TRV
Translation
King James Version
Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
Sing to the LORD, for he has done excellent things! Let this be known in all the earth!
Geneva Bible (1599)
Sing vnto the Lord, for he hath done excellent things: this is knowen in all the worlde.
Young's Literal Translation
Praise ye Jehovah, for excellence He hath done, Known is this in all the earth.
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In the KJVVerse 17,906 of 31,102
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Commentary on Isaiah 12 verses 4–6
4 ¶ And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
5 Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
This is the second part of this evangelical song, and to the same purport with the former; there believers stir up themselves to praise God, here they invite and encourage one another to do it, and are contriving to spread his praise and draw in others to join with them in it. Observe,
I. Who are here called upon to praise God - the inhabitants of Zion and Jerusalem, whom God had in a particular manner protected from Sennacherib's violence, Isa 12:6. Those that have received distinguishing favours from God ought to be most forward and zealous in praising him. The gospel church is Zion. Christ is Zion's King. Those that have a place and a name in the church should lay out themselves to diffuse the knowledge of Christ and to bring many to him. Thou inhabitress of Zion; the word is feminine. Let the weaker sex be strong in the Lord, and out of their mouth praise shall be perfected.
II. How they must praise the Lord. 1. By prayer: Call upon his name. As giving thanks for former mercy is a decent way of begging further mercy, so begging further mercy is graciously accepted as a thankful acknowledgment of the mercies we have received. In calling upon God's name we give unto him some of the glory that is due to his name as our powerful and bountiful benefactor. 2. By preaching and writing. We must not only speak to God, but speak to others concerning him, not only call upon his name, but (as the margin reads it) proclaim his name; let others know something more from us than they did before concerning God, and those things whereby he has made himself known. Declare his doings, his counsels (so some read it); the work of redemption is according to the counsel of his will, and in that and other wonderful works that he has done we must take notice of his thoughts which are to us-ward, Psa 40:5. Declare these among the people, among the heathen, that they may be brought into communion with Israel and the God of Israel. When the apostles preached the gospel to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, then this scripture was fulfilled, that his doings should be declared among the people and that what he has done should be known in all the earth. 3. By a holy exultation and transport of joy: "Cry out and shout; welcome the gospel to yourselves and publish it to others with huzzas and loud acclamations, as those that shout for victory (Exo 32:18) or for the coronation of a king," Num 23:21.
III. For what they must praise the Lord. 1. Because he has glorified himself. Remember it yourselves, and make mention of it to others, that his name is exalted, has become more illustrious and more conspicuous; in this every good man rejoices. 2. Because he has magnified his people: He has done excellent things for them, which make them look great and considerable. 3. Because he is, and will be, great among them: Great is the Holy One, for he is glorious in holiness; therefore great, because holy. True goodness is true greatness. He is great as the Holy One of Israel, and in the midst of them, praised by them (Psa 76:1), manifesting himself among them, and appearing gloriously in their behalf. It is the honour and happiness of Israel that the God who is in covenant with them, and in the midst of them, is infinitely great.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 4–6. Public domain.
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Commentary on Isaiah
(Verses 4, 5.) And you shall say on that day, confess the Lord and invoke His name: make His inventions known among the peoples: remember, for His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done great things: announce this in all the earth. These things are commanded by the Apostles and the rest of Israel to those who believed from the Gentiles: that they alone confess the Lord, and forsaking idols, invoke His name: and proclaim all His works to the unbelievers; that they may know that He alone is exalted: to whom it is to be sung for His great deeds, and in all the earth His mercy is to be proclaimed.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Isaiah 12:5 issues a fervent, universal call to worship, urging all people to sing praise to the LORD. It declares 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 functions 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 doxological conclusion to a significant prophetic section of the book, often referred to as "The Book of Immanuel" (chapters 7-12). This section begins with the historical context of the Syro-Ephraimite War and King Ahaz's lack of faith, but quickly pivots to profound messianic prophecies. Following a series of pronouncements 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., the prophecy of the virgin birth in Isaiah 7:14 and the detailed descriptions of the Messiah's reign in Isaiah 9:6-7 and Isaiah 11:1-10), 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 powerful transition from the somber tones of judgment and warning to the exultant praise for future restoration and divine faithfulness.
Historical & Cultural Context: The prophecies in Isaiah 7-12 are primarily set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Assyrian threat to Judah in the 8th century BC. King Ahaz of Judah, faced with an alliance of Aram and Israel, chose to seek help from the formidable Assyrian empire rather than trusting in the LORD, a decision that led to future subjugation and distress for Judah. Isaiah's prophetic ministry during this period consistently delivered messages of divine judgment for unfaithfulness but also unwavering hope in God's ultimate faithfulness and the coming of a righteous, Davidic king. The "song of salvation" in chapter 12, therefore, transcends the immediate historical crisis of Assyrian dominance, 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 and integral form of communal worship and celebration in ancient Israel, often associated with momentous acts of deliverance and victory, echoing the triumphant songs of Moses and Miriam after the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 15:1-21).
Key Themes: Isaiah 12:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of 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, wisdom, and righteousness in orchestrating salvation. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God as the active agent in history, from the initial act of creation (Isaiah 40:28) to the ultimate act of 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 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 profoundly prevalent throughout the Psalms, such as the call to "sing a new song to the LORD" in Psalm 96:1.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Isaiah 12:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is Exhortation, evident in the direct, imperative command "Sing unto the LORD," which serves as a passionate 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 commanded praise, linking divine action directly to human response. The phrase "excellent things" functions as a form of Hyperbole or Intensification, emphasizing the extraordinary, unparalleled, and majestic nature of God's deeds, transcending mere goodness to reach a level of divine splendor and awe. 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, reaching every corner of the globe.
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 for all creation. It emphasizes that the proper and natural 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 for Israel but also His ongoing work in the present and His future, ultimate salvation for all humanity. 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, prompting a joyful and grateful response from His people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 12:5 is a timeless invitation to cultivate a heart of worship and profound gratitude. In a world often consumed by self-focus, anxiety, or despair, this verse powerfully redirects our gaze to the magnificent works of God. It challenges us to pause and reflect deeply on the "excellent things" He has done, both in the grand sweep of redemptive history—from creation to the cross—and in the intimate, often overlooked, details of our personal lives. This recognition should naturally overflow into spontaneous and authentic praise, not as a burdensome duty, but as a joyous response to His character and actions. Furthermore, the verse reminds us of our sacred call to participate in making God's glory "known in all the earth." Our lives, our words, and our collective witness become powerful conduits through which His excellent deeds are proclaimed, inviting others to join in the universal chorus of praise. It encourages us to live with a constant awareness of God's active presence and to joyfully declare His greatness to a world desperately in need of knowing Him.
Questions for Reflection
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 overarching redemptive plan. In the immediate prophetic context of Isaiah, these include His unwavering covenant faithfulness, His sovereign control over nations, His miraculous deliverance of Israel from oppression, and most significantly, the promise of the coming Messiah and the establishment of His righteous, eternal kingdom (as detailed in the messianic prophecies of Isaiah 9 and Isaiah 11). Broadly, these "excellent things" encompass creation itself, the miraculous Exodus from Egypt, the giving of the Law, and ultimately, the entire comprehensive plan of salvation culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 12:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "excellent things" God has done are supremely and perfectly demonstrated in the incarnation, sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection of His Son. The coming of the "branch from Jesse" (Isaiah 11:1)—Jesus—is the greatest of God's majestic deeds, through whom salvation is accomplished for all who believe. His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His victorious resurrection are the "excellent things" that deliver humanity from the bondage of sin and the dominion of death, establishing His eternal kingdom and reconciling humanity to God. 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). 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). The joyous 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).