35:1 The desert will rejoice, and flowers will bloom in the wastelands. |
35:2 The desert will sing and shout for joy; it will be as beautiful as the Lebanon Mountains and as fertile as the fields of Carmel and Sharon. Everyone will see the LORD's splendor, see his greatness and power. |
35:3 Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness. |
35:4 Tell everyone who is discouraged, "Be strong and don't be afraid! God is coming to your rescue, coming to punish your enemies." |
35:5 The blind will be able to see, and the deaf will hear. |
35:6 The lame will leap and dance, and those who cannot speak will shout for joy. Streams of water will flow through the desert; |
35:7 the burning sand will become a lake, and dry land will be filled with springs. Where jackals used to live, marsh grass and reeds will grow. |
35:8 There will be a highway there, called "The Road of Holiness." No sinner will ever travel that road; no fools will mislead those who follow it. |
35:9 No lions will be there; no fierce animals will pass that way. Those whom the LORD has rescued will travel home by that road. |
35:10 They will reach Jerusalem with gladness, singing and shouting for joy. They will be happy forever, forever free from sorrow and grief. |