Isaiah 52:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Break forth into joy {H6476}, sing {H7442} together {H3162}, ye waste places {H2723} of Jerusalem {H3389}: for the LORD {H3068} hath comforted {H5162} his people {H5971}, he hath redeemed {H1350} Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Break out into joy! Sing together, you ruins of Yerushalayim! For ADONAI has comforted his people, he has redeemed Yerushalayim!

Berean Standard Bible

Break forth in joy, sing together, O ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted His people; He has redeemed Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 52:9 is a triumphant prophetic declaration, commanding the desolate ruins of Jerusalem to erupt in unbridled joy and song. This verse heralds a pivotal moment in salvation history, proclaiming that the period of divine judgment and desolation has definitively ended because the sovereign LORD, in His unfailing faithfulness, has personally intervened to bring profound comfort and complete redemption to His covenant people. It anticipates a glorious restoration, transforming deep sorrow into exuberant, communal praise, signifying God's ultimate victory and renewed dwelling among His chosen.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the latter half of the book of Isaiah, often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-66), which focuses on God's future restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile. More specifically, it resides in a section (chapters 49-55) that emphasizes the Servant of the LORD and the glorious, eschatological restoration of Zion. Chapter 52 opens with a call for Jerusalem to "awake" and "put on her beautiful garments," signaling an end to her shame, bondage, and oppression. Verses 7-8 speak of the "good news" (gospel) of peace and salvation proclaimed by messengers on the mountains, culminating in the watchmen seeing "eye to eye" the glorious return of the LORD to Zion. Verse 9, therefore, is the ecstatic, commanded response to this divine announcement and visible manifestation, a summons for the very ruins of the city to join in the celebration of God's redemptive work, echoing the themes of restoration and divine presence found throughout [Isaiah 40](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40 - The Book of Comfort Begins").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The immediate historical backdrop for this prophecy is the devastating Babylonian exile, a period of immense suffering, humiliation, and national devastation for the people of Judah. Jerusalem, the once-glorious capital, lay in ruins, its temple destroyed, and its inhabitants forcibly removed from their homeland. The phrase "waste places of Jerusalem" (Hebrew: _chorbâh_) vividly portrays the physical desolation and emotional despair of a city laid bare by war and abandonment. Culturally, the return from exile was not merely a political event but a profound theological restoration, signifying God's renewed covenant faithfulness to a people who had experienced the consequences of their disobedience. The imagery of singing and joy was a common expression of deliverance and celebration in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with military victories, the enthronement of a king, or the return of a deity to their temple. This prophecy looks beyond the immediate post-exilic return to a more complete, ultimate, and eschatological restoration.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 52:9 powerfully articulates several core themes central to Isaiah's overarching message. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, with the LORD (Yᵉhôvâh) Himself being the active agent who "hath comforted" and "hath redeemed" His people. This emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, even in the face of Israel's unfaithfulness, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 43:1-7](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1-7 - God's Promise to Israel"). Secondly, the theme of **Restoration and Renewal** is paramount, transforming the "waste places" into a scene of vibrant celebration, signifying not just physical rebuilding but profound spiritual revitalization. This echoes the promise of a new covenant and a renewed relationship with God, as foretold in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). Finally, the verse highlights **Exuberant Joy as a Response to Salvation**. The imperative command to "break forth into joy" and "sing together" reveals that God's redemptive work elicits an overwhelming, collective expression of gladness, a hallmark of God's presence and deliverance, as also celebrated in [Psalm 98:4-6](/psalms/98-4 "Psalm 98:4-6 - Shout Joyfully to the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Break forth (Hebrew, _pâtsach'_ H6476):** A primitive root meaning "to break out (in joyful sound)," or "to make a loud noise." This word conveys a sudden, unrestrained, and powerful eruption of sound, specifically joyful shouting or singing. It is not a quiet murmur but an uncontainable outburst, indicative of profound relief and triumph that can no longer be suppressed, signifying a complete reversal of a previous state of silence or mourning.
* **waste places (Hebrew, _chorbâh'_ H2723):** Feminine of _chôrev_, meaning "drought," and by implication, "desolation," "decayed place," or "destruction." This term vividly describes the physical ruin and abandonment of Jerusalem after its destruction by the Babylonians. The use of this word here underscores the miraculous nature of the transformation: the very sites of despair and barrenness are commanded to become sources of vibrant praise, highlighting the extent of God's restorative power.
* **redeemed (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_ H1350):** A primitive root meaning "to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship)." This term refers to the action of a "kinsman-redeemer" (Hebrew: _go'el_), one who, as the next of kin, had the right and responsibility to buy back property, avenge a wrong, or deliver a relative from bondage. Here, the LORD is presented as the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, acting on behalf of His people to deliver them from captivity and restore their rightful inheritance, dignity, and freedom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem":** This is a powerful imperative command, a direct address to the ruined and desolate parts of the city of Jerusalem. The verbs "break forth" (_pâtsach_) and "sing" (_rânan_) denote an uninhibited, loud, and collective expression of joy, an explosion of sound. The personification of the "waste places" calls for the very rubble and desolation to become vocal with praise, signifying a complete and miraculous reversal of fortune and a transformation from mourning to vibrant celebration. The inclusion of "together" (_yachad_) emphasizes the unity and communal nature of this joyous outburst, a corporate response to divine action.
* **"for the LORD hath comforted his people,"** This clause provides the foundational and irrefutable reason for the commanded joy. The "LORD" (_Yᵉhôvâh_), the covenant God of Israel, is the active and sovereign subject of this redemptive work. The verb "comforted" (_nâcham_) implies a deep compassion, a sighing of pity that leads to active consolation and profound relief from distress. God's comfort is not merely an emotional sentiment but a powerful, redemptive act that alleviates suffering, reverses judgment, and brings about restoration.
* **"he hath redeemed Jerusalem."** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the reason for joy, emphasizing the completeness and certainty of God's salvific work. "Redeemed" (_gâʼal_) highlights God's role as the Kinsman-Redeemer, acting decisively to liberate His people from bondage, whether physical exile or spiritual captivity, and to restore them to their rightful place and relationship with Him. The parallel structure with "comforted his people" underscores the dual aspects of God's grace: His tender care and His mighty deliverance, both culminating in the glorious restoration of Jerusalem and its inhabitants.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 52:9 is rich with **Personification**, as the "waste places of Jerusalem" are commanded to "break forth into joy" and "sing together." This imbues the inanimate ruins with human qualities, vividly illustrating the depth of the transformation God brings – even the desolate stones will proclaim His glory. The verse also employs a strong **Imperative Mood**, with direct commands ("Break forth," "sing"), conveying the certainty and urgency of the coming restoration and the appropriate, immediate response to it. Furthermore, **Parallelism** is evident in the concluding clauses: "for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the singular, powerful truth of God's redemptive action, emphasizing both His compassionate care and His mighty deliverance as the twin pillars of the coming joy and the foundation for the commanded praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 52:9 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His ultimate plan for restoration. It is a profound declaration that divine judgment is not the final word, but rather a prelude to an even greater display of God's grace and redemptive power. The comfort and redemption promised here are not merely political or physical, but deeply spiritual, pointing to God's desire to dwell among His people and restore them to full communion. This prophecy transcends the immediate historical context of the Babylonian exile, offering a universal message of hope that God actively intervenes in human history to bring salvation and transform despair into uncontainable joy, ultimately culminating in the eschatological new heavens and new earth where sorrow and crying will be no more. It speaks to God's character as both compassionate Comforter and powerful Redeemer.

* [Jeremiah 31:12-13](/jeremiah/31-12-13 "Joy in Restoration")
* [Zephaniah 3:14-17](/zephaniah/3-14-17 "Shout for Joy, Daughter Zion!")
* [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "God Dwells with His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 52:9 offers a profound message of hope and transformation for every individual and community facing periods of "waste places" – seasons of desolation, loss, brokenness, or spiritual dryness. It reminds us that our circumstances, no matter how dire, do not define God's power or His purposes. Instead, this verse calls us to shift our gaze from the ruins to the Redeemer, to recognize that God's comfort and redemption are not passive sentiments but active, powerful interventions that turn mourning into dancing and silence into shouts of praise. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of expectant joy, even when the full restoration is not yet visible, trusting in the unchanging character of the God who has already acted decisively and promises to complete His work. Our joy is not rooted in our fluctuating circumstances but in the unchanging faithfulness and redemptive power of the LORD, who delights in comforting His people and bringing about their full restoration, inviting us to participate in His redemptive narrative through lives of worship and witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "waste places" in your life, community, or the world do you long to see transformed by God's comfort and redemption?**
* **How does the knowledge that the LORD Himself "hath comforted" and "hath redeemed" His people change your perspective on present difficulties and future hopes?**
* **In what ways can you "break forth into joy" and "sing together" as a response to God's redemptive work, even before full restoration is completely realized?**
* **How does understanding God as the "Kinsman-Redeemer" (_go'el_) deepen your appreciation for His active, personal, and costly involvement in your salvation and restoration?**

### FAQ
**What does "waste places of Jerusalem" signify in this prophecy?**

Answer: The "waste places of Jerusalem" (Hebrew: _chorbâh_) refers literally to the physical ruins and desolation of the city after its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The city walls were broken down, the temple was destroyed, and the population was exiled. Figuratively, it represents the profound despair, shame, and hopelessness felt by the Jewish people during their captivity. The prophecy commands these very ruins, personified, to erupt in joy, symbolizing a complete and miraculous reversal of their desolate state into a place of vibrant life and celebration through God's intervention. It underscores the depth of the transformation God brings, from utter ruin to glorious restoration, as seen in the broader context of [Isaiah 52](/isaiah/52 "Isaiah 52 - The Good News of Salvation").

**How does God "comfort" and "redeem" His people according to this verse?**

Answer: God's comfort (Hebrew: _nâcham_) is an active, compassionate intervention that alleviates distress and brings solace. It is not just a feeling but a powerful act of restoration that reverses the effects of judgment and brings peace. His redemption (Hebrew: _gâʼal_) signifies His role as the "Kinsman-Redeemer." In ancient Israel, a kinsman-redeemer was responsible for buying back enslaved relatives, restoring lost property, or avenging wrongs. Here, the LORD acts as the ultimate Redeemer, delivering His people from the bondage of exile and the consequences of their sin, restoring their dignity, land, and relationship with Him. This dual action of comfort and redemption is the foundation for the commanded joy, demonstrating God's intimate care and powerful deliverance, fulfilling promises like those found in [Isaiah 40:1-2](/isaiah/40-1-2 "Isaiah 40:1-2 - Comfort for God's People").

**Is this prophecy only for ancient Israel, or does it have broader relevance?**

Answer: While Isaiah 52:9 directly addresses the historical context of Israel's Babylonian exile and their promised return, its theological themes have profound and enduring relevance for all believers. The principles of God's comfort, redemption, and faithfulness are universal. Just as God intervened to restore a desolate Jerusalem, He continues to bring comfort to those in despair and redeem individuals and communities from spiritual bondage, sin, and brokenness. The ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy is found in Christ, who brings spiritual redemption and establishes a new, eternal Jerusalem. Therefore, this verse serves as a powerful source of hope and encouragement for all who trust in God's redemptive power, pointing to the ultimate restoration found in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 52:9, with its triumphant declaration of divine comfort and redemption for the desolate "waste places," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While initially pointing to Israel's return from Babylonian exile, the prophecy's language of a sovereign LORD who "hath redeemed" points forward to the greater, spiritual redemption accomplished by God Himself. Jesus, as the incarnate [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer (_go'el_), who, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, purchased humanity from the bondage of sin and death. His atoning work on the cross is the supreme act of comfort for a world laid waste by sin, transforming spiritual desolation into vibrant new life. The "waste places" of human hearts, broken by sin and despair, are made whole and commanded to "break forth into joy" because of His finished work, as the Spirit applies His redemption. The comfort promised by the LORD is fully realized in the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to be our [Comforter and Advocate](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Advocate"). Furthermore, the redeemed Jerusalem envisioned by Isaiah foreshadows the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, where God dwells with His people, and all tears are wiped away ([Revelation 21:2-4](/revelation/21-2-4 "Revelation 21:2-4 - The New Jerusalem")). Thus, Isaiah 52:9 is a prophetic overture to the gospel, celebrating the joyous reality that in Christ, God has indeed comforted His people and eternally redeemed them, inviting all to join in the chorus of praise for His magnificent salvation ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")).

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

Psalms 98:4

¶ Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

Isaiah 51:3

For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

Isaiah 48:20

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.

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.

Isaiah 61:4

¶ And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

Isaiah 14:7

The whole earth is at rest, [and] is quiet: they break forth into singing.

Isaiah 55:12

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands.