Jehovah's People Rejoice

Chapter 35 of Isaiah's prophecy ends on a joyful note: "The very ones redeemed by Jehovah will return and certainly come to Zion with a joyful cry; and rejoicing to time indefinite will be upon their head.  To exultation and rejoicing they will attain, and grief and sighing must flee away."  (Isaiah 35:10)  The captive Jews who have looked to this prophecy for comfort and hope during their  exile may have wondered how its various details would be fulfilled.  Likely they have not understood many aspects of the prophecy.  Still, it has been crystal clear that they would "return and certainly come to Zion."

 Hence, in the year 537 B.C.E., some 50,000 men (including more than 7,000 slaves and temple singers) along with women and children make the four-month journey back to Jerusalem, with full confidence in Jehovah.  (Ezra 2:64, 65)  Just a few months later, Jehovah's altar is rebuilt, setting the stage for a full reconstruction of the temple.  The 200 year-old prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled.  The nation's grief and sighing while in Babylon is replaced by exultation and rejoicing in the restored land.  Jehovah has fulfilled his promise.  Paradise-both literal and spiritual-has been restored!

Next time:  The Birth of a New Nation

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