"The Way of Holiness"

Before the exiled Jews can enjoy such physical and spiritual paradisiac conditions, however, they will have to make the long and hazardous journey from Babylon to Jerusalem.  Taking a direct route would mean crossing some 500 miles of arid, inhospitable terrain. A less-challenging route would involve traveling 1,000 miles. Either journey would mean spending months exposed to the elements and in danger of meeting both wild beasts and beastlike men. Still, those who believe Isaiah's prophecy are not overly concerned.  Why?

Through Isaiah, Jehovah promises: "There will certainly come to be a highway there, even a way; and the Way of Holiness it will be called.  The unclean one will not pass over it.  And it will be fore the one walking on the way, and no foolish ones will wander about on it.  No lion will prove to be there, and the rapacious sort of wild beasts will not come up on it.  None will be found there; and the repurchased ones must walk there."  (Isaiah 35:8, 9) Jehovah has reclaimed his people!  They are his "repurchased ones,"  and he guarantees them safe conduct on their way home.  Is there a  literal paved, elevated, and fenced-in road from Babylon to Jerusalem?  No, but Jehovah's protection of his people on their journey is so pure that  it is as if they were on such a highway. -Compare Psalm 91:1-16.

The Jews are also protected from spiritual dangers.  The figurative highway is "the Way of Holiness."  Those who disrespect sacred things  or are spiritually unclean are not qualified to travel on it.  they are not wanted in the restored land.  Approved ones are rightly motivated.  they are not returning to Judah and Jerusalem in a spirit of national pride or in pursuit of personal interests.  Spiritually-minded Jews realize that the principal reason for their return is to reestablish the pure worship of Jehovah in that land. -Ezra 1:1-3.

Next time: Jehovah's People Rejoice

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