Isaiah 66:10
Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:
ISAIAH 66:10
This verse calls the exiles and Jerusalem’s exiles to rejoice with and for Zion. The “Jerusalem” here represents the restored community of God’s people, beloved by those who mourned with her. The communal rejoicing unites those who love Zion with those who have endured grief on her behalf. The language of rejoicing with Jerusalem reflects a broader theme in Isaiah: the suffering of the faithful is not pointless; it contributes to the eventual joy of the city of God. The verse sits within a section of consolation that pictures God gathering the faithful, restoring worship, and making peace. The call to rejoice, even for those who mourned for Jerusalem, anticipates a time when lament is transformed into shared celebration due to God’s redemptive work.
Joy in Isaiah’s vision is not shallow happiness but a deep, covenantal gladness rooted in God’s faithfulness and the promise of restoration. The verse highlights communal solidarity: those who long for Zion are invited into its restoration, not as outsiders but as participants. It also marks a transition from exile to exodus-like fulfillment—the people are invited to participate in and celebrate the re-gathering, worship renewal, and peace that God promises. Theologically, it foregrounds God as the mover of history, whose acts generate joy that spills over to all who share His heart for the city and its people.
Cultivate joy that arises from trust in God’s promises, even amid hardship. If you’re in a season of mourning or disappointment, anchor your hope in the future restoration God promises. Practice shared celebration with others who carry the burdens and hopes of your community—organize joint prayer gatherings, service projects, or times of worship that lift collective spirits. For churches or small groups, invite those who have persevered through trials to lead in thanksgiving, showing how God’s faithfulness sustains through long seasons. Rejoicing with Jerusalem can translate into supporting refugees, neighbors in need, or international missions—rejoicing with God’s people by extending grace and hospitality beyond our own walls.
Cross-References: Psalm 33:1; Zephaniah 3:14–17; Jeremiah 31:12–13; Isaiah 52:9; Romans 12:15