1 The desert and the dry land will be glad;the wilderness will rejoice and blossom like the crocus.
2 They will burst into bloom,and rejoice with joy and singing.They will receive the glory of Lebanon,the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.They will see the Lord’s glory,the splendor of our God.
3 Strengthen the weak hands,and support the unsteady knees.
4 Say to those who are panicking:"Be strong! Don’t fear!Here’s your God,coming with vengeance;with divine retributionGod will come to save you."
5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened,and the ears of the deaf will be cleared.
6 Then the lame will leap like the deer,and the tongue of the speechless will sing.Waters will spring up in the desert,and streams in the wilderness.
7 The burning sand will become a pool,and the thirsty ground, fountains of water.The jackals’ habitat, a pasture;grass will become reeds and rushes.