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 44:23KJV
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Isaiah 44:23 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 44:23 mean?

Isaiah 44:23 calls on all of creation—heavens, earth, mountains, forests, and trees—to celebrate because the LORD has acted powerfully by redeeming Jacob (the people of Israel) and showing his glory through them. The verse pictures a joyful response from the whole world to God’s saving work for Israel.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel during a time when they faced hardship and exile. Isaiah announces that God’s redemption is so significant that it deserves praise not just from people, but from all of creation. The language is poetic, using vivid images to show how big and joyful God’s rescue of Israel is meant to be.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 44:23

  • "Sing" (רָנַן, ranan, H7442) means to shout for joy or rejoice loudly. This word is often used in the Psalms for joyful praise, showing that the call is for exuberant celebration, not just quiet singing.
  • "Redeemed" (גָּאַל, ga'al, H1350) refers to the act of buying back or rescuing someone, often used for a family member in trouble. Here, it highlights that God has personally intervened to free Israel from their distress.
  • "Glorified" (פָּאַר, pa'ar, H6286) means to display honor or beauty. In this context, it shows that God’s actions in saving Israel bring honor to himself, making his greatness visible to everyone.

Why Isaiah 44:23 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God’s salvation is only a private or spiritual matter; Isaiah describes it as something so wonderful that even nature is pictured as joining in the celebration.
  • The emphasis on God redeeming "Jacob" connects back to earlier promises God made to the ancestors of Israel, showing continuity in God’s care and faithfulness.
  • Isaiah 44:23 is part of a larger section where God reassures Israel that their future is secure because of his power and commitment, setting the stage for hope after exile.

Where else these words appear

“forth” Hebrew H6476 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
  • Isaiah 49:13 Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.
  • Isaiah 54:1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.

“glorified” Hebrew H6286 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 8:9 And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only?
  • Psalms 149:4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
  • Isaiah 60:7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.

“parts” Hebrew H8482 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • Job 41:24 His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether millstone.
  • Ezekiel 26:20 When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I shall set glory in the land of the living;

“singing” Hebrew H7440 · used in 33 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
  • Psalms 105:43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:
  • Isaiah 35:10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.