
* **How does the concept of being "redeemed" by God deepen your understanding of His commitment to your safety and flourishing?**

### FAQ

**What is the "Way of Holiness" mentioned in Isaiah 35?**

Answer: The "Way of Holiness" (Hebrew: *Derekh HaKodesh*) described in [Isaiah 35:8](/isaiah/35-8 "Isaiah 35:8 - The Way of Holiness") is a divinely designated and consecrated path. In its immediate context, it refers to the safe and pure route God would prepare for the exiled Israelites returning from Babylon to Zion. Theologically, it represents a spiritual journey of purity and righteousness, made possible and secure by God Himself. It is a path specifically for the "redeemed" and "ransomed" of the Lord, where no unclean person or dangerous entity can tread, signifying a life lived in covenant with God, free from the defilements and dangers of the world. Ultimately, it points to the path of salvation and sanctification found in Christ.

**How do "lions" and "ravenous beasts" apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the literal threat of lions and wild beasts was a real danger in ancient times, their mention in Isaiah 35:9 carries significant symbolic weight for believers today. They represent various forms of danger and opposition that threaten the spiritual journey. This can include spiritual adversaries (like the devil, described as a "roaring lion" seeking to devour in [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Adversary, the Devil")), oppressive systems, moral corruption, tempting desires, or even the anxieties and fears that seek to derail one's faith. The promise is that on God's "Way of Holiness," these spiritual and existential threats will not ultimately prevail or consume those who walk in His truth.

**Is this prophecy purely for the future, or does it have present meaning?**

Answer: Like many Old Testament prophecies, Isaiah 35:9 has multiple layers of fulfillment. It had a historical application to the return from Babylonian exile. It also points to an ultimate, eschatological fulfillment in the new heavens and new earth, where all evil, suffering, and danger will be permanently abolished ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")). However, it also holds profound present meaning for believers. As we walk in Christ, who is "the way" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way")), we are on a spiritual "Way of Holiness" now. God's protection, though not always guaranteeing physical immunity from hardship, assures us of His presence, power, and ultimate victory over spiritual foes, enabling us to walk securely in His purposes even amidst a fallen world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 35:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is Himself the embodiment of the "Way of Holiness." He declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Christ, the promise that "no lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon" becomes a spiritual reality. Jesus, through His decisive death and glorious resurrection, disarmed the spiritual "ravenous beasts"—Satan and his demonic forces—who held humanity captive, triumphing over them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). He became our Kinsman-Redeemer, performing the ultimate act of *gâʼal* by purchasing us back from the dominion of sin and death with His own precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")). Therefore, those who are "the redeemed" by His sacrifice are now enabled to "walk" securely on this new and living way, free from the ultimate power of spiritual adversaries, knowing that their journey leads to eternal life in a new creation where all sorrow, crying, and pain, and indeed all "ravenous beasts," are forever banished ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")).

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 62:12

And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.

Psalms 107:2

Let the redeemed of the LORD say [so], whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

Isaiah 63:4

For the day of vengeance [is] in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

Isaiah 30:6

The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence [come] the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people [that] shall not profit [them].

Isaiah 65:25

The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust [shall be] the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

Leviticus 26:6

And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make [you] afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.

Hosea 2:18

And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and [with] the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.