Isaiah 12:5

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

Study Bible

Sing to the LORD
This phrase is a call to worship and praise, a common theme throughout the Psalms and prophetic writings. Singing to the LORD is an expression of joy and gratitude, often seen in the context of deliverance and salvation. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, music and singing were integral parts of religious ceremonies and celebrations. This call to sing is not just a personal act but a communal one, inviting the people of God to join together in worship.

for He has done glorious things
The "glorious things" refer to the mighty acts of God, particularly His deliverance and salvation of His people. In the context of Isaiah, this can be seen as a reference to the deliverance from Assyrian oppression and a future hope of ultimate salvation through the Messiah. The phrase echoes the song of Moses in Exodus 15, where the Israelites praised God for their deliverance from Egypt. It also points forward to the ultimate act of salvation through Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection are the most glorious acts of God.

Let this be known in all the earth
This phrase emphasizes the universal scope of God's salvation and the call to proclaim His deeds to all nations. It reflects the missional aspect of Israel's calling to be a light to the Gentiles, as seen in Isaiah 49:6. The proclamation of God's works is not limited to Israel but is intended for all the earth, foreshadowing the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations. This global perspective underscores the inclusivity of God's plan of redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book that bears his name. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Isaiah primarily ministered. The people of Judah were often the direct audience of Isaiah's prophecies.

4. The Nations
Refers to all the peoples of the earth, highlighting the universal scope of God's deeds and the call for all to recognize His glory.

5. The Glorious Things
This refers to the mighty acts of God, particularly His deliverance and salvation, which are to be proclaimed throughout the world.

Teaching Points

The Call to Worship
Isaiah 12:5 emphasizes the importance of worship through song, recognizing God's glorious deeds. Believers are encouraged to incorporate singing into their personal and corporate worship as a response to God's work in their lives.

Proclaiming God's Deeds
The verse calls for making God's works known throughout the earth. Christians are encouraged to share testimonies of God's faithfulness and salvation with others, both locally and globally.

Recognizing God's Glory
The "glorious things" God has done should lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of His character. Believers are urged to meditate on God's attributes and actions, fostering a heart of gratitude and awe.

Universal Scope of God's Salvation
The call for all the earth to know God's deeds highlights the inclusivity of God's salvation plan. Christians are reminded of the Great Commission and the importance of evangelism and missions.

Joyful Response to Salvation
The context of Isaiah 12 is a song of praise for salvation. Believers are encouraged to respond to their own salvation with joy and to express this joy in their daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Isaiah 12:5 encourage us to incorporate worship into our daily lives, and what are some practical ways to do this?

2. In what ways can you personally make known God's glorious deeds in your community or workplace?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's "glorious things" in your life. How did you respond, and how can you share this testimony with others?

4. How does the call to proclaim God's deeds to "all the earth" challenge you in terms of evangelism and missions?

5. Consider the connection between joy and salvation in Isaiah 12. How can you cultivate a joyful heart in response to God's saving work in your life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 105:1-2
This passage encourages believers to give thanks to the LORD and make known His deeds among the peoples, similar to the call in Isaiah 12:5.

Exodus 15:1-2
The song of Moses after the crossing of the Red Sea is an example of singing to the LORD for His glorious deeds, paralleling the theme of Isaiah 12:5.

Revelation 15:3-4
The song of the Lamb in Revelation echoes the call to sing of God's great and marvelous works, showing the continuity of this theme from the Old to the New Testament.