The results of the conditions in the previous verse are given here. The wording of this verse is interesting since it resembles some of the expressions in Deuteronomy and Job.

Then you shall take delight in the LORD: The Hebrew verb rendered take delight comes from the same root as the noun for “delight” in the previous verse. It is a verb of the same root as the noun “delight” in verse 13. If the people truly honor the Sabbath, delighting in it, then they will find true joy (compare Job 22.26). Good News Translation expresses this line clearly, saying “then you will find the joy that comes from serving me.” Bible en français courant is more succinct with “then I will become the source of your joy” (similarly Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch).

And I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth is highly figurative. It recalls Deut 32.13, part of an ancient hymn called the Song of Moses. If this is a quotation from Deut 32, then the thought behind it is probably the way in which God protected and provided for his people during their Exodus wanderings and during their settlement in the Promised Land. What God is saying is that if today they truly worship him and express concern for others, then they will receive the same kind of divine care as their forefathers did. Good News Translation disregards the context in Deuteronomy and views this line as meaning that the people will be honored all over the world, rather than be cared for in their present location. In translation we suggest retaining at least some of the poetic language. Bible en français courant does this by translating “I will lead you in triumph onto the highest mountain tops,” and so does Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch with “I will let you triumph over all obstacles.” If a literal translation is unintelligible to the readers, these models may be helpful.

I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father is also drawn from imagery in the Song of Moses (especially Deut 32.9, 13) to present God’s promise of a bright future for his people. I will feed you is a poetic expression, referring to God’s gifts. The heritage of Jacob your father refers to the land of Canaan that Jacob, the people’s ancestor, inherited. God promises to provide again for his people in the land of their ancestor Jacob. Revised English Bible gives a fairly close rendering of the Hebrew: “and the holding of your father Jacob will be yours to enjoy.” Bible en français courant says “and I will make you profit from the land that Jacob, your ancestor, received as his property” (similarly Good News Translation).

For the mouth of the LORD has spoken provides the basis of the promise here. Since Yahweh himself has spoken, the promise is reliable. For this expression see the comments on 1.20 and 40.5. If in the receptor language it is unusual to have a mouth speak, Good News Translation provides an alternative with “I, the LORD, have spoken,” and so does Bible en français courant with “That is what the Lord promises.”

For the translation of this verse consider the following examples:

• … then you will find true delight/joy in Yahweh,
and I will make you ride with me above the earth’s high peaks;
I will provide for you as I provided for Jacob your ancestor.”
This is what Yahweh says.

• … then you will find great pleasure in Yahweh’s presence,
you will ride above the heights of the earth;
I will give you the same heritage I gave to your ancestor Jacob.”
This is the promise of Yahweh.

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 .