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Isaiah 42:11

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Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up [their voice], the villages [that] Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.

Let the wilderness {H4057} and the cities {H5892} thereof lift up {H5375} their voice, the villages {H2691} that Kedar {H6938} doth inhabit {H3427}: let the inhabitants {H3427} of the rock {H5553} sing {H7442}, let them shout {H6681} from the top {H7218} of the mountains {H2022}.

Let the desert and its cities raise their voices, the villages where Kedar lives; let those living in Sela shout for joy; let them cry out from the mountaintops!

Let the desert and its cities raise their voices; let the villages of Kedar cry aloud. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them cry out from the mountaintops.

Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit; let the inhabitants of Sela sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.

Commentary

Isaiah 42:11 KJV is a powerful poetic declaration, expanding on the call for universal praise introduced in the preceding verse. It vividly portrays a world-encompassing chorus of adoration for the Lord, specifically highlighting those often considered remote or outside the traditional covenant community.

Context of Isaiah 42:11

This verse is part of the first of Isaiah's "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-9), which introduces the Lord's chosen Servant, often interpreted as the Messiah. The Servant's mission is to bring justice and light to the Gentiles, not just Israel. Following the Servant's mission statement, Isaiah 42:10 issues a command to "sing unto the Lord a new song". Verse 11 then extends this invitation to praise to the most unlikely and distant places, emphasizing the breadth of God's redemptive plan and the far-reaching impact of the Servant's work.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Universal Praise and Inclusivity: The verse calls for the "wilderness," its cities, and the "villages that Kedar doth inhabit" to lift their voices. This imagery signifies that God's salvation and glory are not exclusive to Israel but extend to all peoples, even those in remote or nomadic regions. It underscores the profound truth that God desires praise from every nation and tribe.
  • God's Global Sovereignty: By commanding the "inhabitants of the rock" to sing and "shout from the top of the mountains," the prophecy illustrates God's authority over all creation and all peoples. No place or people group is beyond His reach or His call to worship.
  • The Impact of the Servant's Work: : The widespread rejoicing envisioned in this verse is a direct result of the Servant's mission to bring justice and salvation. It anticipates a future where the knowledge of the Lord's glory covers the earth, prompting spontaneous and joyous celebration.

Linguistic Insights

The specific geographical and people groups mentioned carry significant meaning:

  • Kedar: This refers to a nomadic Arab tribe, descendants of Ishmael (see Genesis 25:13), known for dwelling in the Arabian desert. Their inclusion signifies the call to praise reaching beyond the established nations to the nomadic, often independent, peoples of the desert.
  • Inhabitants of the rock: This phrase likely refers to dwellers in rocky, fortified regions, perhaps like Edom (Petra) or other rugged mountainous areas. It further emphasizes the inclusion of those in geographically isolated or seemingly inaccessible places, reinforcing the universal scope of God's redemptive work. The verbs "sing" and "shout" convey an unbridled, joyful expression of worship.

Practical Application

Isaiah 42:11 reminds us that God's plan of salvation is expansive and inclusive. It encourages believers to:

  • Embrace a Global Vision: Recognize that God desires all people, from every background and corner of the earth, to know Him and offer Him praise. This fuels a heart for missions and evangelism.
  • Celebrate God's Inclusivity: Appreciate that no one is too distant, too "wild," or too insignificant to be included in God's family. His grace extends to all who respond to His call.
  • Express Joyful Praise: The imagery of shouting from mountaintops inspires a vibrant, enthusiastic expression of worship, reflecting the magnitude of God's saving power.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 32:16 (6 votes)

    Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.

  • Isaiah 60:7 (5 votes)

    All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.

  • Isaiah 41:18 (4 votes)

    I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

  • Isaiah 41:19 (4 votes)

    I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, [and] the pine, and the box tree together:

  • Psalms 72:8 (4 votes)

    He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

  • Psalms 72:10 (4 votes)

    The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

  • Nahum 1:15 (3 votes)

    Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.