Isaiah 44:23

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

רָנּ֨וּ

H7442

Sing

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

שָׁמַ֜יִם

H8064

O ye heavens

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עָשָׂ֣ה

H6213

hath done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָה֙

H3068

for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הָרִ֙יעוּ֙

H7321

it shout

to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)

תַּחְתִּיּ֣וֹת

H8482

ye lower parts

lowermost; as noun (feminine plural) the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb)

אָ֔רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

פִּצְח֤וּ

H6476

break forth

to break out (in joyful sound)

#10

הָרִים֙

H2022

ye mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#11

רִנָּ֔ה

H7440

into singing

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)

#12

יַ֖עַר

H3293

O forest

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

#13

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

עֵ֣ץ

H6086

and every tree

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#15

בּ֑וֹ

#16

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#17

גָאַ֤ל

H1350

hath redeemed

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

#18

יְהוָה֙

H3068

for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#19

יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב

H3290

Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#20

וּבְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

himself in Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#21

יִתְפָּאָֽר׃

H6286

and glorified

to gleam, i.e., (causatively) embellish; figuratively, to boast; also to explain (i.e., make clear) oneself; to shake a tree

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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