Isaiah 35:1–2

What makes all this stand out even more is the timing. The awful description of Edom's total desolation, and this under the mighty hand of God, comes at or just before the time when the wilderness and the lonely places will be glad. They will be glad because their old destroyers have been overthrown. What is now a wilderness will rejoice and blossom as the saffron. Who can avoid seeing in this the predicted, long-expected, millennial day?

The bride in the Song of Songs calls herself a "rose of Sharon." And when God brings the Jews into blessing again, "the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose." Roses do grow in Palestine. But most agree that the Hebrew word above does not mean the rose. It means a bulbous plant — perhaps the lily, the crocus, or the narcissus.

The ancient versions do not include the final word. The Authorised Version treats it as a suffix and renders it "for them." Some take it to mean the harmful animals named earlier. Others take it to mean the judgments threatened. Others again take it to mean the returning exiles. Many modern scholars agree with the ancient versions.

It is not mere fertility, but the restitution of all things when the day has come on earth: every joy, fruitfulness, and beauty. See how blinding theological prejudice can be. The devout J. A. Alexander says that, without any change in its essential meaning, we may apply it to the return of the Jews from Babylon, to the calling of the Gentiles, to the whole Christian era, to the course of every individual believer, and to the blessedness of heaven. Certainly it may be applied that way, since it has been. But the question is: what is its definite meaning?

God clearly removed part of the curse when He said, "I will never again curse the ground because of man." In the millennium He will remove it completely, for "the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now" (Romans 8:21-22). The prophets wrote of a golden age, when "the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus," and when "the wolf shall dwell with the lamb" (Isaiah 35:1; 11:6). God will certainly bring it in at His own time — but on the basis of Christ's sacrificial work on the cross.

But how will this great result come about? What causes this blessing and fruitfulness? One sentence supplies the answer: "They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God." … "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18). As we behold the glory of the Lord by the Spirit where He is, we become like Him where He is not. Our barren lives change their character. They become fresh and fruitful, by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. And we must be transformed ourselves first if we are to have any part in transforming others.

This terrible picture shows a vast wasteland left to man, given over as it were only to wild beasts, birds of prey and reptiles. In striking contrast, God then shows that the very day which sees this desolation for Edom begins Israel's blessing. And it is not only Israel rejoicing: the Lord will form a large and expanding scene for His own glory where once there was misery and barrenness.

Isaiah 35 gives a picture of the blessing that follows the judgment, the blessing even of the wilderness, which depends on that of Israel. The redeemed of the Lord shall go up with joy in full security to Zion, and all mourning shall pass away for ever.

"Carmel" in Scripture is the type of fruitfulness. It was famous for its vineyards, gardens, and rich pasture… The reference may be to a crown, or wreath of laurels, presenting "the excellency of Carmel," and standing for the land's fruitfulness — national abundance. Israel is crowned with goodness.

The picture the Holy Spirit gives us here glows with the richest beauty. The joy overflows. The desert does not only blossom abundantly; it rejoices with joy and singing… What a transformation! From a wild wilderness, a desolate desert, to a garden of gladness rich with satisfying abundance! This need not surprise us, for we know who the King is that fills the throne in that day.

It is not mere fertility. It is the restoration of all things when that day comes on earth: every joy, fruitfulness, and beauty.

The picture is a lovely one — a delightful scene of earthly blessing. The curse of Genesis 3:17-18 will be lifted, so that the very deserts will be abundantly fruitful. The vengeance of God will mean deliverance for Israel, and safety. But not only that, since they themselves will be transformed. They will see spiritually, they will hear, they will sing with gladness, and all their hopes be realized.

But how will this great result come about? What is the cause of this blessing and fruitfulness? One sentence supplies the answer: "They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God." … "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another" (2 Cor. 3:18). … Our barren lives change their character and become fresh and fruitful, according to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. And we must be transformed ourselves first if we are to have any part in transforming others.

No one else but He, who is God and Man, could show on earth such glorious excellence. And we, as belonging to the church, the bride of Christ, are called to even higher and more excellent things than these. These are the glowing words that describe the earthly things in which He will be glorious, while the church is to be the heavenly companion of the heavenly Bridegroom, to behold with enraptured gaze His heavenly glory.