What is the meaning of Isaiah 35:4? Say to those with anxious hearts “Say to those with anxious hearts…” • God instructs His people to speak comfort directly to the fearful, much like Moses reassured Israel in Exodus 14:13 and Jesus calmed His disciples in John 14:1. • An “anxious heart” is more than passing worry; it is the heavy uncertainty that can settle in when circumstances feel overwhelming (Psalm 94:19). • The very act of proclaiming God’s promise counters anxiety. Just as Paul urged believers to “encourage one another” in 1 Thessalonians 4:18, we are called to relay heaven’s message instead of merely sympathizing with earthly fear. Be strong, do not fear! “Be strong, do not fear!” • Strength and courage are repeatedly paired in Scripture—Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6—because confidence flows from knowing Who stands behind us (Isaiah 41:10). • This is a command, not a suggestion. God never asks us to summon bravery from within but to receive it from Him (2 Timothy 1:7). • Fear diminishes when faith grows. Like Peter fixing his gaze on Christ to walk on water (Matthew 14:29-31), focusing on God’s presence lifts us above the waves of worry. Behold, your God will come with vengeance “Behold, your God will come with vengeance.” • “Behold” calls for attentive expectation; God’s arrival is certain and visible, echoing Isaiah 40:10 and Revelation 22:12. • Vengeance here means perfect justice—punishing evil and righting wrongs (Nahum 1:2; Romans 12:19). It is neither capricious nor excessive; it is the holy answer to sin’s oppression. • The promise addresses those harmed by wickedness. As in Psalm 94:1-3, God pledges He has not ignored injustice; He is coming personally to settle accounts. With divine retribution He will come to save you “With divine retribution He will come to save you.” • Justice and salvation appear together. When God judges the oppressor, He simultaneously delivers the oppressed (Isaiah 63:4-5). • The phrase anticipates both the first advent—Christ saving through the cross (Luke 4:18-21)—and the second advent—Christ returning in power (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). • Divine retribution guarantees that evil cannot outlast God’s plan. Like the Red Sea crushing Egypt’s army while Israel walks free (Exodus 14:30-31), our rescue is wrapped in God’s triumph over our enemies. summary Isaiah 35:4 reassures trembling hearts that God Himself steps in. He commands courage, promises justice, and links our salvation to His decisive, righteous action. The verse invites believers to exchange anxiety for confidence, knowing the Lord who comes is both Warrior and Savior, utterly faithful to keep His word. |
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