Jehovah Refreshed His People

It is difficult to imagine a paradise without water.  The original Paradise in Eden had an abundance  of water.  (Genesis 2:10-14)  The land given to Israel was also "a land of torrent valleys of water, springs and watery deeps issuing forth."  (Deuteronomy 8:7) Appropriately, then, Isaiah makes this refreshing promise:  "In the wilderness waters will have burst out, and torrents in the desert plain. And the heat-parched ground will have become as  a reedy pool, and the thirsty ground as springs of water.  In the abiding place of jackals, a resting-place for them, there will be green grass with reeds and papyrus  plants."  (Isaiah 35:6b, 7)  When the Israelites again care for the land, the desolate areas where jackals once roamed will be covered with verdant, luxuriant vegetation.  Dry and dusty ground will be transformed into "a swampy place" where papyr8uus and other aquatic reeds can grow. -Job 8:11.

More important, though, is the spiritual water of truth, which the repatriated Jews will enjoy in full abundance.  Jehovah will provide knowledge, encouragement, and comfort through His Word.  Moreover, faithful older men and princes will be "like streams of water in a waterless country."  (Isaiah 32:1, 2) Those who promote pure worship such as Ezra, Haggai, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Zechariah, Zerubbabel, will indeed be living testimony to the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. -Ezra 5:1, 2; 7:6, 10; Nehemiah 12:47.

Next time: "The Way of Holiness"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000