[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.