1The wilderness and the dry land will be glad. The desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.
2It will blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see Yahweh’s glory, the splendor of our God.
3Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees.
4Tell those who have a fearful heart, “Be strong. Don’t be afraid. Look, your God will come with vengeance, God’s retribution. He will come and save you.”
5Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unblocked.
6Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing. For water will break out in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.
7The burning sand will become a pool, and the thirsty ground will become springs of water. Grass with reeds and rushes will grow where jackals live and lie down.
8A highway will be there, a road, and it will be called The Holy Way. Those who are unclean will not pass over it, but it will be for those who walk in the Way. Wicked fools will not go there.
9No 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.
10Yahweh’s ransomed ones will return and come with singing to Zion, with everlasting joy on their heads. They will experience gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”