In this closing hymn of the section the prophet invites all of creation to join a chorus in praise of the Creator, because he has rescued his people. This song has the basic structure of a Hymn of Praise that is found in the Psalms (see, for example, Psa 117). First there is a call to praise God (first four lines), which is followed by the reasons to do so (last two lines).

This hymn opens with three imperatives: Sing, shout, and break forth into singing. These commands are addressed to different parts of creation. There are three levels of creation here: the heavens as the highest level, the mountains and forest as the middle level, and the depths of the earth as the lowest level.

The verb redeemed provides a link between this verse and the previous two. However, the style and content of this verse differs significantly from the previous two, so Contemporary English Version gives it the following separate section heading: “Sing Praises to the LORD.”

Sing, O heavens: The Hebrew verb translated Sing is not the usual one that refers to actual singing, but rather it points to a shout of joy whether musical or not (see the comments on 12.6, where this verb is rendered “sing for joy”). This verb is almost synonymous with the other two imperatives shout and break forth into singing. Other renderings for it are “Shout for joy” (Good News Translation), “Sing for joy” (New International Version), and “Raise a glad cry” (New American Bible). The heavens refers to the heavenly bodies in the sky, which includes the sun, moon, and stars. The prophet calls on them to join in the celebration.

For the LORD has done it: The Hebrew particle ki rendered for may be a logical connector that introduces why the heavenly bodies should sing (so Revised Standard Version). Or it may be a connector that introduces the content of their singing. If so, the first line may be rendered “O heavens, sing aloud that the LORD has done it” or “… about what the LORD has done.” The LORD has done it refers back to Yahweh’s redemption of Israel mentioned at the end of the previous verse. The pronoun it is not in the Hebrew text. Revised Standard Version supplies it for naturalness in English.

Shout, O depths of the earth is parallel to the previous line. The Hebrew word rendered shout can refer to shouts of warning, battle cries, or shouting in anger or despair, but here it is joyful shouting (see 16.10, where it is translated “shouts are raised”). The depths of the earth refers to the lowest parts of the earth or even what is under the ground. It contrasts with the heavens. The two expressions refer to the whole universe.

Break forth into singing, O mountains: The Hebrew phrase rendered break forth into singing refers to singing in a loud voice (see the comments on this phrase at 14.7). The mountains as the highest places on earth are invited to join in the celebration.

O forest, and every tree in it is parallel to the previous line. The prophet also invites all the trees of the forest to rejoice. This line echoes “the trees of the forest” in verse 14.

For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and will be glorified in Israel: These two lines give the reason why all creation should praise Yahweh. It is because he has rescued his people Israel. For has redeemed, see the previous verse. Because Yahweh has rescued them from exile in Babylonia, he will be glorified in Israel, which means the people of Israel will give glory to God. For languages that prefer an active verb form here, this clause may be rendered “the people of Israel will glorify [or, praise] the LORD.”

For the translation of this verse consider the following examples:

• You heavens, sing aloud about what the LORD has done;
you lowest parts of the earth, call out joyously.
You mountains, sing aloud,
together with every tree of the forest.
For Yahweh has rescued Jacob,
and Israel will glorify him.

• Sing out loud, you heavens, because of what the LORD has done;
call out with joy, you deep places of the earth.
Sing aloud, you mountains,
and all you trees in the forests.
For the LORD has rescued Jacob,
and Israel will give glory to the LORD.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .