Isaiah 44:23

Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done [it]: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

Sing {H7442}, O ye heavens {H8064}; for the LORD {H3068} hath done {H6213} it: shout {H7321}, ye lower parts {H8482} of the earth {H776}: break forth {H6476} into singing {H7440}, ye mountains {H2022}, O forest {H3293}, and every tree {H6086} therein: for the LORD {H3068} hath redeemed {H1350} Jacob {H3290}, and glorified {H6286} himself in Israel {H3478}.

Sing, you heavens, for ADONAI has done it! Shout, you depths of the earth! Mountains, break out into song, along with every tree in the forest! For ADONAI has redeemed Ya'akov; he glorifies himself in Isra'el.

Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O depths of the earth. Break forth in song, O mountains, you forests and all your trees. For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and revealed His glory in Israel.

Sing, O ye heavens, for Jehovah hath done it; shout, ye lower parts of the earth; break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for Jehovah hath redeemed Jacob, and will glorify himself in Israel.

Commentary

Isaiah 44:23 is a powerful call to universal praise, celebrating God's decisive act of redemption for His people, Israel, and the subsequent glorification of His own name through this deed.

Context

This verse is part of the prophetic book of Isaiah, specifically within chapters 40-55, often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" or "Second Isaiah." This section addresses the people of Israel during their Babylonian exile, offering messages of hope, restoration, and the unparalleled sovereignty of God. Leading up to verse 23, the LORD has just declared His unique identity as the only God, the Creator, and the One who blots out transgressions (Isaiah 44:22). The phrase "the LORD hath done [it]" refers directly to this completed work of forgiveness and the assured deliverance from exile, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Key Themes

  • Divine Accomplishment: The declaration "the LORD hath done [it]" emphasizes God's omnipotent power and His unwavering commitment to fulfill His purposes. It signifies a work already accomplished, providing a basis for immediate and joyful praise.
  • Redemption and Restoration: "the LORD hath redeemed Jacob." The Hebrew word for redeemed, ga'al, implies an act of deliverance, often by a kinsman-redeemer who buys back or frees. Here, God Himself acts as the ultimate Redeemer, freeing His people from spiritual and physical bondage. This act of redemption is a central theme throughout Scripture, culminating in redemption through Christ's blood in the New Testament.
  • God's Glory: "and glorified himself in Israel." God's ultimate aim in redeeming His people is not merely their well-being, but the display of His own majesty, power, and faithfulness. Their restoration serves as a testimony to His character before all nations.
  • Universal Call to Praise: The command for "heavens," "lower parts of the earth," "mountains," "forest," and "every tree therein" to "sing" and "shout" underscores the immense significance of God's redemptive work. It's an event so grand that all creation is invited to participate in the celebration, reflecting the theme found in Psalm 148.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew verb for "redeemed" is ga'al (Χ’ΦΈΦΌΧΦ·Χœ), which carries the rich meaning of acting as a "kinsman-redeemer." This role involved protecting family interests, avenging blood, or buying back property or persons from slavery. When applied to God, it highlights His intimate relationship with Israel and His powerful, personal intervention to deliver them from their plight.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 44:23 serves as a powerful reminder of God's completed work of salvation through Jesus Christ. Just as God "has done it" for Israel, He has accomplished our redemption, offering forgiveness and new life. This verse encourages us to:

  • Embrace Joyful Praise: Recognize that our salvation is a finished work by God, prompting heartfelt worship and thanksgiving.
  • Live as Witnesses: Understand that God's acts of redemption in our lives are ultimately for His glory, enabling us to bear witness to His power and love.
  • Anticipate Future Glory: Look forward to the day when all creation will fully acknowledge and praise God for His ultimate redemption and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, as envisioned in Revelation 21.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ephesians 1:6

    To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

  • Ephesians 1:7

    In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

  • Revelation 5:8

    And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

  • Revelation 5:14

    And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

  • Psalms 69:34

    Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.

  • Psalms 98:7

    Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

  • Psalms 98:8

    Let the floods clap [their] hands: let the hills be joyful together