Isaiah 52:9
Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
רַנְּנוּ֙
sing
H7442
רַנְּנוּ֙
sing
Strong's:
H7442
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)
חָרְב֖וֹת
ye waste places
H2723
חָרְב֖וֹת
ye waste places
Strong's:
H2723
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
Jerusalem
H3389
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
5 of 11
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִחַ֤ם
hath comforted
H5162
נִחַ֤ם
hath comforted
Strong's:
H5162
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
יְהוָה֙
for the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַמּ֔וֹ
his people
H5971
עַמּ֔וֹ
his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
Isaiah 51:3For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.Psalms 98:4Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.Isaiah 61:4And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.Isaiah 14:7The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.Isaiah 48:20Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.Isaiah 44:26That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:Isaiah 55:12For 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.Isaiah 44:23Sing, 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 49:13Sing, 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.Galatians 4:27For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
Historical Context
Jerusalem's ruins did eventually see rebuilding under Nehemiah, but complete fulfillment awaits new Jerusalem descending from heaven (Revelation 21:2). The 'waste places' singing anticipates Romans 8:21 - creation's liberation from bondage at Christ's return.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'waste places' (ruined areas) in your life are being restored by God's redemptive work?
- How does the promise that even ruins will 'sing together' demonstrate the comprehensiveness of salvation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The command 'Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem' calls ruins to celebrate coming restoration. The reason: 'the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.' This linkage of comfort and redemption shows that true consolation comes only through salvation. The personification of ruins singing depicts comprehensive transformation - even inanimate creation rejoices at redemption.