The Ransomed of the Lord Return to Zion

Isaiah 35:10 presents the ransomed of Yahweh returning in triumph. To ransom (lutroo) means to redeem or free from captivity by paying an equivalent—to rescue from danger and death, to deliver from an enemy's possession through warfare or purchase by gold.

Exell identifies three dimensions of the ransomed: First, they are spiritually rescued and emancipated, purchased by the precious blood of Christ. Second, they are regenerate of the Holy Ghost, quickened into new life—not merely redeemed but begotten anew. Third, they are adopted into the family of Elohim. This sequence is unique: life purchased, life begotten, life ennobled.

Their destination is Zion, the celestial city whose maker and builder is God. Old Testament Zion typifies this heavenly reality through three parallels. Ancient Zion was the seat of worship; the ransomed journey toward the temple not made with hands, where they shall worship and serve in multifold ministries. Zion was the seat of royalty where David's thrones of judgment stood; heaven is the city of the Great King, where the Mediator-King sits upon His sapphire throne, belted with rainbows of mercy and grace. To His ransomed He promises, "Ye shall sit upon thrones."

Most profoundly, Zion was the pilgrim's rest—the journey's terminus. For God's ransomed ones, daily pilgrimage advances toward home, moving nearer to that rest from conflict, that eternal peace which Adonai alone bestows.