Isaiah 25:1

KJV

¶ O LORD, thou [art] my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful [things; thy] counsels of old [are] faithfulness [and] truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068}, thou art my God {H430}; I will exalt {H7311} thee, I will praise {H3034} thy name {H8034}; for thou hast done {H6213} wonderful {H6382} things; thy counsels {H6098} of old {H7350} are faithfulness {H530} and truth {H544}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, you are my God. I exalt you, I praise your name. For you have accomplished marvels, [fulfilled] ancient plans faithfully and truly.

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD, You are my God! I will exalt You; I will praise Your name. For You have worked wonders— plans formed long ago— in perfect faithfulness.

American Standard Version

O Jehovah, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things, even counsels of old, in faithfulness and truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 25:1 opens a magnificent song of praise, serving as a profound declaration of personal devotion and unwavering trust in God. The prophet, speaking on behalf of a redeemed people, exalts the Lord for His astonishing deeds and the steadfast reliability of His ancient plans, affirming His character as both powerful and true. This verse encapsulates the essence of worship that flows from a deep conviction of God's sovereign power and His unfailing covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 25:1 marks a pivotal shift in the prophetic book, transitioning from the "Little Apocalypse" of chapters 24-27. Chapter 24 vividly depicts God's universal judgment upon the earth, bringing desolation and chaos as a prelude to the establishment of His kingdom. Following this portrayal of divine wrath and the shaking of creation, chapter 25 bursts forth as a triumphant anthem of praise and thanksgiving. It anticipates the glorious future when God will redeem His people, conquer death, and provide a lavish feast for all nations. This opening verse is the initial, personal outburst of worship, setting the tone for the joyful anticipation of God's ultimate victory and the restoration of His people. The preceding verses of [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - God's Judgment on the Earth") describe the earth's devastation, making the praise in [Isaiah 25](/isaiah/25 "Isaiah 25 - A Song of Praise and Salvation") even more striking as a contrast.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting for this section of Isaiah is debated (some scholars suggest a post-exilic context, others a pre-exilic prophetic vision), the themes resonate deeply with Israel's experience of exile, suffering, and the longing for restoration. The "counsels of old" would have evoked memories of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Moses, and David, promises that seemed distant during times of national distress but were held onto as the bedrock of hope. The concept of "wonderful things" (Hebrew: *pele'*) often referred to God's miraculous acts of deliverance, such as the Exodus, which served as a paradigm for future salvation. The cultural understanding of God as "my God" (Hebrew: *Elohim*) within a covenant relationship was central to Israelite identity, distinguishing Yahweh from the fickle deities of surrounding nations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate Isaiah's prophecy and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Personal Devotion and Covenant Relationship**, as the speaker intimately addresses God as "my God," emphasizing a deep, personal bond foundational to true worship. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Exaltation and Praise**, portraying the appropriate human response to God's sovereign character and mighty deeds—to magnify His name and declare His worth. Thirdly, the verse points to **God's Mighty Works and Redemptive History**, acknowledging that His "wonderful things" encompass both past acts of salvation and future eschatological deliverance. Finally, it powerfully affirms **Divine Faithfulness and Truth**, asserting that God's ancient purposes and decrees are utterly reliable and will certainly come to pass, providing a steadfast anchor for hope even amidst uncertainty. This echoes the truth found in [Psalm 33:11](/psalm/33-11 "Psalm 33:11 - The Enduring Counsel of the Lord") that God's plans are eternal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, often rendered "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." Derived from the root "to be," it signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The use of this name here underscores the intimate, covenantal relationship between the prophet and the God of Israel, who is not merely a distant deity but the ever-present, self-revealing One.
* **exalt (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** This verb means "to be high," "to rise," or "to raise up." In the context of worship, it signifies lifting God up, magnifying His name, and acknowledging His supreme sovereignty and majesty. It's an active declaration of His elevated status above all creation and all other powers, a fitting response to His "wonderful things."
* **faithfulness (Hebrew, _ʼĕmûwnâh'_):** This noun denotes firmness, security, and moral fidelity. It speaks to the reliability, trustworthiness, and unwavering constancy of God's character and His actions. When applied to God's "counsels of old," it assures the worshiper that His eternal plans are not subject to change or failure but are utterly dependable, providing a solid foundation for trust and hope.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD, thou art my God;":** This opening clause is a profound and intimate declaration of personal covenant relationship. "O LORD" (Yahweh) addresses God by His personal, covenant name, while "my God" (Elohim) emphasizes a possessive, exclusive devotion. It's a confession of allegiance and a recognition of God's unique claim on the speaker's life, forming the bedrock of all subsequent praise.
* **"I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name;":** This is a twofold vow of worship. "Exalt" (rûwm) signifies lifting God up in honor and recognition of His supreme majesty. "Praise thy name" (yâdâh shêm) means to give thanks, to confess, and to celebrate God's character as revealed through His "name" (His reputation, authority, and essence). These are active responses of adoration.
* **"for thou hast done wonderful things;":** This clause provides the reason and motivation for the praise. The "wonderful things" (pele') refer to God's extraordinary, miraculous, and incomprehensible acts of power and salvation throughout history. These are not ordinary deeds but supernatural interventions that demonstrate His unique might and wisdom, inspiring awe and gratitude.
* **"thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.":** This final clause grounds the praise in God's eternal character and unchanging purposes. "Counsels of old" (ʻêtsâh râchôwq) refers to God's ancient, pre-ordained plans and decrees, established from eternity past. The affirmation that these counsels are "faithfulness" (ʼĕmûwnâh) and "truth" (ʼômen) guarantees their reliability, immutability, and ultimate fulfillment, providing a secure foundation for hope in His future redemptive acts.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 25:1 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, as the prophet directly addresses God ("O LORD, thou art my God"), creating an immediate and intimate tone of personal devotion. **Parallelism** is evident in the paired verbs of worship, "I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name," which reinforce the depth of the speaker's adoration. Similarly, the concluding phrase, "faithfulness and truth," functions as a **hendiadys**, where two nouns express a single, intensified concept—God's utterly reliable and consistent character. The phrase "wonderful things" serves as a form of **hyperbole** or **litotes**, underscoring the extraordinary, awe-inspiring nature of God's deeds, which transcend human comprehension. The entire verse is a **declaration** or **confession**, articulating a foundational theological truth about God's character and actions, designed to inspire and instruct the reader in worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 25:1 is a profound theological statement, asserting God's absolute sovereignty, His covenant faithfulness, and the appropriate human response of worship. It establishes that genuine praise is not merely an emotional outburst but a reasoned response to God's revealed character and His demonstrable acts in history. The "counsels of old" speak to God's eternal decree and providential governance, assuring believers that His purposes, though sometimes hidden, are always unfolding with perfect fidelity. This verse lays the groundwork for understanding God's redemptive plan, which culminates in the ultimate victory over sin and death, a victory rooted in His unchanging nature and pre-ordained will.

* [Psalm 100:5](/psalm/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Enduring Goodness and Faithfulness")
* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - The Rock, His Work is Perfect")
* [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 25:1 serves as a timeless blueprint for authentic worship and a powerful anchor for faith in challenging times. It calls us to cultivate a deeply personal relationship with God, recognizing Him not as a distant, abstract concept but as "my God"—the one who intimately knows and cares for us. This personal connection then fuels an intentional and consistent practice of praise, acknowledging His supreme worth and celebrating His "wonderful things" in our lives and throughout history. Even when circumstances seem chaotic or God's plans appear unclear, this verse reminds us that His "counsels of old are faithfulness and truth." We are invited to rest in the certainty that His eternal purposes will unfailingly come to pass, providing an unshakeable foundation for hope and trust. Our worship, therefore, becomes an act of confident faith, declaring His sovereignty and anticipating His ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does declaring "O LORD, thou art my God" deepen your personal relationship with Him?**
* **What "wonderful things" has God done in your life or that you have observed in history that compel you to exalt and praise His name?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in God's "counsels of old" and His unchanging faithfulness and truth?**
* **How can you make your praise of God a more consistent and intentional practice, even amidst difficulties?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "counsels of old"?**

Answer: The phrase "counsels of old" (Hebrew: *ʻêtsâh râchôwq*) refers to God's ancient, pre-ordained plans, purposes, and decrees that were established from eternity past. It emphasizes that God's actions in history are not spontaneous or reactive, but are part of a meticulously designed, unchanging, and sovereign blueprint. This concept provides immense comfort and assurance, as it means God's ultimate victory and the fulfillment of His promises are guaranteed because they are rooted in His eternal, unchanging character and perfect wisdom. It speaks to His omniscience and omnipotence, assuring us that His purposes will always prevail, as seen in [Psalm 33:11](/psalm/33-11 "Psalm 33:11 - The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever").

**How does this verse relate to the broader themes of Isaiah?**

Answer: Isaiah 25:1 is a microcosm of Isaiah's overarching message: judgment followed by glorious salvation. While much of Isaiah details Israel's sin, God's impending judgment, and the desolation of nations, chapters 24-27 (the "Little Apocalypse") shift to an eschatological vision of God's ultimate triumph. This verse, as the opening of a song of praise, anticipates the time when God's "wonderful things" of salvation will be fully realized, death will be swallowed up, and tears will be wiped away. It underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human failure, a theme central to the entire book and a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption found in the Messiah, as prophesied throughout [Isaiah](/isaiah "The Book of Isaiah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 25:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "wonderful things" God has done, and His "counsels of old" that are "faithfulness and truth," are supremely manifested in the incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. He is the embodiment of God's ancient plan for salvation, 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")). Through Christ, God's eternal purpose to reconcile humanity to Himself and establish His kingdom is realized. The "counsels of old" find their "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The "wonderful things" include His miracles, His atoning sacrifice on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, which conquered death and opened the way to eternal life ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory over Death")). Therefore, our exaltation and praise of the LORD, as expressed in Isaiah 25:1, is now rightly directed to God the Father through God the Son, Jesus Christ, who perfectly executed the divine counsel and brought about the most wonderful work of all—redemption for all who believe ([Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - God's Plan in Christ")).

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

Exodus 15:2

The LORD [is] my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he [is] my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Psalms 118:28

Thou [art] my God, and I will praise thee: [thou art] my God, I will exalt thee.

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

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.

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

Isaiah 28:29

This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, [which] is wonderful in counsel, [and] excellent in working.

Psalms 40:5

Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.