 1 The wilderness and the desert shall be glad for them. And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the crocus. 2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the honor of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord and the majesty of our God. 3 Make the weak hands strong and make the feeble knees sure. 4 Say to those of a hasty heart, Be strong. Do not be afraid. Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the full dealing of God. He will come and save you. 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then the lame will leap like a deer. The tongue of the mute+ will sing. In the wilderness waters will break forth and streams in the desert. 7 The parched ground will become a pool. The thirsty land will become springs of water. In the home of jackals, in its lair, will be a place for the reed and rush. 8 A highway will be there and a way. It will be called, The Way of Holiness. The unclean will not pass over it. But He will be with them. The wayfaring men, though fools, will not err in it. 9 No lion will be there. No beast of prey will go up on it nor be found there. But the redeemed will walk there. 10 The ransomed of the Lord will return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy on their heads. They will obtain joy and gladness. Sorrow and sighing will flee away.
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