Verse 1

The a wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

(a) He prophecies of the full restoration of the Church both of the Jews and Gentiles under Christ, which will be fully accomplished at the last day: although as yet it is compared to a desert and wilderness.

Verse 2

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellence of b Carmel and Sharon, they shall c see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellence of our God.

(b) The Church which was before compared to a barren wilderness will by Christ be made most plenteous and beautiful.

(c) He shows that the presence of God is the reason that the Church brings forth fruit and flourishes.

Verse 3

d Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

(d) He wills all to encourage one another, and especially the ministers to exhort and strengthen the weak, that they may patiently abide the coming of God, which is at hand.

Verse 4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] e vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

(e) To destroy your enemies.

Verse 5

Then the eyes of the f blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

(f) When the knowledge of Christ is revealed.

Verse 6

Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing: for in the g wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

(g) They who were barren and destitute of the graces of God, will have them given by Christ.

Verse 8

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of h holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it i [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [in it].

(h) It will be for the saints of God and not for the wicked.

(i) God will lead and guide them, alluding to the bringing forth of Egypt.

Verse 9

No lion shall be there, nor [any] k ravenous beast shall go up on it, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk [there]:

(k) As he threatens the wicked with destruction by this, (Isaiah 30:6).

Verse 10

And the l ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

(l) Whom the Lord will deliver from the captivity of Babylon.