Isaiah 42:10

KJV

Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Sing {H7891} unto the LORD {H3068} a new {H2319} song {H7892}, and his praise {H8416} from the end {H7097} of the earth {H776}, ye that go down {H3381} to the sea {H3220}, and all that is therein {H4393}; the isles {H339}, and the inhabitants {H3427} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sing to ADONAI a new song! Let his praise be sung from the ends of the earth by those sailing the sea and by everything in it, by the coastlands and those living there.

Berean Standard Bible

Sing to the LORD a new song— His praise from the ends of the earth— you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who dwell in them.

American Standard Version

Sing unto Jehovah a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth; ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein, the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 42:10 issues a fervent, universal call to praise the Lord, anticipating a new era of God's redemptive work. It summons all peoples, from the furthest reaches of the earth, including those who navigate the seas and dwell on distant islands, to join in a "new song" of worship. This prophetic declaration signifies a global acknowledgment of God's unfolding plan, particularly through the Servant introduced in the preceding verses, whose mission will extend salvation and justice to the Gentiles, prompting an unprecedented outpouring of adoration from every corner of the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 42 marks the commencement of the first of four "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-4, 49:1-6, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12), which are central to understanding the prophetic message of Isaiah. The preceding verses introduce the Lord's chosen Servant, endowed with the Spirit, whose mission is to bring justice to the nations (Isaiah 42:1) and establish a covenant with the people, serving as a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6). This Servant will not cry out or raise His voice, nor break a bruised reed, but will faithfully bring forth justice (Isaiah 42:2-3). Verse 10, therefore, serves as a dramatic response to this profound revelation of the Servant's universal and redemptive work, calling for a global chorus of praise in anticipation of its fulfillment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Isaiah is set against the backdrop of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, periods of immense political upheaval and spiritual decline for Judah. The prophet Isaiah speaks to a people facing exile and despair, offering messages of both judgment and hope. While the immediate historical context involves Israel's relationship with God and surrounding nations, the prophetic vision often transcends these immediate circumstances, looking forward to a time of universal salvation. The mention of "the sea," "isles," and "inhabitants thereof" reflects the ancient world's understanding of distant lands and maritime trade routes, symbolizing the farthest reaches of the known world beyond the immediate land of Israel. This imagery emphasizes the radical nature of God's plan to include all peoples, a concept that would have been revolutionary in a culture often focused on ethnic and national distinctiveness.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 42:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Isaiah. Foremost is the theme of **Universal Salvation**, which expands God's redemptive purpose beyond Israel to encompass all nations, foreshadowed by the Servant's role as a "light to the Gentiles" (as seen in [Isaiah 42:6](/isaiah/42-6 "Isaiah 42:6 - Servant as a Light to the Gentiles")). This verse also highlights the theme of **Newness and Divine Action**, as the call for a "new song" implies a fresh, unprecedented act of God that demands a renewed response of worship, echoing similar calls in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 96:1](/psalms/96-1 "Psalm 96:1 - Sing a New Song to the Lord")). Furthermore, it underscores **God's Sovereignty and Glory**, asserting that His praise will ultimately resound from "the end of the earth," testifying to His ultimate triumph and the global recognition of His power and justice, a concept also seen in [Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Look to Me and Be Saved, All You Ends of the Earth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sing (Hebrew, _shîyr'_):** From H7891, a primitive root meaning "to sing." In this context, it is an imperative, a command to vocalize praise and adoration. The act of singing in worship is a fundamental expression of joy, reverence, and acknowledgment of God's character and deeds, often associated with new acts of deliverance or revelation.
* **new (Hebrew, _châdâsh'_):** From H2319, meaning "new; fresh, new thing." This adjective modifies "song," indicating not merely a different tune, but a song that is fresh, unique, and appropriate for a novel experience or a profound, unprecedented act of God. It implies a worship response that is continually renewed by God's unfolding plan and mighty deeds.
* **end (Hebrew, _qâtseh'_):** From H7097, meaning "an extremity; border, brim, brink, edge, end, outmost coast, quarter, shore, side, uttermost part." When combined with "earth," it powerfully conveys the geographical extremities, symbolizing all peoples and nations, extending to the most remote and distant parts of the globe.
* **isles (Hebrew, _ʼîy'_):** From H339, meaning "a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island." In biblical geography, "isles" often refers to coastlands or distant lands beyond the immediate continental landmass, frequently associated with Gentile nations. Their inclusion in the call to praise emphasizes the comprehensive, global scope of God's redemptive plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sing unto the LORD a new song":** This is a direct command, an imperative call to worship. The "new song" is not simply a different melody but represents a fresh, profound response to a new revelation or act of God. It implies a worship that is dynamic, responsive to God's ongoing work, and born out of a renewed understanding of His character and redemptive plan.
* **"and his praise from the end of the earth":** This expands the scope of the command, specifying the origin of this praise. "The end of the earth" signifies the uttermost geographical boundaries, encompassing all nations and peoples, indicating that God's glory and redemptive acts will be acknowledged globally.
* **"ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein":** This phrase specifically includes maritime peoples and those who travel or live by the sea. "All that is therein" refers to the creatures of the sea or, metaphorically, the vastness and mystery associated with the deep. This further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the call, reaching beyond land-dwellers to those associated with the vast, often untamed, waters.
* **"the isles, and the inhabitants thereof":** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the universal scope. "The isles" (coastlands, distant islands) represent remote Gentile nations. Their "inhabitants" are explicitly called to join in the praise, leaving no corner of the world or group of people excluded from this prophetic summons to worship the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 42:10 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of universal praise. **Imperative Mood** is central, as the verse begins with a direct command, "Sing unto the LORD," creating a sense of urgency and divine authority. The phrase "new song" functions as a potent **Symbolism**, representing a fresh, unprecedented act of God's deliverance or revelation that demands a renewed and heartfelt response of worship. This "newness" contrasts with past acts, highlighting the unique nature of the Servant's mission. **Merism** is evident in the comprehensive listing of geographical locations: "the end of the earth," "ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein," and "the isles, and the inhabitants thereof." By naming these diverse and far-flung locations, the prophet uses parts to signify the whole, emphasizing the **Universality** of the call to praise, encompassing every conceivable corner of the globe and every type of people. This **Hyperbole** of global reach underscores the magnitude of God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 42:10 stands as a profound theological statement on the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and the appropriate global response of worship. It anticipates a time when the knowledge of the Lord's glory will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea, prompting an unprecedented outpouring of praise from all peoples. This "new song" is a response to the "new thing" God is doing through His Servant, signifying not merely a change in melody, but a fundamental shift in the understanding and experience of God's salvation, extending beyond the confines of Israel to embrace every nation, tribe, and tongue. It is a prophetic vision of the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the global recognition of His sovereignty and saving power.

* [Psalm 96:1](/psalms/96-1 "Psalm 96:1 - Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!")
* [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The LORD will be king over the whole earth; on that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.")
* [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - They sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 42:10 calls us to a dynamic and expansive understanding of worship. It reminds us that our praise should not be confined to personal experience or local community but should resonate with the global work of God. As believers, we are invited to join a chorus that spans continents and cultures, celebrating God's ongoing acts of salvation and justice in the world. This means cultivating a heart that is sensitive to God's "new things"—His fresh revelations, His unfolding purposes, and His surprising ways of working in our lives and in the world. It also compels us to embrace a missional perspective, recognizing that God's desire is for "his praise from the end of the earth." Our worship, therefore, should fuel our passion for the nations, inspiring us to pray, give, and go, so that more voices from every corner of the globe might join in this magnificent "new song" of adoration to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "new thing" is God doing in your life or in the world today that calls for a "new song" of praise from you?**
* **How does understanding the global scope of God's redemptive plan impact your personal worship and your involvement in missions?**
* **In what ways can your church community better reflect the universal call to praise from "the end of the earth"?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "a new song" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "a new song" (Hebrew: _shir chadash_) in Isaiah 42:10 is highly significant. It implies a fresh, heartfelt, and unprecedented response to a new act of God's deliverance or revelation. It's not merely a different melody, but a worship that springs from a renewed understanding of God's unfolding plan and mighty deeds. In the context of Isaiah, it anticipates the unique and universal salvation brought by the Servant, which would be unlike anything previously experienced, thus demanding a new and fitting expression of praise. This theme is echoed in other biblical texts, such as [Psalm 98:1](/psalms/98-1 "Psalm 98:1 - Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have gained him the victory.") and [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - They sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.'"), where a new song is sung in response to God's mighty acts of salvation.

**Who are "ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof"?**

Answer: This phrase is a comprehensive and poetic way of referring to all peoples and places, particularly those beyond the immediate land of Israel. "Ye that go down to the sea" refers to those who engage in maritime activities, such as sailors, merchants, or those living along coastlines. "All that is therein" can refer to the creatures of the sea, or more broadly, the vastness and mystery associated with the deep, symbolizing all that is contained within the world. "The isles" (Hebrew: _ʼîy_) typically refers to distant coastlands, islands, or Gentile nations, often seen as remote and distinct from Israel. By including these groups and locations, the prophet emphasizes the universal nature of God's call to praise, extending to the farthest geographical and cultural boundaries, underscoring that God's redemptive plan is for all humanity, not just a select few.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 42:10 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant introduced in this very chapter. The call to "sing unto the LORD a new song" is a prophetic anticipation of the radical new covenant established through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection. His life, death, and resurrection constitute the "new thing" God has done, fulfilling the promise of a "light to the Gentiles" (as prophesied in [Isaiah 42:6](/isaiah/42-6 "Isaiah 42:6 - The Servant as a Covenant and Light to the Gentiles")). Through Christ, salvation is extended to "the end of the earth," breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile (as described in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ has broken down the wall of hostility")). The "new song" is sung by those redeemed by His blood, gathered from "every tribe and language and people and nation" (a vision beautifully depicted in [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The New Song of the Redeemed")), echoing the universal praise called for in Isaiah. The inclusion of "ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof" foreshadows the Great Commission, where disciples are commanded to make disciples of all nations (as seen in [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission to Make Disciples of All Nations")), ensuring that the praise of God in Christ truly resounds from every corner of the globe. Thus, Christ's finished work on the cross is the catalyst for this universal, unprecedented outpouring of worship, fulfilling Isaiah's ancient prophecy.

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 33:3

Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

Isaiah 42:4

He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

Psalms 40:3

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Romans 15:9

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for [his] mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

Romans 15:11

And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

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.

Psalms 98:4

¶ Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.