Yeshayahu 35 | "Those the Lord Has Claimed Will Return"

In contrast to the previous chapter and the desolation destined for the land of Edom, the prophet promises that the desert separating the exiles from the land of Yehuda will become a fertile and welcoming place. The prophecy describes three wondrous transformations in the future vision: the desert will blossom, the afflicted will be healed, and there will be a safe, unobstructed path back to the "Holy Land." All these miracles are intended to ensure the peaceful and comfortable return of all Israel's exiles: "Those the Lord has claimed will return arriving in Zion in song." (Yeshayahu 35:10)

Several striking contrasts between Chapters 34 and 35 emphasize the blessings promised to Israel: The land of Edom will become a wasteland, while the land of Israel will flourish and thrive. The vengeance that brought calamity to the Edomites — "For the Lord had has His day of vengeance" (34:8) — becomes a source of comfort for Israel: "here is your God, coming for vengeance" (35:4). While Edom will see streams of pitch (34:9), Israel will witness streams breaking across the arid plain (35:6). Where Edom will house creatures like: "it will be a jackal's, shelter, the ostriches' pasture" (34:13) — the land of Israel will grow vegetation: "In the shelter of jackals, where they lay: grasses, reeds, and rushes" (35:7).