Isaiah 35:4
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
ISAIAH 35:4
Verse 4 carries a reconciling heartbeat: Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you.” The context is comfort amid threat—exilic communities and those subject to oppression long for deliverance. The paradox of “vengeance” coupled with salvation signals that God’s justice will be exercised to set things right, not merely to punish. The appearance of God bringing rescue reinforces trust in His faithfulness: He sees their plight and will act decisively to restore.
Vengeance in biblical terms often denotes God’s rightful judgment against evil and His commitment to justice for the vulnerable. The verse ties divine action to salvation, uniting mercy with justice. It presents God as both judge and Savior, ensuring that fear is replaced by confidence in a faithful, redeeming presence. This dual emphasis reassures readers that God’s interventions are trustworthy and ultimately for the good of His people.
When fear grips you, rehearse the promise that God will come to save—often through steady, faithful means rather than dramatic display alone. Practical steps: identify concrete fears and seek wise, faithful action to address them—seek counsel, pursue reconciliation, or engage in advocacy for justice. Trust that God’s timing may involve both a current act of mercy and a larger, future resolution. In community settings, cultivate environments where people can name fears and receive encouragement that God is present in the process of healing.
Cross-References
- Isaiah 41:10
- Psalm 34:17-18
- Romans 8:31-39
- Joel 2:32
- 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10