[1] The desert will rejoice, and flowers will bloom in the wastelands. [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. [3] Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness. [4] Tell everyone who is discouraged, "Be strong and don't be afraid! God is coming to your rescue, coming to punish your enemies." [5] The blind will be able to see, and the deaf will hear. [6] The lame will leap and dance, and those who cannot speak will shout for joy. Streams of water will flow through the desert; [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. [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. [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. [10] They will reach Jerusalem with gladness, singing and shouting for joy. They will be happy forever, forever free from sorrow and grief.
