Someone who was lame
had an internal weakness that made him physically helpless. An outcast
was one whose external circumstances separated him from the community. But the Lord promises to save the lame
and gather the outcast.
He intends to overcome their weaknesses and limitations. And he would do so, in light of Zephaniah 3:20, when the exiles would return home. Motyer is likely correct when he sees here the motif of the final pilgrimage to Zion (Isaiah 35:1–10). “No personal inability will be allowed to prevent the Lord’s pilgrims from coming safely home. Rather, the Lord will provide everything necessary for them (Isaiah 42:16; Isaiah 42:16)."1
19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.