Isaiah 35:8-9
And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This isn't just about a safe path; it emphasizes that even those considered simple or "fools" won't get lost because God Himself walks with them, making the "Way of Holiness" incredibly clear and accessible to all who are His. This means true holiness isn't just for the wise or perfect, but a divinely guided journey for everyone.
This passage unfolds as a triumphant declaration of restoration and salvation, following the prophecy of a transformed wilderness in the preceding verses. Isaiah is painting a picture of God's people returning to Zion, not through a treacherous, obscure path, but on a clear, divinely prepared "highway." This new road is explicitly called the "Way of Holiness," signifying its purity and the righteous character of those who travel it, setting it apart from the impurity of the world.
Understand the original words
maslul · Hebrew Noun
A raised, built-up road or path. In a theological sense, it symbolizes a clear, unobstructed path provided by God for His people to travel safely toward Him.
qodesh · Hebrew Noun
The state of being set apart for God's exclusive use; morally pure and ethically separated from sin. It is the defining attribute of God's character and the goal for His people.
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tame' · Hebrew Adjective
Morally or ceremonially impure; unfit for the presence of God. It describes the condition of those separated from the covenant community by sin or idolatry.
ga'ul · Hebrew Adjective/Noun participle
Those who have been purchased back from slavery, debt, or captivity, typically through the payment of a price (a ransom). It describes the spiritual status of God's people whom He has rescued from sin.
This verse, written during the challenging post-exilic period, offers a vision of a restored and holy future. It contrasts the difficulties of the present with the ultimate, secure, and divinely-guided 'Way of Holiness' that will be open to all God's redeemed people, assuring them that even the simplest believer can navigate this path to salvation.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Kingdom
The Neo-Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of many Israelites. This marks a period of immense hardship and loss for the people of God.
586 BC
Babylonian Conquest of Southern Kingdom
The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquers the southern Kingdom of Judah, destroying Jerusalem and its Temple. This event triggers the Babylonian Exile, a profound crisis of faith and identity for the Judeans.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of the Persian Empire conquers Babylon, initiating a new era. Cyrus issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Judeans, to return to their homelands.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple
Following their return from Babylonian exile, the Judeans, under leaders like Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, complete the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This signifies a partial restoration, though the glory of Solomon's Temple is not fully matched.
c. 440-400 BC— this verse
Post-Exilic Period
The period after the return from exile, characterized by the ongoing challenges of rebuilding Jerusalem and its spiritual life. The community grapples with maintaining covenant faithfulness in a difficult political and social environment, with prophetic voices like Malachi offering guidance and correction.
This passage highlights the narrowness and difficulty of the way to life, paralleling Isaiah's 'way of holiness' which is not easily missed but requires intentionality.
1 Corinthians 1:26-28This New Testament passage echoes Isaiah's point that even those considered 'fools' or simple by the world can find and walk the path of God, emphasizing God's choice of the humble.
1 John 1:7This verse speaks to the necessity of walking in the light and the cleansing that comes through fellowship with God, aligning with Isaiah's 'way of holiness' where the unclean cannot pass.
Revelation 21:27This passage describes the New Jerusalem, a heavenly city where nothing unclean will enter, beautifully mirroring Isaiah's prophecy of a 'way of holiness' reserved for God's people.
barnesIsaiah 35:8: "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein."
And an highway shall be there - (see the note at Isaiah 11:16 ). This is language which is derived from the return of the Jews from captivity. The idea is, that there would be easy and uninterrupted access to their own land. The more remote, though main idea in the mind of the p…
pulpitIsaiah 35:8: "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein."
Verse 8. - And an highway shall be there, and a way (comp. Isaiah 30:21). There shall be a clear "way" marked out in which all shall be bound to walk - a "strait and narrow way" doubtless (Matthew 7:14), but one not readily missed. The way shall be called The way of holiness. It…
This isn't just about a safe path; it emphasizes that even those considered simple or "fools" won't get lost because God Himself walks with them, making the "Way of Holiness" incredibly clear and accessible to all who are His. This means true holiness isn't just for the wise or perfect, but a divinely guided journey for everyone.
This passage unfolds as a triumphant declaration of restoration and salvation, following the prophecy of a transformed wilderness in the preceding verses. Isaiah is painting a picture of God's people returning to Zion, not through a treacherous, obscure path, but on a clear, divinely prepared "highway." This new road is explicitly called the "Way of Holiness," signifying its purity and the righteous character of those who travel it, setting it apart from the impurity of the world.
This passage unfolds as a triumphant declaration of restoration and salvation, following the prophecy of a transformed wilderness in the preceding verses. Isaiah is painting a picture of God's people returning to Zion, not through a treacherous, obscure path, but on a clear, divinely prepared "highway." This new road is explicitly called the "Way of Holiness," signifying its purity and the righteous character of those who travel it, setting it apart from the impurity of the world.
"And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No li…" — This isn't just about a safe path; it emphasizes that even those considered simple or "fools" won't get lost because God Himself walks with them, making the "Way of Holiness" incredibly clear and acc…
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