Isaiah 30:29
Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּלֵ֖יל
as in the night
H3915
כְּלֵ֖יל
as in the night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
הִתְקַדֶּשׁ
is kept
H6942
הִתְקַדֶּשׁ
is kept
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
5 of 16
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
וְשִׂמְחַ֣ת
and gladness
H8057
וְשִׂמְחַ֣ת
and gladness
Strong's:
H8057
Word #:
7 of 16
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
כַּֽהוֹלֵךְ֙
as when one goeth
H1980
כַּֽהוֹלֵךְ֙
as when one goeth
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
9 of 16
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בְהַר
into the mountain
H2022
בְהַר
into the mountain
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
12 of 16
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Psalms 42:4When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.Isaiah 2:3And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.Isaiah 26:4Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:Deuteronomy 32:4He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
Historical Context
Israel's annual feasts (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles) were joyful pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Families traveled together, singing psalms, playing instruments, celebrating God's faithfulness. These memories informed Isaiah's vision of eschatological celebration. The contrast between terrifying theophany (vv. 27-28) and joyful worship (v. 29) reflects covenant theology: God is both just Judge and faithful Redeemer, depending on one's relationship to Him.
Questions for Reflection
- How can believers balance grief over the wicked's judgment with joy over God's justice being executed?
- What does it mean to sing 'as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept'—celebrating deliverance during judgment?
- How do the Psalms of Ascent prepare our hearts for the ultimate pilgrimage to God's presence?
Analysis & Commentary
Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept—While judgment falls on nations (vv. 27-28), God's people sing. The shiyr (song) is compared to festival nights—specifically hiqqadesh chag (sanctifying a feast), likely Passover when Israel was delivered from Egypt's judgment. The parallel: as Israel sang while Egyptian firstborns died (Exodus 12), so they'll sing when God judges their enemies. And gladness of heart (וְשִׂמְחַת לֵבָב)—The joy is internal, heartfelt, not merely external celebration.
As when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel—The chalil (pipe, flute) accompanied pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for feasts (Psalms 120-134, the 'Songs of Ascents'). The tsur Yisrael (Rock of Israel) is destination and reason for celebration. This verse's emotional tone contrasts sharply with preceding verses: God's fury against nations (vv. 27-28) coexists with His people's festive joy (v. 29). This isn't schadenfreude but recognition that God's justice vindicates the oppressed. When evil is punished, righteousness celebrates. The glorified sing 'Alleluia' at Babylon's fall (Revelation 19:1-3). Properly understood, judgment produces joy in those who longed for justice.