The verse highlights that the breaking forth of waters in the wilderness directly corresponds to the miraculous healing of the lame and mute. This isn't just a cause-and-effect scenario; it illustrates that the divine provision for barrenness in nature mirrors the restoration of life and joy to those who are spiritually or physically incapacitated.
then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage bursts forth from a vision of a transformed wilderness, where barren lands become lush and vibrant. Following the vivid imagery of physical restoration for the blind, deaf, and lame, these verses paint a picture of ultimate joy and healing. They speak of a future abundance of life-giving water in the driest places, a powerful metaphor for God's overflowing grace that will fully revive His people.
Imagine a world where disabilities vanish and joy erupts! Isaiah paints a vivid picture of complete restoration, not just for the body, but for the spirit too.
Isaiah 35:6 speaks of the lame leaping and the mute singing. This isn't just about physical healing, though that's a powerful part of it.
Physical Healing:
Spiritual Transformation:
What do a parched desert and a life devoid of hope have in common? Isaiah shows us how God's presence turns the most desolate places into vibrant life.
The second part of Isaiah 35:6 reveals the source of this incredible transformation: 'waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.'
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From Desolation to Abundance:
The Gospel's Impact:
Understand the original words
pisseach · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
The state of being physically impaired or unable to walk. In a prophetic context, it symbolizes the spiritual restoration and wholeness brought about by God's kingdom.
illem · Hebrew Adjective
One who is unable to speak. Metaphorically, it often refers to those who are unable to praise God or communicate spiritual truth until God touches their lives.
midbar · Hebrew Noun
A vast, uninhabited, or desolate region. In Scripture, it is often a place of testing, spiritual struggle, and a canvas for God’s miraculous provision and transformation.
This prophecy paints a vivid picture of the radical restoration that comes with God's presence. While it finds its ultimate fulfillment in the messianic work of Jesus Christ—who healed the physically afflicted and offers spiritual renewal—it also resonates with the Jewish experience of returning from exile, highlighting the dramatic contrast between devastation and divine life.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian Empire's Height
Isaiah prophesied during a period of significant geopolitical tension, with the Assyrian Empire dominating the region. This empire's power created immense fear and instability for the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, contributing to the context of judgment and future restoration in Isaiah's prophecies.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants. This devastating event served as a stark warning to Judah and underscored the theme of exile and loss that permeates much of Isaiah's message.
c. 605 BC - 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins and Jerusalem Falls
The Babylonian Empire rose to power, initiating a series of deportations from Judah, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 586 BC. This period of exile profoundly shaped Jewish identity and longing for restoration.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Edict of Return
The Persian King Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon and issued a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands. This marked the beginning of the return from Babylonian captivity and the rebuilding of the temple.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Second Temple in Jerusalem was completed, a significant milestone in the return from exile. While a testament to God's faithfulness, it represented a restoration, not the full, glorious return often envisioned in prophetic literature.
c. 30 BC - c. AD 30— this verse
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus' ministry was characterized by miraculous healings, including restoring sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and mobility to the lame. His miracles were seen as direct fulfillments of messianic prophecies, including those in Isaiah 35.
c. AD 30 - AD 100
Early Church and Spread of the Gospel
Following Jesus' ascension, the early church continued to witness the transformative power of the Gospel, spreading it to diverse peoples. The spiritual renewal brought by Christ and the Holy Spirit mirrored the prophetic imagery of a transformed wilderness.
This passage directly echoes Isaiah's prophecy, showing how Jesus fulfilled these signs by healing the blind, deaf, and lame, demonstrating God's kingdom had arrived.
John 7:37-38Jesus' invitation to drink from Him speaks to the spiritual 'waters' and 'streams' that will gush forth in the desert of our lives, quenching a thirst that nothing else can satisfy.
Acts 3:6-8Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, uses the same language as Isaiah, healing a lame man and showing how the power unleashed by Christ brings about the miraculous restoration foretold.
Revelation 21:4This passage describes the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah's vision, where God makes all things new, wiping away every tear and ending all suffering, a complete transformation of the 'desert' into His glorious presence.
barnesIsaiah 35:6: "Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert."
Then shall the lame man leap - This was literally fulfilled after the coming of the Messiah Acts 14:10 ; Acts 3:8 . It is an emblem of the general joy which the coming of the Messiah would impart, and is an instance of the blessings which it would convey. As an hart - The word used here denotes the stag, or male deer. In Arabic it deno…
pooleIsaiah 35:6: "Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert."
Then shall the lame man leap for joy, or go nimbly and readily. And this clause also, and that which follows, are to he understood both spiritually and literally, as in the former verse. In the wilderness small waters break out, and streams in the desert; the most dry and barren places shall be made moist and fruitful; which is princip…
The verse highlights that the breaking forth of waters in the wilderness directly corresponds to the miraculous healing of the lame and mute. This isn't just a cause-and-effect scenario; it illustrates that the divine provision for barrenness in nature mirrors the restoration of life and joy to those who are spiritually or physically incapacitated.
This passage bursts forth from a vision of a transformed wilderness, where barren lands become lush and vibrant. Following the vivid imagery of physical restoration for the blind, deaf, and lame, these verses paint a picture of ultimate joy and healing. They speak of a future abundance of life-giving water in the driest places, a powerful metaphor for God's overflowing grace that will fully revive His people.
This passage bursts forth from a vision of a transformed wilderness, where barren lands become lush and vibrant. Following the vivid imagery of physical restoration for the blind, deaf, and lame, these verses paint a picture of ultimate joy and healing. They speak of a future abundance of life-giving water in the driest places, a powerful metaphor for God's overflowing grace that will fully revive His people.
"then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty groun…" — The verse highlights that the breaking forth of waters in the wilderness directly corresponds to the miraculous healing of the lame and mute. This isn't just a cause-and-effect scenario; it illustrat…
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Last reviewed October 2026
