Isaiah 12:5

KJV

Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this [is] known in all the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Sing {H2167} unto the LORD {H3068}; for he hath done {H6213} excellent things {H1348}: this is known {H3045}{H3045} in all the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sing to ADONAI, for he has triumphed - this is being made known throughout the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things. Let this be known in all the earth.

American Standard Version

Sing unto Jehovah; for he hath done excellent things: let this be known in all the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 12:5 is a vibrant call to worship, urging all people to sing praise to the LORD. It proclaims that God has performed magnificent and glorious deeds, acts of unparalleled excellence that are not confined to a single nation but are universally recognized across the entire earth. This verse serves as a climactic declaration of God's sovereign power and redemptive work, anticipating a future era when His majesty will be fully acknowledged by all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 12 serves as the triumphant conclusion to a significant prophetic section of the book, often referred to as "The Book of Immanuel" (chapters 7-12). Following a series of prophecies concerning judgment upon Judah and surrounding nations, and crucially, the profound promises of the Messiah's coming and the establishment of His righteous kingdom (e.g., [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah") and [Isaiah 11:1-10](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1-10 - The Branch from Jesse")), chapter 12 shifts entirely to a song of salvation and thanksgiving. This hymn is a prophetic response to God's promised deliverance, expressing the joy and gratitude of a redeemed people looking forward to the full realization of His salvation and peace. It marks a transition from the somber tones of judgment to the exultant praise for future restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 7-12 are set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Assyrian threat to Judah in the 8th century BC. King Ahaz of Judah was faced with an alliance of Aram and Israel, and rather than trusting in God, he sought help from Assyria, leading to future subjugation. Isaiah's message during this period was consistently one of divine judgment for unfaithfulness but also unwavering hope in God's ultimate faithfulness and the coming of a righteous king. The "song of salvation" in chapter 12, therefore, transcends the immediate historical crisis, looking beyond the present distress to a future eschatological era when God's redemptive plan would be fully accomplished, bringing universal peace and the recognition of His glory. The call to "sing" was a common form of communal worship and celebration in ancient Israel, often associated with deliverance and victory, echoing the songs of Moses and Miriam after the Exodus.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 12:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Mighty Deeds**, emphasizing that His actions are "excellent things" (or majestic deeds), demonstrating His unparalleled power and wisdom in orchestrating salvation. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God as the active agent in history, from creation to redemption. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Universal Recognition of God's Glory**. The phrase "this is known in all the earth" points to a future time when the knowledge of God's glory will not be confined to Israel but will extend globally, fulfilling prophecies like [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with God's Glory") that speak of the earth being "filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Exhortation to Praise and Thanksgiving**, positioning praise as the appropriate and joyous response to God's redemptive work, a theme prevalent throughout the Psalms, such as [Psalm 96:1](/psalm/96-1 "Psalm 96:1 - Sing a New Song to the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sing (Hebrew, _zâmar'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument," and by extension, "to play upon it" or "to make music, accompanied by the voice." It signifies a joyful, celebratory act of worship, often with instrumental accompaniment, to "celebrate in song and music" and "give praise." In this context, it is not merely a polite request but an emphatic command to express exuberant, heartfelt praise.
* **excellent things (Hebrew, _gêʼûwth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be high" or "exalted," this word carries a dual meaning. While it can denote "arrogance" or "pride" in a negative sense, as seen in other contexts, here it refers to "majesty," "glory," "splendor," and "magnificent, awe-inspiring deeds." It describes God's actions as supremely great, noble, and worthy of universal admiration. It implies that God's deeds are not just good, but of unparalleled greatness and significance, demonstrating His divine character and power.
* **known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This versatile primitive root means "to know" in a broad sense, encompassing understanding, recognition, acquaintance, and even experience. It can mean to ascertain by seeing, to perceive, to be aware, or to make known. In Isaiah 12:5, it conveys the idea that God's excellent deeds are not hidden but are openly revealed and universally acknowledged, implying a profound and widespread understanding of His magnificent works and character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sing unto the LORD;":** This is a direct, imperative command, an enthusiastic call to worship. It is an invitation and an exhortation for God's people, and by extension, all creation, to raise their voices in celebratory song and praise. The object of this praise is "the LORD" (Yahweh, YHWH), emphasizing His covenant faithfulness and self-existent nature as the one true God.
* **"for he hath done excellent things:":** This clause provides the foundational reason for the command to sing. The "excellent things" refer to God's mighty acts of salvation, His historical interventions (like the Exodus), His creative power, and especially the promised future redemption through the Messiah. These are deeds of majesty, glory, and unparalleled greatness, demonstrating His divine power, wisdom, and love.
* **"this [is] known in all the earth.":** This final clause declares the universal scope and recognition of God's magnificent works. It implies that God's deeds are not hidden or confined to one nation, but are openly revealed and destined to be acknowledged globally. This is a prophetic statement looking forward to a time when the knowledge of God's glory will permeate the entire world, establishing His renown universally.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 12:5 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Exhortation**, as seen in the direct command "Sing unto the LORD," which serves as a powerful call to action and worship. This is immediately followed by a **Reason/Consequence Clause** ("for he hath done excellent things"), providing the theological justification for the praise. The phrase "excellent things" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the extraordinary and unparalleled nature of God's deeds, transcending mere goodness to reach a level of divine majesty. Finally, the statement "this is known in all the earth" utilizes **Universalism** or **Hyperbole** to convey the global and pervasive recognition of God's glory, projecting a future reality where His renown is undeniable and widespread.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 12:5 stands as a profound theological statement, affirming God's active involvement in history and His ultimate redemptive purpose. It emphasizes that the proper response to God's magnificent deeds is unreserved praise and worship. The "excellent things" God has done encompass not only His past acts of creation and deliverance but also His ongoing work in the present and His future, ultimate salvation. The universal recognition of these deeds points to God's desire for all humanity to acknowledge His sovereignty and glory, fulfilling His global redemptive plan. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's character and actions are inherently worthy of universal adoration.

* [Psalm 66:4](/psalm/66-4 "Psalm 66:4 - All the earth worships you") - "All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah."
* [Psalm 96:1-3](/psalm/96-1 "Psalm 96:1-3 - Sing a new song, declare His glory") - "O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people."
* [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The LORD will be King over all the earth") - "And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 12:5 is a timeless invitation to cultivate a heart of worship and gratitude. In a world often consumed by self-focus or despair, this verse redirects our gaze to the magnificent works of God. It challenges us to pause and reflect on the "excellent things" He has done, both in the grand sweep of redemptive history and in the intimate details of our personal lives. This recognition should naturally overflow into praise, not as a duty, but as an authentic response to His character and actions. Furthermore, the verse reminds us of our call to participate in making God's glory "known in all the earth." Our lives, our words, and our witness become conduits through which His excellent deeds are proclaimed, inviting others to join in the universal chorus of praise. It encourages us to live with an awareness of God's active presence and to joyfully declare His greatness to a world desperately in need of knowing Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "excellent things" has the LORD done in your life or in the world that prompt you to sing His praise today?**
* **How can you more intentionally cultivate a spirit of gratitude and worship in your daily life?**
* **In what ways can you contribute to making God's "excellent things" known in your sphere of influence, so that His glory is recognized "in all the earth"?**

### FAQ
**What are the "excellent things" God has done, as mentioned in Isaiah 12:5?**

Answer: The "excellent things" (Hebrew: _gêʼûwth_, meaning majesty, glory, or magnificent deeds) refer to God's unparalleled acts of power, wisdom, and love throughout history and in His redemptive plan. In the immediate context of Isaiah, these include His covenant faithfulness, His sovereign control over nations, His deliverance of Israel from oppression, and most significantly, the promise of the coming Messiah and the establishment of His righteous kingdom (as detailed in [Isaiah 9](/isaiah/9 "Isaiah 9 - Prophecy of the Messiah") and [Isaiah 11](/isaiah/11 "Isaiah 11 - The Branch from Jesse")). Broadly, they encompass creation, the Exodus, the giving of the Law, and ultimately, the entire plan of salvation culminating in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 12:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "excellent things" God has done are supremely demonstrated in the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of His Son. The coming of the "branch from Jesse" ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse"))—Jesus—is the greatest of God's majestic deeds, through whom salvation is accomplished. His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His victorious resurrection are the "excellent things" that deliver humanity from sin and death, establishing His eternal kingdom. The declaration that "this is known in all the earth" foreshadows the Great Commission, where the good news of Christ's finished work is proclaimed to every nation, tribe, people, and language ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Through Christ, the knowledge of God's glory and His saving power is indeed made known universally, inviting all to "sing unto the LORD" for the salvation He has so magnificently provided ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb is Worthy")). The praise envisioned in Isaiah 12:5 is fully realized in the worship of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 98:1

¶ A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

Exodus 15:1

¶ Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

Exodus 15:21

And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

Isaiah 40:9

¶ O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift [it] up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Psalms 68:32

¶ Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:

Psalms 68:35

O God, [thou art] terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel [is] he that giveth strength and power unto [his] people. Blessed [be] God.