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Just as ch. 34 conveyed unmitigated destruction of the nations, ch. 35 presents a picture of unrestrained joy and unending blessing for the people of Zion. Isaiah held to a belief that was deeply imbedded in the hearts and literature of the Hebrews, i.e., the end time will be like the beginning of time, the new age (messianic) will reflect the earliest age. Just as the eerie chaos of Ge 1:2 gave way to the creative blessing of God in Ge 1:3ff., so the devastation of the final day will give way to the extraordinary blessings of the new age. Few passages convey these blessings more graphically than does ch. 35.
The desert of ch. 34 will be transformed into a place of beauty (vv.1-2). Those who are weak will be saved/strengthened (vv.3-4). Miraculous healings will occur (vv.5-6), the blind will see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, and the mute speak. It will be a sign that the new age has dawned, the Messiah has come, and the kingdom of God is at hand (see Mt 11:1-6 where Jesus' response to John the Baptist’s question as to whether Jesus is the Messiah includes these signs).
The contrast with ch. 34 continues in vv.6-7 with the transformation of the desert into an oasis. The picture of redemption culminates in the restoration of the people of God. The exiles will return upon a highway, the Way of Holiness.