Isaiah

¹ the badlands will celebrate and flower— Like the crocus in spring,

² a symphony of song and color. Mountain glories of Lebanon—a gift. Awesome Carmel, stunning Sharon—gifts. God's resplendent glory, fully on display. God awesome, God majestic.

³ strengthen the rubbery knees.

⁴ "Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on his way to put things right And redress all wrongs. He's on his way! He'll save you!"

⁵ deaf ears unstopped,

⁶ the voiceless break into song. Springs of water will burst out in the wilderness, streams flow in the desert.

⁷ thirsty ground a splashing fountain. Even lowly jackals will have water to drink, and barren grasslands flourish richly.

⁸ called the Holy Road. No one rude or rebellious is permitted on this road. It's for God's people exclusively— impossible to get lost on this road. Not even fools can get lost on it.

⁹ no dangerous wild animals— Nothing and no one dangerous or threatening. Only the redeemed will walk on it.

¹⁰ will come back on this road. They'll sing as they make their way home to Zion, unfading halos of joy encircling their heads, Welcomed home with gifts of joy and gladness as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night.