Isaiah 34:9-17; ; Isaiah 35:1-10
Ch. 34 relates the punishment of Edom, that cursed people, the descendants of Esau. They will be completely destroyed and their country, Mount Seir, reduced to a permanent desolation. Some modern preachers have the audacity to state that God can condemn no one because of His love. A passage such as this solemnly contradicts them.
By way of contrast ch. 35 gives an outline of what the inheritance of Israel (the brother of Esau) will be. Even the desert will become a wonderful garden in which "the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God" will shine without a cloud (v. 2). Also notice the gladness and joy which overflow in this short ch. 35. This is a vision suitable to revive their discouraged hearts (v. 3). But how much better is the hope of the Christian: the coming of the Lord to take away His Church. Let us never forget it ourselves and let us speak to other believers about it. There is no more effective way of strengthening weak hands and feeble knees, in other words encouraging ourselves in service, prayer and an unflagging walk (v. 3; cf. Hebrews 12:12). "Wherefore comfort one another with these words" advises the apostle Paul (1 Thessalonians 4:18).