Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 44:23. It's a really beautiful and comforting passage about God’s power and protection. Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it’s saying: “The LORD has redeemed (saved) Jacob and is restoring Himself (God) to Israel.” Let’s unpack that a little bit: “Isaiah 44” : This is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible. It's filled with messages from God to His people. “[it]” : This is a very important word – it means He has done . God didn’t just think about doing something; He actively began to do it. “The LORD hath done” : This means God has intervened and made things right. “Shout, ye lower parts of the earth…” : This is a really dramatic image. It's not just saying "we should shout." It’s suggesting that the entire world – including mountains, valleys, oceans, forests – should join in a song of praise and relief. “…break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein…” : This is where it gets really powerful. It's not just any singing. It’s a huge chorus - a massive outpouring of joy and gratitude. The mountains, forests, and trees are being called upon to sing – to express their praise for God’s protection. “For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob…” : This refers to Jacob, one of the twelve sons of Isaac, in the Old Testament. He was a figure of great importance and suffered a terrible loss. "Redeemed" means rescued or saved from something bad. "...and glorified Himself in Israel.” : This is the big part. God is speaking about His own glory – His power and authority being revealed to the people of Israel. He’s asserting his dominance and presence. Overall Meaning: The verse is a message of hope and reassurance. It tells us that God is in control, has rescued Jacob (and therefore, has protected Israel), and is now revealing Himself to them through a glorious outpouring of praise and joy. It's about the power of God and His unwavering love for his people. Think of it like this: Imagine a huge, powerful storm – that’s God’s action. And then imagine a massive choir joining in – that’s God revealing Himself. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you some examples of what this verse might be used for (like in prayer)?