Dual Panel1Let the wilderness and the parched land be glad, let the desert rejoice and burst into flower.
2Let it flower with fields of asphodel, let it rejoice and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon is given to it, the splendour too of Carmel and Sharon; these will see the glory of the LORD, the splendour of our God.
3Brace the arms that are limp, steady the knees that give way;
4say to the anxious, “Be strong, fear not! Your God comes to save you with his vengeance and his retribution.”
5Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6Then the lame will leap like deer, and the dumb shout aloud; for water will spring up in the wilderness and torrents flow in the desert.
7The mirage will become a pool, the thirsty land bubbling springs; instead of reeds and rushes, grass will grow in country where wolves have their lairs.
8And a causeway will appear there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. No one unclean will pass along it; it will become a pilgrim's way, and no fool will trespass on it.
9No lion will come there, no savage beast go by; not one will be found there. But by that way those the LORD has redeemed will return.
10The LORD's people, set free, will come back and enter Zion with shouts of triumph, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will come upon them, while suffering and weariness flee away.