And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice that the call to "declare his deeds among the peoples" isn't just about sharing God's past actions, but about proclaiming that His name is exalted. This means the purpose isn't just recounting history, but actively demonstrating and testifying to God's supreme worthiness to all nations.
And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks the beginning of a joyful hymn of praise sung by God's redeemed people. Following prophecies of judgment and restoration, chapters 11 and 12 culminate in a song of thanksgiving for God's salvation, particularly through the coming Messiah. The people, now assured of God's favor and presence, are urged to share this good news widely.
You've just experienced God's incredible saving work. What's the natural, immediate response? It's not just internal gratitude; it's outward proclamation!
This verse isn't just a suggestion; it's the natural overflow of a heart transformed by God's salvation. Following the relief and comfort described in the previous verses, Isaiah 12:4 lays out the action steps:
Give Thanks
This is a direct acknowledgment of God's goodness and faithfulness. It's recognizing His hand in our lives and celebrating His character.
Call Upon His Name
This means more than just asking for things. It's invoking God, making Him the focus of our worship and relying on His power. It's about relationship and active dependence.
Make Known His Deeds
This is the crucial outward step. God's work isn't meant to be kept secret. We are called to share the amazing things He has done, especially the work of redemption, with everyone.
Why is God's name so important? And why should the whole world know about it? This verse highlights a crucial aspect of God's character and His plan.
The final command, 'proclaim that his name is exalted,' points to the ultimate purpose of God's saving work:
God's Supreme Worth
'Exalted' means lifted up, honored, supreme. The verse calls us to declare that God's name – His very being, character, and authority – is above all others. This isn't about boasting, but about rightly acknowledging His supreme worth.
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Universal Recognition
This isn't just for a select group. The command to declare His deeds 'among the peoples' and to proclaim His exalted name extends to all nations. God's glory is meant to be seen and recognized by everyone, everywhere. It’s about inviting the whole world to join in recognizing His greatness.
The Foundation of Worship
When we truly grasp that God's name is exalted, it changes everything about our worship. It moves from a mere ritual to a response of awe and reverence for who He is.
Understand the original words
qara' · Hebrew Verb
To invoke or appeal to God in prayer, recognizing His authority and relying on His character; it is a central act of covenantal relationship.
shem · Hebrew Noun
God’s reputation, character, and authority as revealed to humanity; to exalt His name is to magnify His fame and sovereignty.
sagab · Hebrew Verb
To lift up, make high, or declare as supreme; it reflects the recognition of God’s absolute sovereignty and unmatched glory.
This hymn of praise, found in Isaiah 12, is situated within the broader context of prophetic warnings and promises. While initially delivered during Isaiah's ministry, its fulfillment points towards a future redemption beyond the Babylonian exile, culminating in the messianic era where God's deeds will be known 'among the peoples' of the world.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Prophetic Ministry
Isaiah delivers prophecies concerning judgment and future restoration for Judah and surrounding nations during a period of Assyrian expansion.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel and deports many of its inhabitants, a significant event of judgment that looms over Judah.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Jewish elites and resources to Babylon, marking the start of the Babylonian exile.
587/586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, leading to a mass exile of the remaining population.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian king Cyrus the Great overthrows the Babylonian Empire, paving the way for the return of exiled peoples, including the Jews.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Completed
The rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem is completed, signifying a return from exile and a restoration of worship, though under foreign rule.
This passage is a direct echo, using the same phrasing to call for giving thanks and declaring God's mighty deeds among all peoples, highlighting the continuity of this exhortation across Scripture.
1 Chronicles 16:8This verse also shares the call to 'Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done,' emphasizing that proclaiming God's actions is a foundational act of worship that extends beyond Israel.
Matthew 28:19Jesus' Great Commission directly links to Isaiah's command to 'declare his deeds among the peoples,' as it mandates disciples to make all nations His disciples, thereby spreading the knowledge of God's exalted name globally.
Psalm 96:3This Psalm mirrors the sentiment by urging believers to 'Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples,' reinforcing the idea that God's greatness is meant to be known universally.
Romans 10:14This New Testament passage questions how people can call on God without hearing about Him, directly connecting to Isaiah's call to 'make known his deeds' and 'proclaim that his name is exalted,' showing the essential link between witness and worship.
barnesIsaiah 12:4: "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."
And in that day - (see Isaiah 12:1 ). Call upon his name - Margin, 'Proclaim.' It denotes to call upon him in the way of celebrating his praise. The whole hymn is one of praise, and not of prayer. Declare among the people - Among all people, that they may be brought to see his glory, and join in the celebration of his praise. His doings -…
pooleIsaiah 12:4: "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."
Among the people; in all the earth, as it follows, Isaiah 12:5 ; unto the Gentile world, who shall partake in the blessing, and will join with you in the praising of God for it. The knowledge of this glorious work of our redemption
Notice that the call to "declare his deeds among the peoples" isn't just about sharing God's past actions, but about proclaiming that His name is exalted. This means the purpose isn't just recounting history, but actively demonstrating and testifying to God's supreme worthiness to all nations.
This verse marks the beginning of a joyful hymn of praise sung by God's redeemed people. Following prophecies of judgment and restoration, chapters 11 and 12 culminate in a song of thanksgiving for God's salvation, particularly through the coming Messiah. The people, now assured of God's favor and presence, are urged to share this good news widely.
This verse marks the beginning of a joyful hymn of praise sung by God's redeemed people. Following prophecies of judgment and restoration, chapters 11 and 12 culminate in a song of thanksgiving for God's salvation, particularly through the coming Messiah. The people, now assured of God's favor and presence, are urged to share this good news widely.
"And you will say in that day:
“Give thanks to the LORD,
call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples,
proclaim that his name is exalted." — Notice that the call to "declare his deeds among the peoples" isn't just about sharing God's past actions, but about proclaiming that His name *is* exalted. This means the purpose isn't just recounti…
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Last reviewed October 2026