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Isaiah 11:16
And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.

Isaiah 19:23
In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.

Isaiah 40:3,4
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God…

the way

Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

1 Thessalonians 4:7
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

2 Timothy 1:9
Who hath saved us, and calledus with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

the unclean

Isaiah 52:1,11
Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean…

Isaiah 60:21
Thy people alsoshall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

Ezekiel 43:12
Thisis the law of the house; Upon the top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round aboutshall be most holy. Behold, thisis the law of the house.

but it shall be for those.

Isaiah 49:10
They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thouart with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

the wayfaring

Isaiah 30:21
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, Thisis the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORDis perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORDis sure, making wise the simple.

Psalm 25:8,9
Good and uprightis the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way…

The unclean will not travel it—
In the context of Isaiah, "unclean" refers to those who are ritually impure or morally defiled, unable to approach God's holy presence. This exclusion underscores the necessity of spiritual purity and righteousness to walk on this divine path. The Old Testament law provided detailed instructions on cleanliness, symbolizing the separation from sin required to commune with God (Leviticus 11-15). In the New Testament, this is fulfilled through Christ's atoning sacrifice, which cleanses believers from sin (1John 1:7).

only those who walk in the Way—
This phrase highlights the exclusivity of the path to those who live according to God's commandments. Walking in "the Way" implies a lifestyle of obedience and faithfulness, reminiscent of the early Christian community, which was known as "the Way" (Acts 9:2). It suggests a journey of discipleship, where believers follow the teachings and example of Jesus, the ultimate embodiment of the Way.

and fools will not stray onto it.
In biblical literature, "fools" often denote those who reject wisdom and live contrary to God's will (Proverbs 1:7). This phrase assures that those who lack spiritual discernment and reject God's truth will not inadvertently find themselves on this holy path. It emphasizes the intentionality required to pursue righteousness and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in leading believers on the path of life (Psalm 16:11). The assurance that fools will not stray onto it underscores the divine protection and guidance for those who earnestly seek God.

Isaiah foresees a literal roadway through the desert when God gathers His people back to Zion (Isaiah 11:16; 49:11; 62:10). Just as “A voice of one calling in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’ ” (Isaiah 40:3), this highway pictures:

• Direct access—no detours, no dead ends.

• Royal purpose—built by the King for His redeemed subjects.

• Safety—elevated above the surrounding dangers (Isaiah 35:9).

The New Testament widens the lens: Jesus declares, “I am the way” (John 14:6), turning the prophecy into a living, personal reality for every believer.

The roadway’s very name marks it off as sacred ground. Holiness is not optional; it reflects God’s nature (Leviticus 19:2;1 Peter 1:16). Walking here means:

• Separation from sin.

• Fellowship with a holy God (Hebrews 10:19-20).

• Life that consistently mirrors His character.

The title also echoes the earliest Christian self-description—“the Way” (Acts 9:2)—showing that followers of Christ travel a path already mapped out by prophecy.

Spiritual and moral impurity bars the road (Ezekiel 44:9;Revelation 21:27). Yet God provides cleansing:

• “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).

• “You were washed…you were sanctified…in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Entrance is closed to the unrepentant, but wide open to anyone willing to be washed by the blood of the Lamb.

Eligibility rests on continued obedience, not a one-time nod. ComparePsalm 1:6—“For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous”—andMatthew 7:14—“small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life.” Staying on course involves:

• Trusting Christ alone for salvation.

• Daily steps of faith and obedience (Colossians 2:6).

• Mutual encouragement within the believing community (Hebrews 3:13).

Biblical “fools” despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7). Such self-willed travelers can’t accidentally stumble onto this road, nor can the faithful accidentally wander off:

• God guards the way (Psalm 121:8).

• Wisdom keeps feet from slipping (Ephesians 5:15-17;James 1:5).

• The Shepherd’s voice guides and corrects (John 10:4).

Isaiah 35:8 paints a vivid picture of a divinely constructed highway—straight, secure, and holy. It belongs to the redeemed, excludes the unclean, and protects travelers from foolish wandering. Ultimately the prophecy points to Jesus Himself, the Way who cleanses, leads, and preserves His people on their journey home to Zion.

The way of holiness . . .--The name of the road confirms the interpretation just given. There was to be a trueVia Sacrato the earthly temple, as the type of that eternal Temple, not made with hands, which also was in the prophet's thoughts. Along that road there would be no barbarous invaders polluting the ground they trod, no Jews ceremonially or spiritually unclean. The picture of the heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21:27) into which "there entereth nothing that defileth," presents a like feature.It shall be for them, i.e. . . .It is appointed for those, for whosoever walketh therein(the Hebrew verb is in the singular). Then, in strict order, comes the final clause:Even the simple ones shall not lose their way.A curious parallel is found inEcclesiastes 10:15, where "he knoweth not how to go to the city," is one of the notes of the man who is void of understanding.