Isaiah 35:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

However, not only in this life but also in the future, He will bring about justice for the Jews and others alike. The minor manifestations we see now can indicate either punishment or peace. When you witness demons expelled, afflictions lifted, nature celebrating the truth, creatures subdued, and every living thing honoring the apostles, know that you have glimpsed the power of what is to come and the promise for souls. He will come to save you—He will do so Himself, not through a servant or an angel, but through His own presence, which Paul affirms by highlighting His ultimate majesty, stating: God, who spoke at various times and in different ways to our ancestors through the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son (Hebrews 1:1); this distinction emphasizes the difference between the Lord and His messengers. Not only does He assure recompense for mankind, but also for the devil, whom He has already bound for now. How is this made known? No one can enter the house of a strong man and take his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man and then plunders his house (Mk. 3:27). The demons said: Leave! What do we have in common with You, Jesus, Son of God? You have come before the appointed time to torment us (Mk. 1:24, Mt. 8:29). The Lord replied: Away with you, Satan, for it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only (Mt. 4:10). Furthermore: I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning (Lk. 10:18), and then: I give you authority to tread upon snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy (Lk. 10:19).

This call speaks not merely to the physical body but highlights the spiritually impaired among those ensnared in error and deceit; for in them, the fruits of piety, the strength of the knees, and the spirit walking in the path of righteousness are absent. Therefore, He urges you to strengthen yourselves, enabling you to approach God. And you, designated ministers of the Divine message, bring comfort to the weary, reassuring the disheartened with the words, "Be strengthened, fear not; for the minds of those unfamiliar with God are weak, filled with trepidation toward the assaults of passions, the influence of the adversary who once held dominion over them, and the fear of death. But behold, God declares that the Savior is near, one who will bring about justice, judging the ruler of this world and freeing those oppressed by Satan from their captivity. For He will indeed come and rescue us. And so, He shall come to those who inhabit the earth, bringing light to the eyes of the blind.

He gave speech to the mute and hearing to the deaf, even in cases where individuals were not only afflicted physically but also spiritually. The Gentiles, who were previously ignorant of God, began to see the radiance of divine truth and to hear the clarion call of the life-giving Gospel. As if the waters in the desert were calm, this imagery signifies the liberation of the Jews, embodying the peace and serenity that followed the downfall of the Assyrians; yet, its ultimate fulfillment occurred with the arrival of the Lord. It is as though He descended from Heaven, like refreshing water into this parched wilderness, becoming a source of sanctuary amid the barren land.

Embracing this faith demands significant resolve and self-denial to cast off the chains of paganism, which is precisely the endeavor to which the prophet summons those ensnared in the overwhelming grip of sensuality and spiritual lethargy: to strengthen the hands that are feeble and the knees that are weak, urging them to confront sensuality courageously, step firmly onto the path of truth and salvation, and to advance joyfully along this journey. Although those urged to undertake this struggle may recognize the pitiful state of their spirituality and realize the need to transcend it, they may still experience considerable doubt and fear, leaving them with insufficient willpower to heed their convictions and immediately break ties with paganism. While their understanding may firmly grasp the truth, they might hesitate to openly declare it—not only due to the difficulty of severing ties with long-held habits but also because of concerns for personal safety. Transitioning from paganism to Christianity inevitably invites the ire of obstinate pagans, whether they come from family, community, or government. Against such timidity, the prophet rises to encourage the timid, reassuring them not to fear, emphasizing that taking the initial step toward perceived danger can reveal the strength to continue onward. Though there will undoubtedly be suffering at the hands of adversaries, they will not have the final victory. The persecuted are called to find solace in the assurance that the Lord will enact justice upon their assailants, punishing them righteously and delivering us from their malice, allowing us to live a peaceful Christian life.

Judea once faced devastation at the hands of the Assyrians, as the forces of Saint Nahirim besieged the walls of Jerusalem. Fear and despair gripped the Jews; their feet trembled, and their hands hung low. The outlook was dire, and they felt powerless against such a formidable foe. Yet, the Lord, who permitted this calamity, did not abandon them without comfort. Through the prophet Isaiah, He uplifted the downtrodden, promising a return to peace when the desolate land would once again bloom like a flower and take on a joyful appearance. The condition of the afflicted inhabitants symbolically reflects the miserable state of the soul—experiencing despondency and a decaying spirit, where nothing brings pleasure, nothing captures the eye, and life feels burdensome. This perilous state can leave a person vulnerable to despair, leading them toward vice or even suicidal thoughts. Such despair can result from excessive pleasures, unfulfilled aspirations, disappointments in endeavors, persistent illness, or failed attempts to overcome sinful tendencies. Regardless of the source of despondency, it must be vigorously resisted, as it is unacceptable for a Christian, who is reminded of the apostolic command: "Be alert and watchful, for your adversary the devil, like a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). How can we effectively combat the spirit of despair? Where can we discover comfort and encouragement? Through prayer for peace, patience, and courage for the troubled soul, through immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, which serve as a source of divine grace, not just information. Engaging with the Word of God is not merely reading a book; it is entering into communion with the Holy Spirit, who inspired its words and continues to breathe life into them. The antidote to despair is also found in the grace of the sacraments of confession and communion, in discussions with those seasoned in the spiritual life, and in reflecting on the detrimental effects of despondency on our current and future lives, as well as the joys that await the faithful in heaven. Those who employ these redemptive means to dispel despondency will find their spiritual lives restored; their once-weak hands will gain strength to engage in godly pursuits, and their trembling legs will stand resolutely on guard for their salvation, as spiritual courage replaces cowardice and discouragement.