Isaiah 35:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The text continues: the way shall be pure, and it shall be known as holy; the unclean shall not traverse it, but those who are scattered shall walk upon it without error. No lion shall be present on this path, nor any ferocious beasts, only those who are redeemed may walk therein. Those gathered by the Lord shall be restored and shall journey to Zion with joy, with everlasting happiness lighting their eyes; for over their gaze shall rest praise and jubilation, and they shall experience no grief or lamentation. The path of purity reflects the essence of the evangelical life and the cleansing power of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit purges the impurities of the soul, forgives transgressions, and cleanses from all defilement; thus, it rightfully earns the designation of holy and pure.

However, this path remains inaccessible to those who have not yet been purified, as no one can embody the Gospel without first undergoing the sacrament of holy baptism, thereby excluding the unbelievers. The unclean, as mentioned, will not walk this road; instead, the scattered will travel its length—those whom Satan has harmed, specifically the Gentiles, who will not stray. In the past, they were misled by idolatry, serving created things and wandering along twisted routes. Yet now, they are aware of the direct and sacred path that leads to a life of holiness. Freed from the dominion of the devil, they will engage in a life of worship, as illustrated by the assertion that no lion or other wicked creatures shall be found along this pure way.

Previously, the author of sin, along with demonic forces, roamed the earth like a ravenous beast. However, in Christ, he has been stripped of his power, cast out from among the faithful, and rendered powerless against them. Those redeemed by Christ and gathered in faith will walk this pure path, forsaking their former ways to ascend towards Zion, representing the Church, and experiencing unending joy both on earth and in heaven. They will extol the God who has saved them, and they will receive joy, gladness, and every form of delight in Christ, with no trace of sorrow or mourning to be found among them. For those called to such radiant promises, the future heirs of eternal life who will be adorned with the splendor of divine glory, what grief can they know, or what sighing can they endure, when all malevolent entities are obliterated by the Almighty? Rather, they will bask in complete joy, sharing in every good gift that is bestowed.