The land mourns and languishes. Lebanon is disgraced and withered. The fields of Sharon are like a desert. The lands of Bashan and Carmel are stripped bare.
even the cypresses and cedars of Lebanon join in, rejoicing over your demise, saying, ‘Now that you were laid low, no woodsman comes to cut us down.’ ”
Every dry and barren place will burst forth with abundant blossoms, dancing and spinning with delight! Lebanon’s lush splendor covers it, the magnificent beauty of Carmel and Sharon. My people will see the awesome glory of Yahweh, the beautiful grandeur of our God.
You sent your messengers to mock the Lord. You boast, “My vast number of chariots has taken me up the highest mountains, to the heights of Lebanon’s forests. I cut down its loftiest cedars, its choicest cypresses. I ascended its highest peak and claimed its great forests.
For my people who seek me, I will make the Plain of Sharon a pasture for flocks in the east, and in the west, the Valley of Trouble will be a resting place for cattle, for my people who seek me and no other god.
“I will bring Israel back to her own land. The people will be like sheep eating their fill on Mount Carmel, in Bashan, in the hill country of Ephraim, and in Gilead. They will all be satisfied.