Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.

Parched ground

(Isa. 35:7), Heb.sharab, a "mirage", a phenomenon caused by the refraction of the rays of the sun on the glowing sands of the desert, causing them suddenly to assume the appearance of a beautiful lake. It is called by the modern Arabs by the same Hebrew name serab.