Isaiah 35:8 - Exposition

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 shall be that path through the dangers and difficulties of life which holiness points out and requires. The unclean shall not pass over it. It is tempting to imagine that there is here a reference to the famous chinvat peretu of the Zoroastrians—the "bridge of the gatherer"—along which all souls had to pass in order to reach the abode of the blessed, but which the souls of the wicked never succeeded in passing. The 'bridge of the gatherer" is, however, in the other world, not in this world; but Isaiah's "highway" is here. It is that right course of life, which "the unclean" do not follow, though they might do so if they chose, but which the righteous follow to their great gain and advantage. But it shall be for those ; rather, as in the margin, but he shall be with them ; God, i.e. shall be with those who seek to walk in the way, and not to err from it. He shall direct them, support them, sustain their footsteps. The wayfaring men ; rather, they that walk in the way—that make up their minds to try to walk in it. Though fools; i.e. however simple and unlearned they may be—"Ne simplicissimi quidem" (Rosenmüller). Shall not err therein ; shall not wander from the way through mere simplicity. It shall be easy to find, difficult to miss.