Isaiah 48:20
Go 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 48:20 · King James Version
Meaning
As stated in the verse, the call to "Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans" is a command to the people of Israel to leave the oppressive and idolatrous land of Babylon, where they were taken into captivity. The Lord is instructing them to break free from their captors and return to their homeland, as He has redeemed His servant Jacob. This verse signifies the end of their exile and bondage, and the restoration of their freedom and faith in God. The mention of singing and declaring with a voice of joy indicates the great joy and gratitude the Israelites should feel for their deliverance by the Lord. Encouraging them to proclaim this message to the ends of the earth emphasizes the importance of spreading the news of God's redemption and faithfulness to all nations. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's power to rescue His people from captivity and to restore them to their rightful place as His chosen ones.
Theological Overview
One of the key theological interpretations of this verse is that it emphasizes the theme of redemption. The command to leave Babylon and flee from the Chaldeans is a metaphorical call to abandon sin and worldly ways. The reference to singing and declaring with a voice suggests a joyful proclamation of God's deliverance. The mention of Jacob, the servant of the Lord, highlights the special relationship between God and his chosen people. The word "redeemed" carries the connotation of liberation and salvation, pointing to God's power to rescue his people from captivity and bring them back to a place of blessing and prosperity. This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and his ability to set his people free from bondage, both physical and spiritual.
Isaiah 48:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
Go ye forth from 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, Jehovah hath redeemed his servant Jacob.
World English Bible
Leave Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans. With a voice of singing declare, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth: say, Yahweh has redeemed his servant Jacob.
Douay-Rheims
Come forth out of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, declare it with the voice of joy: make this to be heard, and speak it out even to the ends of the earth. Say: The Lord hath redeemed his servant Jacob.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Goe yee out of Babel: flee yee from the Chaldeans, with a voice of ioy: tel and declare this: shewe it foorth to the ende of the earth: say yee, The Lord hath redeemed his seruant Iaakob.