Chapter Summary

The coming Kingdom blessing and regathering of Israel.

Discussion Questions for Isaiah, Chapter 35

1. What causes the desert land to rejoice and burst into bloom? What or Who makes the difference? What do the peoples need to do in order to be saved?
2. Why does Isaiah talk about strengthening the nervous and fearful people? What has been going on in the life of God's people, Israel?
3. What is the key to miraculous healings and a reversal of fortunes? Where does the transforming grace of God's kingdom restore? Did Jesus' first coming fulfill this prophecy? Why or why not?
4. What strikes you about the name of the King's highway? How is this highway different from our interstate travel today? Do you think this is a literal highway or something more? Where does it begin and end?
5. How are the people of God identified? God removed Israel from her place of prominence and exiled her for disobedience and wickedness. How is the return of God's people different from their departure?
6. When one walks with God today, what areas of life begin to flourish? What does our "way of Holiness" (ESV) look like today? How do we help others to walk in the Way?
7. Isaiah says that sighing and sorrows will pass away one day. What burdens have caused you to sigh recently? What do you look forward to most about the joy of God's kingdom?
8. Rejoicing is a choice more than a feeling. In what ways does the gospel enable believers to choose joy today? How did God's promises deliver joy to the exiles?
9. What role does singing play in worship? When do you find yourself singing the most? Do you enjoy singing out loud? Why or why not? What role does corporate worship play in spreading the joy of Christ? What are ways that we can incorporate songs of faith into our daily rhythms?
10. Where do you find yourself identifying with the exiles of the Old Testament in their brokenness? When have you experienced God's amazing grace? Where do you struggle most to trust his promises?

Key Words/Phrase

Everlasting joy, vv. 1, 10.

Characters

God.

Strong Verse(s)

1, 4, 5, 6, 10.