Isaiah 35

1Wilderness and thirsty land will be glad; the barren plain will exult and break into flower like the crocus. 2Its blossoms will be everywhere; it will exult with gladness and glad cries. It will receive the glory of Lebanon, the splendor of Carmel and of Sharon. They will see the LORD in his glory, our God in his splendor.

3Put strength into hands that hang limp; steady the knees that buckle. 4Tell those whose hearts are racing, “Take courage; do not be afraid! Here is your God. Vengeance is coming, God’s own repayment; he himself is coming, and he will save you.” 5Then eyes that were blind will be opened, and ears that were deaf will be unsealed. 6Then the lame will spring like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will cry out with joy. For in the wilderness water will burst out, and in the barren plain, streams. 7The shimmering sand will turn into a pond, and parched ground into springs of water. Where jackals once had their lairs and lay at rest, grass will give way to reeds and papyrus. 8A raised road will run there, a highway, and it will be named the Way of Holiness. No one unclean will travel on it; it will be for those who walk the way, and fools will not stray onto it. 9There will be no lion on it; no savage beast will set foot on it or be found there. Along it the redeemed will walk. 10Those the LORD has ransomed will come back; they will enter Zion with glad shouts, with joy that never ends resting on their heads. Delight and gladness will catch up with them, and grief and groaning will run away.