“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse uses a vivid, poetic image of nature itself celebrating with singing mountains and clapping trees. This isn't just pretty language; it emphasizes that the deliverance being described is so monumental, so universally good, that creation itself cannot help but break forth in spontaneous joy. It highlights a cosmic significance to God's redemptive acts, a celebration that resonates beyond humanity.
“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes at the end of a powerful invitation from God, offering abundant life and forgiveness to all who seek Him. Following this promise of a new covenant and the transforming power of His word, the prophet Isaiah paints a picture of joyous liberation and triumphant return, contrasting it with the fearful exodus from Egypt. The subsequent verses speak of the lasting impact of God's work in transforming all of creation and establishing His eternal name.
Imagine leaving a place of hardship and being met not with fear, but with overwhelming joy and profound peace. This isn't just a pleasant feeling; it's a divine promise.
The verse opens with a powerful declaration: "For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace." This isn't merely a description of an emotional state; it signifies a complete transformation of experience.
This pairing of joy and peace highlights the comprehensive nature of God's deliverance. It's not just an escape from trouble, but an entrance into a state of flourishing and security, orchestrated by God Himself.
What happens when God acts on behalf of His people? The very earth seems to respond! This passage paints a vivid picture of creation itself celebrating.
The imagery in Isaiah 55:12 shifts dramatically to the natural world: "the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." This isn't just poetic flourish; it's a theological statement about the effect of God's redemptive work.
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Understand the original words
simchah · Hebrew Noun
A state of deep, inner satisfaction and gladness. In Scripture, it is a spiritual fruit or divine gift that transcends circumstances, often associated with the presence and salvation of God.
shalom · Hebrew Noun
Hebrew 'shalom'; a state of wholeness, completeness, prosperity, and relational harmony with God. It represents the ultimate well-being resulting from God's covenantal favor.
This verse paints a vivid picture of the return from Babylonian exile, emphasizing a triumphant and peaceful homecoming, a stark contrast to the hurried and fearful flight from Egypt described in earlier traditions. The joyous natural imagery underscores a complete restoration and divine blessing upon God's people.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Jehoiakim of Judah is taken captive to Babylon along with members of the royal family and skilled individuals, initiating the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, creating the Persian Empire and setting the stage for the return of the Jewish exiles.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, marking the end of the Babylonian captivity.
c. 537-536 BC— this verse
Return of Exiles to Jerusalem
The first wave of Jewish exiles, led by Zerubbabel, returns to Judah, beginning the process of rebuilding the land and the Temple.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem is dedicated, signifying a significant milestone in the restoration of Jewish religious life after the exile.
This passage shares the same imagery of joy and peace accompanying the redeemed, highlighting the transformation of the wilderness into a place of gladness, much like the natural world rejoicing in Isaiah 55.
Isaiah 49:13This verse also calls upon nature to rejoice with God's people, stating that the heavens should 'sing' and the earth 'break forth into singing,' mirroring the 'singing' mountains and 'clapping' trees of Isaiah 55.
Psalm 98:8This psalm contains the parallel imagery of natural elements expressing joy, as 'the rivers shall clap their hands; the hills be joyful together,' emphasizing a universal celebration of God's salvation.
Jeremiah 31:12This verse describes the redeemed returning to Zion with gladness, their souls being like a watered garden, which connects to the theme of overflowing joy and flourishing life depicted in Isaiah 55.
Luke 19:40During Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, he states that if the disciples were silent, 'the stones would cry out,' echoing Isaiah's personification of inanimate nature rejoicing at God's redemptive work.
wesleyIsaiah 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."
55:12 Therefore - Ye shall be released from your bondage. Peace - Safely and triumphantly. Clap - There shall be a general rejoicing, so that even the senseless creatures shall seem to rejoice with you.
clarkeIsaiah 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."
The mountains and the hills - These are highly poetical images to express a happy state attended with joy and exultation. Ipsi laetitia voces ad sidera jactant Intonsi montes: ipsae jam carmina rupes, Ipsa sonant arbusta. Virg. Ecclesiastes 5:61. "The mountain tops unshorn, the rocks rejoice; The…
The verse uses a vivid, poetic image of nature itself celebrating with singing mountains and clapping trees. This isn't just pretty language; it emphasizes that the deliverance being described is so monumental, so universally good, that creation itself cannot help but break forth in spontaneous joy. It highlights a cosmic significance to God's redemptive acts, a celebration that resonates beyond humanity.
This verse comes at the end of a powerful invitation from God, offering abundant life and forgiveness to all who seek Him. Following this promise of a new covenant and the transforming power of His word, the prophet Isaiah paints a picture of joyous liberation and triumphant return, contrasting it with the fearful exodus from Egypt. The subsequent verses speak of the lasting impact of God's work in transforming all of creation and establishing His eternal name.
This verse comes at the end of a powerful invitation from God, offering abundant life and forgiveness to all who seek Him. Following this promise of a new covenant and the transforming power of His word, the prophet Isaiah paints a picture of joyous liberation and triumphant return, contrasting it with the fearful exodus from Egypt. The subsequent verses speak of the lasting impact of God's work in transforming all of creation and establishing His eternal name.
"“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." — The verse uses a vivid, poetic image of nature itself celebrating with singing mountains and clapping trees. This isn't just pretty language; it emphasizes that the deliverance being described is so…
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Last reviewed October 2026