Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done it; shout, O depths of the earth; break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and will be glorified in Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just calling for a general celebration; it's a dramatic, cosmic announcement. Every part of creation, from the highest heavens to the deepest earth, forests, and trees, is summoned to join in joyous praise because the LORD has done it – He has redeemed Jacob and will be glorified in Israel. This isn't a quiet nod of approval, but an earth-shattering declaration that God's mighty redemptive work deserves the awe and exultation of the entire universe.
Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done it; shout, O depths of the earth; break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and will be glorified in Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This poem is a powerful crescendo of joy and declaration. It comes after God's resounding pronouncements of his unique power and his plans for Israel's restoration, particularly through the agency of Cyrus. The verses immediately following will continue to explore these divine actions and the role of human leaders in God's grander purpose.
Why would the prophet call on inanimate objects like mountains and forests to sing? What does this tell us about the magnitude of God's actions?
This verse is a powerful call for all of creation to participate in celebrating God's mighty work. The prophet uses a literary device called personification, giving human qualities (singing, shouting) to non-human things. This isn't just a poetic flourish; it emphasizes that God's redemption of Israel is an event of such cosmic significance that it evokes a response from the entire created order. From the highest heavens to the deepest parts of the earth, from the mightiest mountains to the smallest tree, all are invited to join the celebration because the Lord has acted!
The verse links God's redemption of Jacob with His own glory. How are these two connected? Does God's redemption serve His glory?
The ultimate purpose behind God's redemption of Jacob (representing His people) is to be glorified in Israel. This means that His character—His faithfulness, power, and love—is displayed and recognized through His actions. When God redeems His people, He isn't just fixing their situation; He is revealing who He is. Their restoration and deliverance become a testament to His divine nature, drawing the attention and awe of all creation. God's glory isn't diminished by His people's struggles; rather, His faithfulness in redeeming them magnifies His own name.
Understand the original words
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YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the God of Israel, revealed to Moses, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and covenant faithfulness. It is the holiest name, often translated as 'LORD' in English Bibles.
kabad · Hebrew Verb
To make manifest or reveal the splendor, majesty, and moral character of God; it refers to the outward display of God's inherent worth and honor as acknowledged by His creation.
This powerful call to creation to celebrate God's work of redemption for Israel points to the exilic period. The prophecy anticipates the imminent return from Babylonian captivity, a time when God would 'redeem Jacob' and 'glorify himself in Israel' through the agency of Cyrus the Great.
c. 701 BC
Hezekiah's Reign and Assyrian Siege
Isaiah prophesied during the reign of King Hezekiah, a time marked by Assyrian threats. Jerusalem was miraculously delivered from a siege, reinforcing the prophet's message of Zion's inviolability.
621 BC
Josiah's Reforms and Discovery of the Law
King Josiah enacted significant religious reforms after the discovery of the Book of the Law. This period saw a brief revival of faithfulness, but it was followed by a turn towards idolatry after Josiah's death.
605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Victory at Carchemish
Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Egyptians at Carchemish, establishing Babylonian dominance over the region. This marked the beginning of Judah's subjugation to Babylon.
598 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem and carried off King Jehoiachin, the royal family, and many skilled craftsmen and leaders to Babylon.
589-587 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Jerusalem fell after a prolonged siege, and the Babylonians destroyed the Temple and the city. Most of the remaining population was deported to Babylon, marking the end of Judah as an independent state.
c. 550-539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Rise and Conquests
Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire, began his conquests, notably defeating the Medes and then advancing towards Babylon. His rise was seen as a pivotal event for the exiles.
c. 540 BC— this verse
Prophecies of Restoration and Cyrus
During the Babylonian Exile, prophets (traditionally Isaiah, though many scholars attribute these chapters to a later prophet) spoke words of comfort and foretold the return of the people, naming Cyrus as their divinely appointed deliverer.
This passage is a direct call to 'sing to the LORD a new song,' similar to Isaiah 44:23's call for all of creation to sing, highlighting the theme of divine action prompting cosmic praise.
Psalm 96:11-12This psalm echoes the call to nature to rejoice, stating, 'Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice... let the field exult, and everything in it! Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.' This reinforces the personification of creation in celebration of God's work.
Psalm 148:7-13This chapter is a comprehensive hymn calling on all parts of creation, from heavenly hosts to earthly creatures and elements, to praise God, mirroring the all-encompassing scope of praise in Isaiah 44:23.
Revelation 19:1-3This New Testament passage describes a similar cosmic rejoicing after God's judgment on Babylon, with 'a great voice of a vast crowd in heaven' singing praise, showing how this theme of creation celebrating divine acts carries through to the end times.
barnesIsaiah 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, O ye heavens - (see Isaiah 42:10 ). It is common in the sacred writings to call on the heavens, the earth, and all created things, to join in the praise of God on any great and glorious event (see Psalm 96:1 , Psalm 96:11-12 ; Psalm 148:1-14 ) The occas…
pulpitIsaiah 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."
Verse 23. - Sing, O ye heavens. The sympathy of external nature with the fortunes of Israel is assumed throughout Isaiah, as it is throughout the Psalms (see Psalm 11:6-8; 24:4-7; 29:17; 30:25, 26; 33:9; 35:1, 2, 7, etc.). If Israel is depressed, the earth mu…
The verse isn't just calling for a general celebration; it's a dramatic, cosmic announcement. Every part of creation, from the highest heavens to the deepest earth, forests, and trees, is summoned to join in joyous praise because the LORD has done it – He has redeemed Jacob and will be glorified in Israel. This isn't a quiet nod of approval, but an earth-shattering declaration that God's mighty redemptive work deserves the awe and exultation of the entire universe.
This poem is a powerful crescendo of joy and declaration. It comes after God's resounding pronouncements of his unique power and his plans for Israel's restoration, particularly through the agency of Cyrus. The verses immediately following will continue to explore these divine actions and the role of human leaders in God's grander purpose.
This poem is a powerful crescendo of joy and declaration. It comes after God's resounding pronouncements of his unique power and his plans for Israel's restoration, particularly through the agency of Cyrus. The verses immediately following will continue to explore these divine actions and the role of human leaders in God's grander purpose.
"Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done it; shout, O depths of the earth; break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and will be glorified in Israe…" — The verse isn't just calling for a general celebration; it's a dramatic, cosmic announcement. Every part of creation, from the highest heavens to the deepest earth, forests, and trees, is summoned to…
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Last reviewed October 2026