Isaiah 24:14-15
They lift up their voices, they sing for joy; over the majesty of the LORD they shout from the west. Therefore in the east give glory to the LORD; in the coastlands of the sea, give glory to the name of the LORD, the God of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The striking thing here is that even amidst widespread desolation and judgment, there's a group lifting their voices in joyous praise. This isn't just a hopeful whisper; their "shout from the west" suggests their exultation is so powerful it reaches across distances, a testament to God's overwhelming majesty evident even in difficult times.
Amidst the widespread devastation and judgment described in the preceding verses, this passage shifts focus to a remnant of people. These survivors, likely scattered to distant lands and shores by the calamities, will lift their voices in joyous praise to the Lord. Their songs of exultation will echo from the western seas, celebrating God's glorious power and merciful deliverance.
When devastation sweeps the land, who is left to sing? This verse points to a faithful few, their voices rising above the ruins.
The chapter paints a stark picture of judgment and desolation. The earth is emptied, its inhabitants scattered, and a curse consumes the land due to its sin (Isaiah 24:1-6). Yet, amidst this widespread destruction, a specific group emerges: 'They.' Who are these 'they'? The commentaries suggest this refers to a faithful remnant, those who have escaped the devastation. Their 'lifting up their voice' is not a cry of despair, but one of exultation and praise. This highlights a profound truth: even in the darkest times, God preserves a people, and their faith can shine brightest when surrounded by ruin.
What inspires such unbridled joy that it can be heard across the seas, even when judgment is falling?
The reason for their singing is key: 'for the majesty of the LORD.' This isn't just a general expression of happiness; it's a specific focus on God's glory, power, and goodness. The commentaries emphasize that this praise arises from their deliverance and God's merciful preservation. Despite the surrounding chaos, their eyes are fixed on the Lord. Their shouts aren't about their own strength or survival skills, but about celebrating the inherent splendor and power of God. This reminds us that true worship often intensifies when we recognize God's might and faithfulness amidst our circumstances.
Why do these joyous shouts originate 'from the sea,' specifically toward the west?
The phrase 'from the sea' is significant. Commentaries point to the Mediterranean Sea, indicating that these voices of praise are coming from distant lands and coastal regions, likely where the exiles or refugees have found shelter. This isn't just local praise; it's praise echoing from the diaspora, reaching across geographical boundaries. It suggests that God's glory and redemptive work are so profound that they inspire celebration even among those who are far from their homeland or in precarious situations. This geographical reference expands the scope of God's activity beyond the immediate land, pointing to a global impact of His majesty and salvation.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The divine name (YHWH) of the covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is the sovereign Creator and Judge of all the earth.
ge'ut · Hebrew Noun
Greatness, splendor, or dignity; often refers to God’s supreme character and sovereignty that demands awe and recognition.
kavod · Hebrew Verb (in imperative)
To ascribe honor, weight, or recognition to God; to acknowledge His supreme value, character, and status as the Creator and Redeemer.
Yisra'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
The historical and covenantal title of the nation chosen by God, through whom He revealed Himself to the world and promised the Messiah.
This verse paints a picture of hope emerging from desolation. The songs of praise shouted from the sea likely refer to Jewish exiles in the Mediterranean world who, despite the widespread judgment described in Isaiah, hold onto faith in God's majesty and anticipate His future work.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Deportation
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Neo-Assyrian Empire, and a significant portion of its population is deported. This event marks the beginning of large-scale Israelite exile and dispersal.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Southern Kingdom of Judah falls to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, Jerusalem is destroyed, and its people are exiled to Babylon. This is a catastrophic event for the Judean people, scattering many.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Edict
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and issues an edict allowing exiled peoples, including the Judeans, to return to their homelands.
c. 6th-4th century BC
The Jewish Diaspora Expands
Following the Babylonian exile and subsequent Persian rule, Jewish communities spread throughout the Near East and into Mediterranean regions like Egypt and Greece, forming the 'Dispersion'.
This psalm echoes the sentiment of Isaiah, calling for all the earth to 'make a joyful noise unto the LORD, make a loud noise, and rejoice with gladness' and 'sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of melody.'
Revelation 14:7This passage in Revelation describes an angel proclaiming 'fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters,' mirroring the focus on God's majesty and worship.
Psalm 107:23-32This psalm vividly depicts those who go down to the sea in ships and see the works of the LORD, calling out to Him in their trouble and being delivered, leading to their praise and thanksgiving from the sea, similar to Isaiah's vision.
Isaiah 42:10-12This earlier passage in Isaiah also calls for singing to the LORD a new song, with praise from the 'islands, and the inhabitants thereof,' emphasizing that a redeemed people will offer praise from distant places.
barnesIsaiah 24:14: "They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea."
They shall lift up their voice - They who are left in the land; or who are not carried away to Babylon. 'To lift up the voice' in the Scriptures may denote either grief or joy; compare Genesis 21:6 ; 1 Samuel 24:16 ; Judges 2:4 ; Ruth 1:9 , ..., where to lift up the voice is conected with weeping; and Ezekiel 21:22 ; Psalm 93:3 ; Isaiah 40:29 ; Isaiah 42:11 , etc., whe…
cambridgeIsaiah 24:14: "They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea."
14 . They shall lift up their voice ] Rather: These lift up their voice . The pronoun at the beginning is emphatic and stands in contrast to the “I” of Isaiah 24:16 . they shall sing, for the majesty …] Better (following the accents) they shout: for the majesty of Jehovah they cry aloud , &c. The last words from the sea (i.e. the Mediterranean) point to the West as the…
The striking thing here is that even amidst widespread desolation and judgment, there's a group lifting their voices in joyous praise. This isn't just a hopeful whisper; their "shout from the west" suggests their exultation is so powerful it reaches across distances, a testament to God's overwhelming majesty evident even in difficult times.
Amidst the widespread devastation and judgment described in the preceding verses, this passage shifts focus to a remnant of people. These survivors, likely scattered to distant lands and shores by the calamities, will lift their voices in joyous praise to the Lord. Their songs of exultation will echo from the western seas, celebrating God's glorious power and merciful deliverance.
Amidst the widespread devastation and judgment described in the preceding verses, this passage shifts focus to a remnant of people. These survivors, likely scattered to distant lands and shores by the calamities, will lift their voices in joyous praise to the Lord. Their songs of exultation will echo from the western seas, celebrating God's glorious power and merciful deliverance.
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c. 700 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Prophecy of Judgment and Restoration
Isaiah delivers prophecies of impending judgment on Israel and surrounding nations, but also includes visions of future restoration and the enduring majesty of the Lord.
c. 63 BC onwards
Roman Conquest and Hellenistic Influence
The Roman Empire expands its influence into Judea, leading to significant political and social upheaval, while Greek culture and language (Hellenism) deeply permeate the region and the Diaspora.
"They lift up their voices, they sing for joy; over the majesty of the LORD they shout from the west. Therefore in the east give glory to the LORD; in the coastlands of the sea, give glory to the name of the LORD, the God of…" — The striking thing here is that even amidst widespread desolation and judgment, there's a group lifting their voices in joyous praise. This isn't just a hopeful whisper; their "shout from the west" s…
