Isaiah 42:10-12
Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants. Let the desert and its cities lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar inhabits; let the habitants of Sela sing for joy, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory to the LORD, and declare his praise in the coastlands.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just calling for any old song; it's a call for a "new song" specifically for the unique work of redemption. The inclusion of "those who go down to the sea" and "the coastlands" emphasizes that this praise isn't limited to one place or people but extends to the farthest reaches of the world, even those connected by maritime trade and exploration.
Following the promise of new salvation and deliverance in the preceding verses, Isaiah calls all of creation to join in a global celebration. This praise is to come from every corner of the earth, including those who traverse the seas and dwell along the coasts.
Why does the prophet call for a 'new song' specifically in this moment?
The call for a "new song" in Isaiah 42:10 isn't just about a fresh tune. It points to a profound shift in God's relationship with His people and the world. This 'new song' is a response to the 'new thing' God is doing – the coming of a Redeemer, the Servant of the Lord, who will bring salvation and justice not just to Israel, but to all nations.
Who are these people 'going down to the sea' and why are they included?
Isaiah's vision of praise isn't confined to landlocked people. It explicitly calls to those connected with the sea – the sailors, the merchants, the island dwellers.
Understand the original words
shiyr chadash · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A song that celebrates a recent or ongoing act of divine deliverance, marking a new phase in God's redemptive history.
midbar · Hebrew Noun
In the Bible, this refers to an uncultivated, desolate, or sparsely populated region. It often serves as a place of testing, divine meeting, or a symbol of desolation awaiting restoration.
Qedar · Hebrew Proper Noun
A nomadic or semi-nomadic Ishmaelite tribe, often representing the far-flung, Gentile, or non-Israelite nations in prophetic literature.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
A Hebrew word used to describe the absolute, covenantal name of God, revealed to Moses, representing His self-existence, faithfulness, and holiness.
This passage, set during the Babylonian Exile, calls for a universal song of praise, reflecting the exiles' longing for a future where God's salvation reaches all nations, including distant seafaring peoples and island dwellers. The historical context of exile and the anticipation of Cyrus's rise underscore the prophetic vision of a world transformed by God's redemptive work.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Under King Hezekiah, Jerusalem miraculously survives an Assyrian siege, reinforcing Isaiah's message of Zion's inviolability and God's faithfulness.
c. 621 BC
Discovery of the Book of the Law
During Josiah's reign, the Book of the Law is discovered, leading to a religious reformation and a renewed commitment to the covenant. This event highlights Israel's potential for spiritual revival, even amidst national sin.
609 BC
Death of Josiah at Megiddo
King Josiah is killed in battle against Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt, shattering the nation's confidence and leading to a return to idolatry and spiritual decline.
598 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon deports King Jehoiachin and a significant portion of Judah's elite, including priests like Ezekiel, marking the beginning of the Babylonian Exile.
This passage also speaks of those who 'go down to the sea in ships' and conduct 'their business in great waters,' connecting with the seafaring aspect mentioned in Isaiah.
Psalm 96:11It calls for the heavens and the earth to rejoice, and specifically mentions the sea and its fullness, echoing the comprehensive praise called for in Isaiah.
Isaiah 24:14-16This chapter describes voices of praise from the coasts and islands, similar to Isaiah 42:10, painting a picture of widespread worship.
Revelation 14:3This New Testament passage describes a 'new song' sung before the throne, a concept that parallels the 'new song' called for in Isaiah, indicating a new era of praise.
barnesIsaiah 42:10: "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."
Sing unto the Lord a new song - It is common, as we have seen, to celebrate the goodness of God in a hymn of praise on the manifestation of any special act of mercy (see the notes at Isaiah 12:1-6 ; Isaiah 25:1-12 ; 26) Here the prophet calls upon all people to celebrate the divine mercy in a song of praise in view…
bensonIsaiah 42:10: "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."
Isaiah 42:10; Isaiah 42:12. Sing unto the Lord a new song — Upon this new and great occasion, the salvation of the world by Christ. It is with peculiar propriety and elegance that the nations are here called upon and exhorted to praise and extol Jehovah, for the singular blessing conferred upon them by the gospel. A…
This verse isn't just calling for any old song; it's a call for a "new song" specifically for the unique work of redemption. The inclusion of "those who go down to the sea" and "the coastlands" emphasizes that this praise isn't limited to one place or people but extends to the farthest reaches of the world, even those connected by maritime trade and exploration.
Following the promise of new salvation and deliverance in the preceding verses, Isaiah calls all of creation to join in a global celebration. This praise is to come from every corner of the earth, including those who traverse the seas and dwell along the coasts.
Following the promise of new salvation and deliverance in the preceding verses, Isaiah calls all of creation to join in a global celebration. This praise is to come from every corner of the earth, including those who traverse the seas and dwell along the coasts.
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kabod · Hebrew Noun
In a biblical context, glory refers to the outward manifestation of God's weightiness, splendor, majesty, and moral excellence. To give glory is to acknowledge and declare this inherent worthiness.
c. 550 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus begins his conquest of the Median Empire, setting the stage for his eventual conquest of Babylon and the liberation of the Jewish exiles.
c. 540 BC— this verse
Prophecies of Isaiah 40-66
These chapters, written during the Babylonian Exile, offer comfort and hope to the exiles, foretelling their restoration and the coming of a new era of worship that will include all nations.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, fulfilling prophecies and paving the way for the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem.
"Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants. Let the desert and its cities lift up their voice, the…" — This verse isn't just calling for any old song; it's a call for a "new song" specifically for the unique work of redemption. The inclusion of "those who go down to the sea" and "the coastlands" empha…
