Isaiah 35

The Ransomed Return to Zion

1 The wilderness and the dry land will be glad;

the desert will rejoice and blossom like a wildflower.  * 35:1 Or meadow saffron; traditionally rose,* 35:1 Ps 65:12; Is 6:11; 7:21–25; 27:10; 32:15; 41:18–19; 51:3; 55:12–13

2 It will blossom abundantly

and will also rejoice with joy and singing.

The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,

the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.  * 35:2 Sg 2:1; 5:15; 7:5; Is 33:9

They will see the glory of the  Lord,  * 35:2 Ex 16:7,10; Lv 9:6,23; Nm 29:6; Is 40:5; Ezk 1:28; 3:23

the splendor of our God.  * 35:2 Ps 45:3–4; 96:6; 104:1; 145:5,12; Is 2:10,19,21; 53:2; 63:1; Ezk 16:14

3 Strengthen the weak hands,

steady the shaking knees!  * 35:3 Heb 12:12

4 Say to the cowardly:

"Be strong; do not fear!

Here is your God; vengeance is coming.  * 35:4 Is 1:24; 34:8; 47:3; 59:17; 61:2; 63:4

God’s retribution is coming; he will save you."  * 35:4 Is 33:22

5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened,

and the ears of the deaf unstopped.  * 35:5 Is 29:18; 32:3–4; 42:7,16,18; 50:4; Mt 11:5; Lk 7:22; Jn 9:6–7

6 Then the lame will leap like a deer,  * 35:6 Zph 3:19; Mt 11:5; 15:30–31; 21:14; Ac 3:1–8; 8:7; 14:8–10

and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy,  * 35:6 Ex 4:11; Mk 7:32; 9:25

for water will gush in the wilderness,

and streams in the desert;  * 35:6 Is 41:18; 43:19; Jn 7:38–39

7 the parched ground will become a pool,

and the thirsty land, springs.  * 35:7 Is 49:10

In the haunt of jackals,  * 35:7 Is 13:22; 34:13 in their lairs,

there will be grass, reeds, and papyrus.

8 A road will be there and a way;  * 35:8 Is 40:3; 42:16; 43:16,19; 49:11; 51:10; 57:14; 62:10

it will be called the Holy Way.  * 35:8 Is 4:3; 52:1; Mt 7:13–14; 1Pt 1:15–16

The unclean will not travel on it,  * 35:8 Is 52:1; Rv 21:27

but it will be for the one who walks the path.  * 35:8 Ps 139:24; Is 2:3; 8:11; 30:21; 42:24; 48:17; 58:13

Fools will not wander on it.

9 There will be no lion there,

and no vicious beast will go up on it;

they will not be found there.

But the redeemed will walk on it,

10 and the ransomed of the  Lord will return  * 35:10 Is 51:11

and come to Zion with singing,

crowned with unending joy.

Joy and gladness will overtake them,

and sorrow and sighing will flee.  * 35:10 Is 65:19; Rm 9:2; Rv 21:4