Isaiah 48:20

KJV

Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it [even] to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

KJV (with Strong's)

Go ye forth {H3318} of Babylon {H894}, flee {H1272} ye from the Chaldeans {H3778}, with a voice {H6963} of singing {H7440} declare {H5046} ye, tell {H8085} this, utter {H3318} it even to the end {H7097} of the earth {H776}; say {H559} ye, The LORD {H3068} hath redeemed {H1350} his servant {H5650} Jacob {H3290}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Get out of Bavel! Flee the Kasdim! With shouts of joy announce it, proclaim it! Send the news out to the ends of the earth! Say, "ADONAI has redeemed his servant Ya'akov."

Berean Standard Bible

Leave Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans! Declare it with a shout of joy, proclaim it, let it go out to the ends of the earth, saying, “The LORD has redeemed His servant Jacob!”

American Standard Version

Go ye forth from Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans; with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth: say ye, Jehovah hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 48:20 issues a powerful, multi-faceted divine command for the Israelite exiles to depart decisively from Babylon and the Chaldeans, not in silent retreat, but with a jubilant and far-reaching proclamation. This verse serves as a triumphant declaration to the entire world that the Lord, in His unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power, has decisively redeemed His servant Jacob, signaling the end of their captivity and the dawn of a new era of freedom and restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 48 concludes the first major section of the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 40-55), which focuses on God's comfort and promise of restoration to His exiled people. This chapter specifically addresses the "stubborn" house of Jacob, rebuking their idolatry and lack of faith while simultaneously reaffirming God's absolute sovereignty and His unique ability to declare the future. The preceding verses emphasize God's foreknowledge, particularly regarding the rise of Cyrus as His instrument to overthrow Babylon, and His commitment to act for His own name's sake, not because of Israel's merit. Verse 20, therefore, serves as the climactic announcement of the promised deliverance, a direct divine imperative for the exiles to embrace the liberation God has wrought, echoing earlier pronouncements of a new exodus found in passages like [Isaiah 43:16-21](/isaiah/43-16-21 "Isaiah 43:16-21 - God Makes a Way in the Wilderness"). It marks a definitive transition from the period of judgment and exile to the promised return and restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 48:20 is the impending or ongoing Babylonian Exile, which commenced in 586 BC with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. The "Chaldeans" (H3778, _Kasdîy_) were the dominant ethnic group within the Neo-Babylonian Empire, renowned for their military might, advanced astronomical knowledge, and polytheistic practices. Babylon (H894, _Bâbel_), located in Mesopotamia, was the epitome of imperial power, wealth, and idolatry, standing in stark contrast to Jerusalem, the city where Yahweh's name dwelt. The command to "flee" and "go forth" would have resonated deeply with the exiles, who endured decades of subjugation and longed for liberation from this foreign land. The concept of a "redeemer" (H1350, _gâʼal_) was deeply embedded in ancient Israelite culture, referring to a kinsman (goel) who had the legal and moral obligation to restore family property, avenge blood, or buy back a relative from slavery. God's self-identification as Israel's Redeemer thus highlights a profoundly personal and covenantal act of liberation, demonstrating His faithfulness to His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes woven throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is **Divine Deliverance and Freedom**, as God actively intervenes to liberate His people from oppressive human empires, demonstrating His supreme power over all nations and His capacity to fulfill His promises. This liberation is framed as **Redemption**, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness to "His servant Jacob" (H3290, _Yaʻăqôb_; H5650, _ʻebed_), a term that underscores Israel's special, albeit often strained, relationship with God despite their unfaithfulness. The instruction to proclaim this news "with a voice of singing" (H6963, _qôwl_ H7440, _rinnâh_) and "to the end of the earth" (H7097, _qâtseh_ H776, _ʼerets_) highlights the theme of **Joyful Proclamation and Universal Witness**. God's redemptive acts are not merely for Israel's benefit but are to be declared globally, indicating the universal scope of His salvific plan and the role of His people as witnesses. This entire narrative reinforces **God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, assuring Israel that despite their trials and their own failures, God remains true to His promises, proving Himself to be the only true God, as consistently declared in [Isaiah 44:6-8](/isaiah/44-6-8 "Isaiah 44:6-8 - The Lord, the First and the Last").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go ye forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** (H3318) A primitive root meaning "to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim." In this context, it is a forceful imperative, not merely an invitation but a divine command for the exiles to depart decisively from Babylon. It signifies a complete and definitive separation from the place of bondage and idolatry, initiating a new phase of existence under God's sovereign leading.
* **flee (Hebrew, _bârach'_):** (H1272) A primitive root meaning "to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee suddenly; chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot." This word emphasizes the urgency and swiftness of the departure, suggesting a rapid escape from the oppressive power of the Chaldeans, underscoring the immediate and decisive nature of God's deliverance that requires a prompt response from His people.
* **redeemed (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** (H1350) A primitive root, "to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship), i.e.; to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow, etc.); [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger." This term carries profound theological weight, referring to the role of a "kinsman-redeemer" (goel) who had the right and responsibility to restore a lost inheritance, avenge a wrong, or free a relative from slavery. Here, Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) Himself acts as the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer for "His servant Jacob" (H5650, _ʻebed_ H3290, _Yaʻăqôb_), signifying a deep, personal, and powerful act of liberation and restoration, often implying a price paid or a powerful intervention to reclaim what is rightfully His.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans":** This opening clause presents a twofold imperative, a direct and urgent divine command for the Israelite exiles to leave their place of captivity. "Babylon" (H894, _Bâbel_) represents the oppressive empire, its idolatrous culture, and its spiritual darkness, while "Chaldeans" (H3778, _Kasdîy_) refers to the ruling people of that empire. The repetition emphasizes the urgency, necessity, and completeness of a physical and spiritual separation from this foreign power and its corrupting influence.
* **"with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it [even] to the end of the earth":** This clause shifts from the act of departure to the manner and scope of the proclamation. The departure is not to be a quiet, fearful escape but a joyous, public declaration, marked by "a voice of singing" (H6963, _qôwl_ H7440, _rinnâh_), indicating triumph and celebration. The triple imperative ("declare" - H5046, _nâgad_, "tell" - H8085, _shâmaʻ_, "utter" - H3318, _yâtsâʼ_) underscores the importance, certainty, and divine origin of the message. The instruction to broadcast it globally ("to the end" - H7097, _qâtseh_ "of the earth" - H776, _ʼerets_) highlights its universal significance and God's desire for His redemptive acts to be known by all nations.
* **"say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob":** This is the core message to be proclaimed, the content of the joyful declaration. "The LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) is Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His personal name and unique relationship with His people. The past tense "hath redeemed" (H1350, _gâʼal_) signifies a completed, decisive, and irreversible act of liberation, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant people, "His servant Jacob" (H5650, _ʻebed_ H3290, _Yaʻăqôb_). This redemption is the profound cause for the joyful proclamation, affirming God's power, His unwavering commitment to Israel, and His ultimate victory over their oppressors.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent and triumphant message. The repeated use of **Imperative Verbs** ("Go ye forth," "flee," "declare," "tell," "utter," "say") creates a strong sense of divine authority and immediate command, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of God's directive for His people's liberation and subsequent witness. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in "Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans," where two synonymous phrases reinforce the same core command, intensifying the call to departure and highlighting the completeness of the separation. Similarly, the triple injunction to "declare ye, tell this, utter it" employs **Synonymous Parallelism** to stress the importance, certainty, and breadth of the proclamation, ensuring the message is heard clearly and widely. **Metonymy** is present in "Babylon" and "Chaldeans," which stand not only for the geographical location and its inhabitants but also for the entire oppressive, idolatrous system and worldview from which God's people are being delivered. The phrase "with a voice of singing" uses vivid **Sensory Imagery** to evoke the joyous, triumphant, and public nature of the exodus, contrasting sharply with the sorrow and despair of exile. Finally, the declaration "to the end of the earth" is a form of **Hyperbole** or **Merism**, signifying a universal reach and the global significance of God's redemptive act, ensuring that His power and faithfulness are known far and wide among all peoples.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 48:20 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even in the face of their persistent disobedience. The command to "go forth" and "flee" signifies a divine imperative for separation from spiritual and physical bondage, mirroring the call throughout Scripture for God's people to distinguish themselves from the world's systems and idolatries. The declaration of redemption underscores a foundational biblical truth: God is the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, actively intervening to liberate His chosen ones from every form of captivity. This act is not to be a secret, but a joyous, global proclamation, establishing a precedent for the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and the role of His people as witnesses to His saving acts. It assures believers that God's promises of deliverance are certain and will be fulfilled, regardless of the apparent strength of oppressive forces, revealing His character as the one who always keeps His word.

* [Exodus 14:13-14](/exodus/14-13-14 "Exodus 14:13-14 - The Lord Will Fight for You")
* [Jeremiah 51:6](/jeremiah/51-6 "Jeremiah 51:6 - Flee from Babylon")
* [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Come Out of Her, My People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 48:20 offers profound spiritual and practical applications for believers today. Just as ancient Israel was called to physically depart from Babylon, we are called to "go forth" from spiritual Babylon – any system, ideology, or sin that holds us captive and competes with God's sovereignty in our lives. This involves a conscious and decisive break from worldly patterns, cultural idols, and personal strongholds that hinder our walk with Christ and compromise our witness. Our liberation from the bondage of sin and death through Christ's redemptive work is not a private matter; it is a glorious truth to be proclaimed "with a voice of singing" to "the end of the earth." This verse challenges us to embrace our identity as redeemed people, living lives marked by profound joy and gratitude, and to actively participate in sharing the good news of God's liberating power. It reminds us that our freedom is a precious gift from the Lord, and our response should be one of joyful obedience, fervent witness, and courageous separation, demonstrating the transformative power of His redemption in our lives and in the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Babylons" or oppressive systems in my life, whether internal (e.g., fear, addiction) or external (e.g., worldly values, unhealthy relationships), is God calling me to "go forth" and "flee" from today?**
* **How can I more intentionally "declare" and "utter" the message of God's redemption in my daily life, both through my words and my actions, ensuring my life itself is a joyful proclamation?**
* **What does it mean for me to live with "a voice of singing" in light of God's redemptive work, even amidst personal challenges or societal pressures?**
* **In what specific ways am I actively participating in proclaiming God's redemptive acts "to the end of the earth" through local evangelism, global missions, or personal witness in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why is the command to "go forth" and "flee" so urgent?**

Answer: The urgency in the commands "Go ye forth" (H3318, _yâtsâʼ_) and "flee ye" (H1272, _bârach_) stems from several critical factors. Spiritually, remaining in Babylon symbolized continued association with idolatry, spiritual compromise, and opposition to God, which could lead to further judgment (as seen in [Jeremiah 50:8](/jeremiah/50-8 "Jeremiah 50:8 - Flee from Babylon")). Practically, it was a call to seize the divinely appointed moment for liberation, as God had prepared the way for their return through Cyrus. The swift departure also emphasized God's decisive and powerful intervention, leaving no doubt that their release was His doing, not a gradual negotiation or their own initiative. It marked a clear, definitive break from the old life of captivity to embrace the new life of freedom and covenant restoration, preventing any lingering attachment to the pagan culture.

**What is the significance of "The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob"?**

Answer: This declaration is the central message and the profound reason for the joyful proclamation. "The LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) refers to Yahweh, Israel's covenant God, emphasizing His personal name and His active, sovereign involvement in their history. "Hath redeemed" (H1350, _gâʼal_) signifies a completed act of liberation, drawing deeply on the concept of the kinsman-redeemer (goel) who restores what was lost or frees from bondage. This term highlights God's covenant faithfulness and His deep, familial commitment to Israel, acting on their behalf as their closest kin. "His servant Jacob" (H5650, _ʻebed_ H3290, _Yaʻăqôb_) refers to the nation of Israel, underscoring their unique, chosen relationship with God despite their unfaithfulness. The declaration serves as both an assurance of their past deliverance from Babylon and a foundational truth about God's character as the one who always redeems His people, ultimately pointing to the greater spiritual redemption available through Christ, as powerfully foretold in passages like [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 48:20 directly addresses the physical deliverance of Israel from Babylonian captivity, its deepest and most comprehensive fulfillment is found in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The urgent call to "go forth of Babylon" and "flee from the Chaldeans" foreshadows the ultimate spiritual exodus from the bondage of sin, death, and the dominion of darkness that Christ accomplishes for all humanity. He is the true and ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer (H1350, _gâʼal_), who, through His sacrificial death on the cross and victorious resurrection, paid the ultimate price to "redeem us from every lawless deed and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds" ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ Redeemed Us")). Just as the Israelites were commanded to proclaim their redemption "with a voice of singing... to the end of the earth," so too are believers in Christ commissioned to declare the glorious good news of His salvation globally. The joyous proclamation of "The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob" finds its ultimate echo in the New Testament's declaration that God "rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption in Christ")). Thus, Isaiah 48:20 serves not only as a historical promise but as a profound prophetic blueprint for the universal, Christ-centered redemption that liberates humanity from spiritual captivity, calling them to a life of joyful worship and fervent witness to His saving power.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 51:45

My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.

Isaiah 52:9

Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 51:6

Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this [is] the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.

Jeremiah 50:8

Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he goats before the flocks.

Zechariah 2:6

¶ Ho, ho, [come forth], and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.

Zechariah 2:7

Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest [with] the daughter of Babylon.

Revelation 18:4

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.