key verse: 8
This is a prophecy on the messianic age. Tribulation and deportation have ended, and now a new era blossoms. Songs resound. It is the image of Paradise. Yet there is a condition in order to participate in this rejoicing.
1. Here is your God (1-4)
Because of sin, Israel was in the midst of tribulation. They had been led captive into Babylon, but in time, God would deliver them. Until now, due to their sin, it seemed as though God had turned his back on them. Because of their sinful lives, it seemed as if he no longer wanted to be their God. But now that their sin was redeemed, God wanted to be their God. Their honor was restored and blessing returned. The sad state of the desert gave way to gladness and rejoicing. Joy blossomed and the happiness of the inhabitants was restored. Glory and majesty covered the land. Until now, youthful strength was abandoned because of the slavery of sin, but from now on, they would take destiny into their own hands and create a new story.
2. The redeemed shall walk there (5-10)
A new highway is paved. It is the predicted way of Jesus' work (5,6). It will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not pass over it. Only those who accept Jesus can enter this way, and even the foolish can become wise. Nature will be transformed; the desert will become an oasis. The infirm will be healed through God's intervention. They will be delivered from their physical handicap, but they will also need deliverance in their souls. Repentance in Jesus will revive these people. They are now not only physically freed from their invaders; they are also freed from the debilitating weight of sin. There will no longer be any trace of sadness for them, only gladness and rejoicing shall reign.
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