Isaiah 42:12
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 a nice encouragement; it's a command to all people, everywhere, to actively acknowledge God's greatness. It emphasizes that God's glory isn't meant to be kept quiet or hidden away, but rather proclaimed even in the furthest reaches of the world.
This verse appears in the latter part of Isaiah 42, following the powerful description of God's chosen Servant who will bring justice to the nations. The preceding verses focus on the Servant's gentle yet persistent nature and the promise of his ultimate success. This verse acts as a call to action, urging all people, even those in distant lands, to acknowledge and praise God for the coming fulfillment of His redemptive plan through His Servant.
God's glory isn't meant to stay hidden. This verse calls for a global shout of praise!
Isaiah 42:12 is a powerful call to widespread worship. The phrase 'in the coastlands' (or 'islands' in some translations) points to the farthest reaches of the earth. This isn't just about a select few giving praise; it's about all people, in every corner of the world, joining in to acknowledge who God is and what He has done. Think of it like a ripple effect – God's glory starts somewhere, but it's destined to spread outward, touching every shore.
What does it truly mean to 'give glory' to God?
The command 'Let them give glory to the LORD' is the heart of worship. It's about acknowledging God's inherent worth and recognizing His supreme authority and actions. It means living in a way that reflects His character and acknowledging His power. When we declare His praise, we are not adding anything to God; rather, we are acknowledging the truth of who He is and what He has done, bringing our own lives and testimonies into alignment with reality.
Understand the original words
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.
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.
This verse, found within the prophecies of Isaiah concerning the Babylonian exile and return, calls for people in distant lands ('the islands') to praise the Lord. This reflects the hope that God's glory would eventually be recognized not just by Israel, but by all nations, a mission that would unfold after their return from exile, particularly through the eventual spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah, begins deporting some of the population, including members of the royal family and elite, to Babylon.
597 BC
Second Deportation of Jerusalem
After Jehoiakim's rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar deports more of Jerusalem's population, including Ezekiel, to Babylon.
589 BC
Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar besieges Jerusalem, leading to widespread famine and eventual destruction of the city and the Temple.
586 BC
Final Deportation of Jerusalem
The last remnants of the Judean population are deported to Babylon after Jerusalem's destruction, completing the exile.
This passage speaks of the Servant being a light to the nations and salvation to the ends of the earth, directly echoing the call for praise in distant lands found in Isaiah 42:12.
Psalm 67:1-7This psalm is a prayer for God's blessing and for His name to be known among all nations, directly connecting to the idea of God's praise being declared in distant places as seen in Isaiah 42:12.
Acts 13:47Quoting Isaiah 49:6, this verse shows the early church understanding the mission to the Gentiles, fulfilling the mandate for God's praise to reach the 'islands' or distant peoples mentioned in Isaiah 42:12.
Revelation 7:9-10This vision depicts a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language giving praise to God, illustrating the ultimate fulfillment of the call in Isaiah 42:12 for praise to be declared from all corners of the earth.
barnesIsaiah 42:12: "Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands."
Let them give glory ... in the islands - (see the note at Isaiah 41:1 ). Let the distant regions praise God.
pooleIsaiah 42:12: "Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands."
In the remotest parts of the world, as well as in Arabia, which was near to them.
This verse isn't just a nice encouragement; it's a command to all people, everywhere, to actively acknowledge God's greatness. It emphasizes that God's glory isn't meant to be kept quiet or hidden away, but rather proclaimed even in the furthest reaches of the world.
This verse appears in the latter part of Isaiah 42, following the powerful description of God's chosen Servant who will bring justice to the nations. The preceding verses focus on the Servant's gentle yet persistent nature and the promise of his ultimate success. This verse acts as a call to action, urging all people, even those in distant lands, to acknowledge and praise God for the coming fulfillment of His redemptive plan through His Servant.
This verse appears in the latter part of Isaiah 42, following the powerful description of God's chosen Servant who will bring justice to the nations. The preceding verses focus on the Servant's gentle yet persistent nature and the promise of his ultimate success. This verse acts as a call to action, urging all people, even those in distant lands, to acknowledge and praise God for the coming fulfillment of His redemptive plan through His Servant.
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c. 550 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus of Persia begins his rise to power, conquering the Medes and preparing to challenge Babylon.
c. 546 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Prophecy Issued
The prophetic writings of Isaiah 40-55, which include references to Cyrus and the coming restoration, are believed by many scholars to have been issued around this time.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Cyrus
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, paving the way for the exiled Judeans to return to their homeland.
"Let them give glory to the LORD, and declare his praise in the coastlands." — This verse isn't just a nice encouragement; it's a command to all people, everywhere, to actively acknowledge God's greatness. It emphasizes that God's glory isn't meant to be kept quiet or hidden…
