Let them give glory to the LORD, and declare his praise in the coastlands.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just calling for general praise, but specifically directs it to the "islands" or "coastlands." This highlights God's ultimate plan to extend His glory and praise beyond familiar territories, reaching the most remote and overlooked parts of the world. It's a powerful reminder that God's fame isn't meant to be contained but should reverberate to the farthest shores.
Let them give glory to the LORD, and declare his praise in the coastlands.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes as God is commissioning His Servant, who will bring justice to the nations. Following this commission, the prophet calls for all the earth, especially the distant "islands" or coastlands, to praise God. This universal call to praise highlights the far-reaching impact of the Servant's work, which will eventually encompass all people.
Imagine a global chorus, a symphony of worship echoing across continents and seas. What does this verse reveal about the intended scope of God's praise?
Isaiah 42:12 is a powerful call for a universal testimony to God's greatness. The phrase 'in the coastlands' (or 'islands' in some translations) signifies distant lands and people, far beyond Israel's immediate borders. This isn't just a call for a few to sing God's praises; it's a directive for all nations, even those in the most remote places, to join in declaring His glory. It speaks to God's expansive heart – He desires for His renown to reach every corner of the earth.
What does it truly mean to 'give glory to the LORD'? Is it simply singing songs, or is there a deeper dimension to this command?
The act of 'giving glory' and 'declaring praise' isn't merely about vocalization. It's about acknowledging God's supreme worth and reflecting His character in our lives. When the prophet calls for praise in the coastlands, it implies a life lived in obedience and devotion, demonstrating God's faithfulness and power to those who may have never heard of Him. Our actions, our choices, and our very being can become a testimony, bringing glory to God before the nations.
Understand the original words
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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, calling for praise from distant lands, reflects the hope during the Babylonian exile that God's glory would ultimately be declared worldwide by the restored Israel, a mission empowered by God's faithfulness and presence with His people.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem repelled
Isaiah's prophecy of Jerusalem's inviolability is vindicated when the Assyrian army besieging the city is miraculously defeated, reinforcing the belief in Zion's sacredness.
c. 621 BC
Discovery of the Book of the Law
The Law is found during Josiah's reign, leading to a religious reformation and a national commitment to the covenant, but ultimately failing to prevent national decline.
605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's victory at Carchemish
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon decisively defeats the Egyptian forces, marking the rise of Babylon as the dominant world power and leading to Judah's subjugation.
598 BC
First Jewish Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Jerusalem, deports the royal family and elite to Babylon, beginning the Jewish exile and marking the first stage of national judgment.
589-587 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Jerusalem falls after a prolonged siege, the Temple is destroyed, and the remaining population is exiled to Babylon, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecies of doom.
c. 550 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus the Great of Persia overthrows the Median empire, preparing the ground for his eventual conquest of Babylon and the release of the Jewish exiles.
This passage directly echoes Isaiah 42:12 by stating the Servant will be 'a light to the nations' and salvation 'to the end of the earth,' highlighting the global scope of God's praise.
Psalm 97:1This Psalm calls for the islands to rejoice and declare God's righteousness, mirroring the command in Isaiah 42:12 for praise to be declared in the islands.
Jeremiah 31:10This verse speaks of God's redemption and proclaims His praise 'among the nations,' similar to the widespread declaration of praise mentioned in Isaiah 42:12.
Acts 13:47This New Testament passage fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah by showing the apostles bringing God's salvation to the Gentiles, thereby enabling distant lands and peoples to declare His praise.
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.
The verse isn't just calling for general praise, but specifically directs it to the "islands" or "coastlands." This highlights God's ultimate plan to extend His glory and praise beyond familiar territories, reaching the most remote and overlooked parts of the world. It's a powerful reminder that God's fame isn't meant to be contained but should reverberate to the farthest shores.
This verse comes as God is commissioning His Servant, who will bring justice to the nations. Following this commission, the prophet calls for all the earth, especially the distant "islands" or coastlands, to praise God. This universal call to praise highlights the far-reaching impact of the Servant's work, which will eventually encompass all people.
This verse comes as God is commissioning His Servant, who will bring justice to the nations. Following this commission, the prophet calls for all the earth, especially the distant "islands" or coastlands, to praise God. This universal call to praise highlights the far-reaching impact of the Servant's work, which will eventually encompass all people.
"Let them give glory to the LORD, and declare his praise in the coastlands." — The verse isn't just calling for general praise, but specifically directs it to the "islands" or "coastlands." This highlights God's ultimate plan to extend His glory and praise beyond familiar terri…
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Last reviewed October 2026