17 The poor and the needy seek water, but there is none;

their tongues are parched with thirst.

I will answer them.a

I am the Lord, the God of Israel. I will not abandon them.

18 I will open rivers on the barren heights,b

and springs in the middle of the plains.

I will turn the desert into a pool

and dry land into springs.c

19 I will plant cedar, acacia, myrtle, and olive trees

in the wilderness.d

I will put juniper, elm, and cypress trees together

in the desert,

20 so that all may see and know,

consider and understand,

that the hand of the Lord has done this,e

the Holy One of Israel has createdf it.