35
1 The
wilderness and the
dry land will be
glad.
The desert will
rejoice and
blossom like a
rose.
2 It
will blossom
abundantly,
and rejoice even
with joy and
singing.
Lebanon’s glory
will be given
to it,
the excellence of
Carmel and Sharon.
They will see
the LORD’s glory,
the excellence of
our God.
3 Strengthen
the weak hands,
and make the
feeble knees firm.
4 Tell those
who have a
fearful heart, “Be
strong!
Don’t be afraid!
Behold, your God
will come with
vengeance, God’s retribution.
He will come and
save you.
5 Then
the eyes of
the blind will
be opened,
and the ears of
the deaf will
be unstopped.
6 Then
the lame man
will leap like
a deer,
and the tongue
of the mute will
sing;
for waters will
break out in
the wilderness,
and streams in
the desert.
7 The burning
sand will become a
pool,
and the thirsty
ground springs of
water.
Grass with reeds
and rushes will
be in the
habitation of
jackals, where they lay.
8 A
highway will be
there, a road,
and it will
be called “The
Holy Way”.
The unclean shall
not pass over
it,
but it will
be for those
who walk in
the Way.
Wicked fools shall not
go there.
9 No lion
will be there,
nor will any
ravenous animal go
up on it.
They will not
be found there;
but the redeemed
will walk there.
10 Then
the LORD’s
ransomed ones will
return,
and come with
singing to Zion;
and everlasting
joy will be
on their heads.
They will obtain
gladness and joy,
and sorrow
and sighing will
flee away.”