Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 35:8
8. highway—such a causeway (raised way, from a Hebrew root, "to cast up") as was used for the march of armies; valleys being filled up, hills and other obstructions removed ( :-; compare Isaiah 40:3; Isaiah 40:4). way of holiness—Hebraism for "the holy way." HORSLEY translates, "the way of the Holy One;" but the words that follow, and Isaiah 35:10, show it is the way leading the redeemed back to Jerusalem, both the literal and the heavenly (Isaiah 52:1; Joel 3:17; Revelation 21:27); still... read more
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 35:7
7. parched ground—rather, "the mirage (Hebrew, Sharab, 'the sun's heat') shall become a (real) lake." The sun's rays refracted on the glowing sands at midday give the appearance of a lake of water and often deceive the thirsty traveller (compare Jeremiah 2:13; Isaiah 41:18). dragons—rather, "jackals." each—namely, jackal. grass—rather, "a dwelling or receptacle (answering to the previous habitation) for reeds," &c. (which only grow where there is water, Job 8:11). Where once there was no... read more