Sing to the LORDThis phrase is a call to worship and praise, a common theme throughout the Psalms and prophetic writings. Singing to the LORD is an expression of joy and gratitude, often seen in the context of deliverance and salvation. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, music and singing were integral parts of religious ceremonies and celebrations. This call to sing is not just a personal act but a communal one, inviting the people of God to join together in worship.
for He has done glorious things
The "glorious things" refer to the mighty acts of God, particularly His deliverance and salvation of His people. In the context of Isaiah, this can be seen as a reference to the deliverance from Assyrian oppression and a future hope of ultimate salvation through the Messiah. The phrase echoes the song of Moses inExodus 15, where the Israelites praised God for their deliverance from Egypt. It also points forward to the ultimate act of salvation through Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection are the most glorious acts of God.
Let this be known in all the earth
This phrase emphasizes the universal scope of God's salvation and the call to proclaim His deeds to all nations. It reflects the missional aspect of Israel's calling to be a light to the Gentiles, as seen inIsaiah 49:6. The proclamation of God's works is not limited to Israel but is intended for all the earth, foreshadowing the Great Commission inMatthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations. This global perspective underscores the inclusivity of God's plan of redemption.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book that bears his name. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises.
3.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, where Isaiah primarily ministered. The people of Judah were often the direct audience of Isaiah's prophecies.
4.
The NationsRefers to all the peoples of the earth, highlighting the universal scope of God's deeds and the call for all to recognize His glory.
5.
The Glorious ThingsThis refers to the mighty acts of God, particularly His deliverance and salvation, which are to be proclaimed throughout the world.
Teaching Points
The Call to WorshipIsaiah 12:5 emphasizes the importance of worship through song, recognizing God's glorious deeds. Believers are encouraged to incorporate singing into their personal and corporate worship as a response to God's work in their lives.
Proclaiming God's DeedsThe verse calls for making God's works known throughout the earth. Christians are encouraged to share testimonies of God's faithfulness and salvation with others, both locally and globally.
Recognizing God's GloryThe "glorious things" God has done should lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of His character. Believers are urged to meditate on God's attributes and actions, fostering a heart of gratitude and awe.
Universal Scope of God's SalvationThe call for all the earth to know God's deeds highlights the inclusivity of God's salvation plan. Christians are reminded of the Great Commission and the importance of evangelism and missions.
Joyful Response to SalvationThe context of
Isaiah 12 is a song of praise for salvation. Believers are encouraged to respond to their own salvation with joy and to express this joy in their daily lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 12:5?
2.How can we "sing to the LORD" in our daily lives today?
3.What does "excellent things" mean in Isaiah 12:5, and how can we recognize them?
4.How does Isaiah 12:5 connect with Psalm 105:1-2 about proclaiming God's deeds?
5.Why is it important to "make this known in all the earth"?
6.How can we encourage others to celebrate God's works as Isaiah 12:5 instructs?
7.How does Isaiah 12:5 emphasize the importance of praising God through song?
8.What historical events might Isaiah 12:5 be referencing with "He has done glorious things"?
9.How does Isaiah 12:5 reflect the overall theme of salvation in the Book of Isaiah?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 12?
11.Isaiah 12:5: How do we reconcile the emphasis on “excellent things” done by God with the historical records of suffering and defeat experienced by the Israelites?
12.Why create Adam and Eve knowing they'd sin?
13.If Micah 4:3 foretells nations beating swords into plowshares, why has history seen continuous warfare without this promised era of peace?
14.What is the concept of theodicy?What Does Isaiah 12:5 Mean
Sing to the LORD“Sing to the LORD” (Isaiah 12:5) is an open invitation—really, a command—to lift our voices in worship.
• This isn’t optional praise; it’s the natural response of people who have tasted God’s salvation (Isaiah 12:2).
• Scripture consistently portrays singing as a way God’s people declare His worth (Psalm 96:1–2;Psalm 100:1–2;Ephesians 5:19).
• Notice it’s directed to “the LORD,” the covenant name Yahweh—reminding us He is the faithful God who keeps every promise (Exodus 34:6).
• Singing unites head and heart: truth about God moves from knowledge to heartfelt celebration (Colossians 3:16).
for He has done glorious thingsWe worship because He “has done glorious things.” Our praise rests on concrete actions, not vague feelings.
• Think back to Israel’s history: the Red Sea deliverance (Exodus 15:1–2) or Jordan’s parting (Joshua 4:23–24)—undeniable, glorious acts.
• Isaiah’s audience could also look forward: the Messiah’s victory foretold inIsaiah 53 would be the ultimate “glorious thing,” fulfilled in Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).
• Personal experience counts, too. Every answered prayer, every moment of provision, every conversion story echoesPsalm 40:3: “He put a new song in my mouth.”
• Because His works are real, our praise must be equally real, joyful, and audible (Psalm 145:4–6).
Let this be known in all the earthPraise isn’t meant to stay private. God’s glory is news the whole planet needs.
• Isaiah’s global vision matches God’s promise to Abraham that “all nations” would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).
•Psalm 96:3 urges, “Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all peoples.” The same heartbeat pulses through the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20) andActs 1:8.
• Practical outflow:
– Share testimonies of what God has done—at home, work, school.
– Support and engage in missions, whether by going, sending, or praying (Romans 10:14–15).
– Let everyday conversations, social media, and community involvement reflect His greatness (1 Peter 2:9).
• The earth will one day be “filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14). Our witness hastens that day.
summaryIsaiah 12:5 calls us to sing exuberantly to the LORD because His track record of glorious deeds demands it, and then to carry that song beyond sanctuary walls so every corner of the earth hears. Worship, gratitude, and mission flow together: we praise, remember, and proclaim—until the whole world joins the chorus.
(5)
For he hath done excellent things.--Here, again, the Hebrew indicates an echo from
Exodus 15:1 : "He hath triumphed gloriously."
Verse 5. -
Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things. This is another quotation, very slightly modified, from the song of Moses, in which these words were part of the refrain (
Exodus 15:1, 21).
This is known; rather,
let this be known;
i.e. publish it - noise it abroad.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Singזַמְּר֣וּ(zam·mə·rū)Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 2167:Play, to make music, celebrate in song and musicto the LORD,יְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelforכִּ֥י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionHe has doneעָשָׂ֑ה(‘ā·śāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makeglorious things.גֵא֖וּת(ḡê·’ūṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1348:Arrogance, majesty, ornamentLet thisזֹ֖את(zōṯ)Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063:Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,be knownמוּדַ֥עַת(mū·ḏa·‘aṯ)Verb - Hofal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 3045:To knowin allבְּכָל־(bə·ḵāl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe earth.הָאָֽרֶץ׃(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 12:5 Sing to Yahweh for he has done (Isa Isi Is)