Isaiah 35

Hope for Restoration

1. Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. 1 The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.

2. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers 2 and singing and joy! 2 The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, 2 as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. 2 There the Lord will display his glory, 2 the splendor of our God.

3. With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, 3 and encourage those who have weak knees.

4. Say to those with fearful hearts, 4 “Be strong, and do not fear, 4 for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. 4 He is coming to save you.”

5. And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind 5 and unplug the ears of the deaf.

6. The lame will leap like a deer, 6 and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! 6 Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, 6 and streams will water the wasteland.

7. The parched ground will become a pool, 7 and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land. 7 Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish 7 where desert jackals once lived.

8. And a great road will go through that once deserted land. 8 It will be named the Highway of Holiness. 8 Evil-minded people will never travel on it. 8 It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways; 8 fools will never walk there.

9. Lions will not lurk along its course, 9 nor any other ferocious beasts. 9 There will be no other dangers. 9 Only the redeemed will walk on it.

10. Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. 10 They will enter Jerusalem[a] singing, 10 crowned with everlasting joy. 10 Sorrow and mourning will disappear, 10 and they will be filled with joy and gladness.

Footnotes:
a. 35:10: Hebrew Zion.