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.