In that day you will say, “Give thanks to Yahweh! Call on his name. Declare his doings among the peoples. Proclaim that his name is exalted! Sing to Yahweh, for he has done excellent things! Let this be known in all the earth! Cry aloud and shout, you inhabitant of Zion; for the Holy One of Israel is great among you!”
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Isaiah 12:4-6 sits inside this longer paragraph.
In that day you will say, “I will give thanks to you, Yahweh; for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for Yah, Yahweh, is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation.” Therefore with joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation. In that day you will say, “Give thanks to Yahweh! Call on his name. Declare his doings among the peoples. Proclaim that his name is exalted! Sing to Yahweh, for he has done excellent things! Let this be known in all the earth! Cry aloud and shout, you inhabitant of Zion; for the Holy One of Israel is great among you!”
Parallel Translations
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In that day you will say, “Give thanks to Yahweh! Call on his name. Declare his doings among the peoples. Proclaim that his name is exalted!
Sing to Yahweh, for he has done excellent things! Let this be known in all the earth!
Cry aloud and shout, you inhabitant of Zion; for the Holy One of Israel is great among you!”
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And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
Show all 3 translations
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And in that day shall ye say: 'Give thanks unto the LORD, proclaim His name, declare His doings among the peoples, make mention that His name is exalted.
Sing unto the LORD; for He hath done gloriously; this is made known in all the earth.
Cry aloud and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.'
Cross-references (71)
- Psalms 105:1 (v4) Give thanks to Yahweh! Call on his name! Make his doings known among the peoples.
- Exodus 15:1 (v5) Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to Yahweh, and said, “I will sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphed gloriously. He has…
- 1 Chronicles 29:11 (v4) Yours, Yahweh, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty! For all that is in the heavens and in the earth is…
- Psalms 98:1 (v5) Sing to Yahweh a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
- Psalms 145:4-6 (v4) One generation will commend your works to another, and will declare your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious majesty of your…
Show all 69 cross-references
- Zechariah 2:10-11 (v6) Sing and rejoice, daughter of Zion; for, behold, I come, and I will dwell within you,’ says Yahweh. Many nations shall join themselves to…
- Psalms 117:1-2 (v4) Praise Yahweh, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples! For his loving kindness is great toward us. Yahweh’s faithfulness endures…
- Zechariah 2:5 (v6) For I,’ says Yahweh, ‘will be to her a wall of fire around it, and I will be the glory in the middle of her.
- Psalms 9:11 (vv4, 6) Sing praises to Yahweh, who dwells in Zion, and declare among the people what he has done.
- Zephaniah 3:14-17 (v6) Sing, daughter of Zion! Shout, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem. Yahweh has taken away your…
- John 17:26 (v4) I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
- Philippians 2:9-11 (v4) Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,…
- Exodus 15:2 (v4) Yah is my strength and song. He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise him; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
- Exodus 33:19 (v4) He said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim Yahweh’s name before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be…
- Nehemiah 9:5 (v4) Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, “Stand up and bless Yahweh…
- Psalms 18:46 (v4) Yahweh lives! Blessed be my rock. Exalted be the God of my salvation,
- Psalms 57:5 (v4) Be exalted, God, above the heavens! Let your glory be above all the earth!
- Psalms 71:16-18 (v4) I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Yahweh. I will make mention of your righteousness, even of yours alone. God, you have taught…
- Psalms 113:1-3 (v4) Praise Yah! Praise, you servants of Yahweh, praise Yahweh’s name. Blessed be Yahweh’s name, from this time forward and forever more. From…
- Isaiah 41:14 (v6) Don’t be afraid, you worm Jacob, and you men of Israel. I will help you,” says Yahweh. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
- Jeremiah 50:2 (v4) “Declare among the nations and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and don’t conceal: say, ‘Babylon has been taken, Bel is…
- Jeremiah 51:9-10 (v4) “We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed. Forsake her, and let’s each go into his own country; for her judgment reaches to…
- Habakkuk 2:14 (v5) For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of Yahweh’s glory, as the waters cover the sea.
- Isaiah 40:9 (vv5–6) You who tell good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who tell good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength! Lift it…
- Exodus 15:21 (v5) Miriam answered them, “Sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphed gloriously. The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.”
- Exodus 34:5-7 (v4) Yahweh descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed Yahweh’s name. Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed,…
- Psalms 21:13 (v4) Be exalted, Yahweh, in your strength, so we will sing and praise your power.
- Psalms 22:31 (v4) They shall come and shall declare his righteousness to a people that shall be born, for he has done it.
- Psalms 40:5 (v4) Many, Yahweh, my God, are the wonderful works which you have done, and your thoughts which are toward us. They can’t be declared back to…
- Psalms 46:10 (v4) “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
- Psalms 71:22 (v6) I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God. I sing praises to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel.
- Psalms 73:28 (v4) But it is good for me to come close to God. I have made the Lord Yahweh my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
- Psalms 96:3 (v4) Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.
- Psalms 97:9 (v4) For you, Yahweh, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods.
- Psalms 106:47-48 (v4) Save us, Yahweh, our God, gather us from among the nations, to give thanks to your holy name, to triumph in your praise! Blessed be Yahweh,…
- Psalms 107:22 (v4) Let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his deeds with singing.
- Psalms 113:5 (v4) Who is like Yahweh, our God, who has his seat on high,
- Isaiah 2:11 (v4) The lofty looks of man will be brought low, the arrogance of men will be bowed down, and Yahweh alone will be exalted in that day.
- Isaiah 25:1 (v4) Yahweh, you are my God. I will exalt you! I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago, in complete…
- Isaiah 33:5 (v4) Yahweh is exalted, for he dwells on high. He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness.
- Isaiah 41:16 (v6) You will winnow them, and the wind will carry them away, and the whirlwind will scatter them. You will rejoice in Yahweh. You will glory in…
- Isaiah 54:1 (v6) “Sing, barren, you who didn’t give birth; break out into singing, and cry aloud, you who didn’t travail with child: for more are the…
- Ezekiel 48:35 (v6) “It shall be eighteen thousand reeds around: and the name of the city from that day shall be, ‘Yahweh is there.’
- Luke 19:37-40 (v6) As he was now getting near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God…
- Revelation 15:3 (v5) They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the…
- Revelation 19:1-3 (v5) After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation, power, and glory…
- Psalms 68:16 (v6) Why do you look in envy, you rugged mountains, at the mountain where God chooses to reign? Yes, Yahweh will dwell there forever.
- Psalms 72:19 (v5) Blessed be his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen.
- Psalms 89:18 (v6) For our shield belongs to Yahweh, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
- Psalms 105:2 (v5) Sing to him, sing praises to him! Tell of all his marvelous works.
- Psalms 132:14 (v6) “This is my resting place forever. I will live here, for I have desired it.
- Isaiah 8:18 (v6) Behold, I and the children whom Yahweh has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from Yahweh of Armies, who dwells in Mount Zion.
- Isaiah 10:24 (v6) Therefore the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, says “My people who dwell in Zion, don’t be afraid of the Assyrian, though he strike you with the…
- Isaiah 24:23 (v6) Then the moon will be confounded, and the sun ashamed; for Yahweh of Armies will reign on Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem; and glory will be…
- Isaiah 30:19 (v6) For the people will dwell in Zion at Jerusalem. You will weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the voice of your cry. When he…
- Isaiah 33:24 (v6) The inhabitant won’t say, “I am sick.” The people who dwell therein will be forgiven their iniquity.
- Isaiah 49:26 (v6) I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh; and they will be drunk on their own blood, as with sweet wine. Then all flesh shall…
- Isaiah 52:7-10 (v6) How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news, who proclaims…
- Ezekiel 43:7 (v6) He said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell among the children of…
- Zephaniah 2:5 (v6) Woe to the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! Yahweh’s word is against you, Canaan, the land of the Philistines.…
- Zechariah 8:3-8 (v6) Yahweh says: “I have returned to Zion, and will dwell in the middle of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called ‘The City of Truth;’ and the…
- Revelation 11:15-17 (v5) The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and…
- 1 Chronicles 16:8 (v4) Oh give thanks to Yahweh. Call on his name. Make what he has done known among the peoples.
- Psalms 34:3 (v4) Oh magnify Yahweh with me. Let’s exalt his name together.
- Psalms 68:32-35 (v5) Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth! Sing praises to the Lord! To him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which are of old; behold, he…
- Isaiah 2:17 (v4) The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the arrogance of men shall be brought low; and Yahweh alone shall be exalted in that day.
- Isaiah 12:1 (v4) In that day you will say, “I will give thanks to you, Yahweh; for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you comfort…
- Isaiah 24:15 (v4) Therefore glorify Yahweh in the east, even the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea!
- Isaiah 66:19 (v4) “I will set a sign among them, and I will send those who escape of them to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to…
69 distinct cross-references across this passage (71 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (18 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On v6 Ye that are of the Church.
Ye that are of the Church.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv4–6 Isa 12:4 And in that day shall ye say,…
Isa 12:4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
Ver. 4. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord,] viz., With us and for us. Every true Confitebor tibi hath its confitemini Domino annexed unto it. The saints are unsatiable in praising God for the great work of their redemption, and do therefore call in help, all that may be.
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Call upon his name.] Which is a special way of praising him, while we make him the object of our prayers, professing our distance from him, our whole dependence upon him, &c. See 1Ch 16:8 Psa 105:1.
Declare his doings.] Sept., His glorious things; those many miracles of mercy wrought in our redemption, which is a work much more excellent than that of making all things at first of nothing, keeping heaven still upon its hinges, and upholding the whole universe without a foundation. Magna sunt opera Dei creatoris, recreatoris autem longe maxima, saith Gregory.
Make mention that his name is exalted.] Or, Celebrate his name, which is high, far above all praise.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv4–5 Among the people; in all the earth, as it…
Among the people; in all the earth, as it follows, Isa 12:5; unto the Gentile world, who shall partake in the blessing, and will join with you in the praising of God for it. The knowledge of this glorious work of our redemption
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v4 This is the second part of this evangelical song,…
This is the second part of this evangelical song, and to the same purport with the former; there believers stir up themselves to praise God, here they invite and encourage one another to do it, and are contriving to spread his praise and draw in others to join with them in it. Observe,
I. Who are here called upon to praise God - the inhabitants of Zion and Jerusalem, whom God had in a particular manner protected from Sennacherib's violence, Isa 12:6. Those that have received distinguishing favours from God ought to be most forward and zealous in praising him. The gospel church is Zion. Christ is Zion's King. Those that have a place and a name in the church should lay out themselves to diffuse the knowledge of Christ and to bring many to him. Thou inhabitress of Zion; the word is feminine. Let the weaker sex be strong in the Lord, and out of their mouth praise shall be perfected.
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II. How they must praise the Lord. 1. By prayer: Call upon his name. As giving thanks for former mercy is a decent way of begging further mercy, so begging further mercy is graciously accepted as a thankful acknowledgment of the mercies we have received. In calling upon God's name we give unto him some of the glory that is due to his name as our powerful and bountiful benefactor. 2. By preaching and writing. We must not only speak to God, but speak to others concerning him, not only call upon his name, but (as the margin reads it) proclaim his name; let others know something more from us than they did before concerning God, and those things whereby he has made himself known. Declare his doings, his counsels (so some read it); the work of redemption is according to the counsel of his will, and in that and other wonderful works that he has done we must take notice of his thoughts which are to us-ward, Psa 40:5. Declare these among the people, among the heathen, that they may be brought into communion with Israel and the God of Israel. When the apostles preached the gospel to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, then this scripture was fulfilled, that his doings should be declared among the people and that what he has done should be known in all the earth. 3. By a holy exultation and transport of joy: "Cry out and shout; welcome the gospel to yourselves and publish it to others with huzzas and loud acclamations, as those that shout for victory (Exo 32:18) or for the coronation of a king," Num 23:21.
III. For what they must praise the Lord. 1. Because he has glorified himself. Remember it yourselves, and make mention of it to others, that his name is exalted, has become more illustrious and more conspicuous; in this every good man rejoices. 2. Because he has magnified his people: He has done excellent things for them, which make them look great and considerable. 3. Because he is, and will be, great among them: Great is the Holy One, for he is glorious in holiness; therefore great, because holy. True goodness is true greatness. He is great as the Holy One of Israel, and in the midst of them, praised by them (Psa 76:1), manifesting himself among them, and appearing gloriously in their behalf. It is the honour and happiness of Israel that the God who is in covenant with them, and in the midst of them, is infinitely great.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv4–6 In that day shall ye say, praise the Lord,....…
In that day shall ye say, praise the Lord,.... On account of his being and perfections, for blessings received from him, especially spiritual ones; and particularly such as are before mentioned, fulness of grace in him, strength and salvation by him, a view of interest in him as a Saviour, and divine comforts communicated from him; which is done by giving him the glory of them, and thanks for them. This is a work very proper for Gospel times; it always was a duty, and there was ever reason for it under the former dispensation, and much more under the present one; and there will be still more reason for it in the latter day here referred to, when antichrist will be destroyed, the kingdom of Christ will be enlarged, and his church will be in a very glorious state and condition, her walls will be salvation, and her gates praise; when the saints will be stirring up one another to this service, and engaging in it with all readiness and cheerfulness; see Rev 11:15,
call upon his name: which takes in the whole of religions worship, of which Christ is the object, being the true Jehovah; and particularly prayer, in which his name is invoked together with faith in him, and expressions of affection to his name; which is precious to believers, and is as ointment poured out:
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declare his doings among the people; not merely his works of creation, in which he was equally concerned with his divine Father; nor so much his miracles which he wrought when on earth, in proof of his deity and Messiahship, and in confirmation of his doctrine; but his acts of obedience and righteousness, which were perfect; and his bearing the sins of his people, and the punishment due to them; and so fulfilled the whole law, and hereby accomplished the great work of redemption and salvation; which, according to his orders, have been published among the Gentiles, for their good, and his glory:
make mention that his name is exalted; that is, he himself, who has a name given him above every name; for having obeyed, suffered, and died in the room of his people, he is by his Father, according to promise, exalted, by raising him from the dead, receiving him into heaven, placing him at his right hand, giving him all power in heaven and in earth, and causing angels, authorities, principalities, and powers, to be subject to him; all which is to be made mention of, to the honour of his name: or else the sense is, to speak of him, to make mention of his name, of his person, of his offices, of his grace and salvation, that he may be exalted in each of them by his people; for he is, and ought to be, exalted in their hearts, and with their lips, since he is above all in the excellency of his person, and is their only Saviour and Redeemer, Head and Husband; and so he will be exalted more abundantly in the latter day. See Gill on Isa 2:11.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv4, 6 Verse 4. Call upon his name] קראו בשמו kiru…
Verse 4. Call upon his name] קראו בשמו kiru bishmo, invoke his name. Make him your Mediator, or call the people in his name. Preach him who is the Root of Jesse, and who stands as an ensign for the nations. Call on the people to believe in him; as in him alone salvation is to be found.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v4 Isa 12:4-6. In that day ye shall say, &c.…
Isa 12:4-6. In that day ye shall say, &c. — Here we have the second part of the evangelical song, the subject of which, as of the former, is the praise of God. In the former part, believers stir up themselves to praise God; here they invite and encourage one another to do it, and are represented as contriving to spread his praise, and to draw in others to join with them in it. Praise the Lord, call upon his name — As giving thanks for former mercies is a modest way of begging for further mercies, so requesting further and fresh mercies is graciously accepted as a thankful acknowledgment of the mercies we have received. Declare, &c. — By speaking and writing. We must not only speak to God, but speak to others concerning him; not only call upon his name, but (as the margin reads it) proclaim his name. Let others know something more from us than they did before concerning God, and those things whereby he hath made himself known. His doings — Or, mighty deeds; as Bishop Lowth renders עלילתיו. The works of redemption and salvation are especially intended; these and his other wonderful works we should declare; among the people — Among the heathen, that they may be brought into communion with Israel, and the God of Israel. When the apostles preached the gospel to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, then this scripture was fulfilled. Make mention — Hebrew, הזכירו, Record, or cause it to be remembered, that his name is exalted — Is become more illustrious and conspicuous than ever, in and by the incarnation and life, doctrine and miracles, death, and resurrection, and ascension of his Son, and the effusion of his Spirit, in gifts and graces, on the Messiah’s disciples and servants. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things — For his people, to whom he hath given a wonderful proof of his love, and whom he hath magnified and made honourable. Bishop Lowth renders the original expression, שׁאית עשׁה, he hath wrought a stupendous work. In making his Son a sacrifice for our sins. This is known — Or, shall be made known; in all the earth — The knowledge of this glorious work shall no longer be confined to the land of Israel and Judah, as hitherto it hath been, but shall be published to all nations. Cry out and shout — In a holy exultation and transport of joy; thou inhabitant of Zion — Hebrew, שׁבת, inhabitress, thou daughter of Jerusalem, thou church of the living God, represented under the emblem of a woman. Welcome the gospel to thyself, and publish it to others with loud acclamations; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee — Manifesting himself to thee, appearing and doing wonders for thee, and enriching thee with his gifts and graces in great abundance.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv4–6 And in that day - (see Isa 12:1).
And in that day - (see Isa 12:1).
Call upon his name - Margin, ‘Proclaim.’ It denotes to call upon him in the way of celebrating his praise. The whole hymn is one of praise, and not of prayer.
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Declare among the people - Among all people, that they may be brought to see his glory, and join in the celebration of his praise.
His doings - Particularly in regard to the great events which are the subject of the previous predictions - his interposition in saving people by the Messiah from eternal death.
Make mention - Hebrew, ‘Cause it to be remembered’ (see the note at Isa 62:6).
That his name is exalted - That it is worthy of adoration and praise. It is worthy to be exalted, or lifted up in view of the nations of the earth 2Sa 22:47; Psa 21:13; Psa 46:10.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On v6 Of thee. He alludes to the name Emmanuel. Christ…
Of thee. He alludes to the name Emmanuel. Christ preached, and his own would not receive him, John i. 11., and 26. (Calmet) --- He continues with us, concealed under the sacramental species [of the Eucharist]. (Menochius)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv4–6 make mention--Hebrew, "cause it to be remembered."
make mention--Hebrew, "cause it to be remembered."
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv4–6 4. In that day — The wonderful day is…
4. In that day — The wonderful day is the day of the glorious Gospel and its wholesome truths; its peace and the heaven it brings.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv4–6 4. The first part exactly as Psa_105:1; the last…
4. The first part exactly as Psa_105:1; the last clause resembles Psa_148:13, &c.
call upon his name] lit. “call by (means of) His name,” i.e. use His name (Jehovah) in solemn invocation. See 1Ki_18:24. That the expression means merely “utter” or “make known” the name, is hardly probable. The word for “exalted” occurs in ch. Isa_2:11; Isa_2:17.
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4–6. The members of the redeemed community exhort each other to publish the praises of Jehovah to the world.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv4–6 (4) Declare his doings among the people.—Literally, among the…
(4) Declare his doings among the people.—Literally, among the peoples. The prophet quotes from the hymn which had been sung when the Ark was placed in Zion (1Ch_16:8), and in part from Psa_105:1.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv4–6 Declare his doings among the people; literally, among the…
Declare his doings among the people; literally, among the peoples. (comp. Psa_9:11 Psa_77:12 Psa_107:22 Psa_118:17) It is always regarded as one of man"s chief duties to testify of God"s goodness to others. Here Israel is called upon to publish God"s mercies and great deeds to the Gentiles. His name is exalted. God is in his Name, and his Name expresses his nature. As there is nothing so exalted in all the universe as God, so there is no name so exalted as his Name. Hence his Name is protected by an express commandment.
Vers. 4-6. Exultation and activity.
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There is a jubilant strain throughout these verses; not, however, without a sense of some sacred duty to be performed. We learn
I THAT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST MAY WELL SPEAK IN THE ACCENTS OF EXULTATION. The terms of the prophecy do not seem to be satisfied with anything less than Messianic blessings; they fit perfectly the estate to which Christ has called us; they belong to that "kingdom of heaven" of which the Son of man had so much to say. (see Mt 13) The Church may exult in that:
1. God has done such great things for her, in
(1) the large and long preparation, through many ages, for her redemption;
(2) the supreme act of Divine revelation in the person of his Son;
(3) the wonderful sacrifice of himself he made on its behalf; (2Co_8:9)
(4) the lofty privileges to which he has summoned it holy service, affectionate sonship, eager-hearted heirship.
2. God himself, the mighty and victorious One, is dwelling in the midst of it. "Great is the Holy One." If the family is proud of its honored father, the army of its invincible captain, the nation of its illustrious sovereign, how much more shall the Church exult in its almighty and victorious Lord! He is great in all the elements of greatness in external majesty, in intrinsic excellency, in overcoming energy, in transcendent beauty, in the everlasting character of his kingdom.
II THAT EXULTATION DOES WELL TO PASS SOON INTO HOLY AND BENEFICENT ACTIVITY. Blending with these accents of triumph, and harmonizing with them, is the voice of exhortation," the summons to useful activity "Praise the Lord;" "Call upon his Name;" "Declare his doings;" "Be this known let this be known in all the earth." Jehovah s greatness could only be known among the nations by the united and continuous testimony of the people of God. The glories of his grace, as they shine in the face of Jesus Christ, are to be beheld by all peoples; but they must be reflected from the lives and published by the lips of his faithful servants. It is the privilege and the duty of the Church to carry the knowledge of his Name and truth to the utmost ends of the earth. It is well to rejoice, "to sing for joy," to indulge in pious exultation; it is better to act in such a way that neighboring nations (cities, districts, streets, homes) shall draw from the wells of this great salvation the waters of eternal life; better, both because
(1) we communicate blessing thereby, and because
(2) we gain increase of spiritual worth by so doing. C.
God"s new name the old one glorified.
"Call upon his Name," which is, in Messiah, "Jehovah Jesus," "Immanuel Jesus," or God with us saving us from our sins." To call upon God"s Name is to publicly give him the glory that is his duo.
I THE OLD NAME IS GOD THE PROVIDER. The God who meets and supplies all ordinary human wants. "God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." The God or whom Jacob could say, "He fed me all my life long." The God "in whose hand our breath is, and whose are all our ways." Who giveth to each his meat in due season." Who crowneth us with loving-kindnesses and tender mercies: who satisfieth our mouth with good things.
II THE NEW NAME IS GOD THE SAVIOR. Who "redeemeth our life from destruction." Who "delivers from going down to the pit." Who "gave himself a Ransom for us." Who brought "deliverance for the captives, and opening of the prison to them that are bound." Who is "able to save unto the uttermost." Who is "exalted a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance unto Israel, and remission of sins.
III THE NEW NAME ONLY TELLS OF GOD PROVIDING FOR MAN"S SOREST NEED AND SADDEST CONDITION. He is not just in trouble; he is in sin. Stained with it, bruised with it, degraded by it, in peril through it, made helpless by it. The man in sin cannot save himself; no fellow-mart can save him. The Hero from Bozrah, who speaks in righteousness, alone is "mighty to save". R.T. (Isa_63:1)
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv4, 6 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the…
Isa_12:4-6
And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord
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Congregational praise
I.
WHO ARE HERE CALLED UPON TO PRAISE GOD. The inhabitants of Zion and Jerusalem, whom God had in a peculiar manner protected from Sennacheribs violence (Isa_12:6). Those that have received distinguishing favours from God ought to be most forward and zealous in praising Him. The Gospel Church is Zion; Christ is Zions King; those that have a place and name in that should lay out themselves to diffuse the knowledge of Christ, and to bring many to Him.
II. HOW THEY MUST PRAISE THE LORD.
1. By prayer. Call upon His name. As giving thanks for former mercy is a decent way of begging further mercy, so begging further mercy is graciously accepted as a thankful acknowledgment of the mercies we have received.
2. By preaching and writing we must speak to others concerning Him--not only call upon His name, but (as the margin reads it) proclaim His name; let others know something more from us than they did before concerning God, and those things whereby He has made Himself known. Declare His doings--His counsels, so some read it. The work of redemption is according to the counsel of His will and in that and other wonderful works that He hath done, we must take notice of His thoughts which are to usward. Declare these among the people--among the heathen, that they may be brought into communion with Israel, and the God of Israel. When the apostles preached the Gospel to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, then this Scripture was fulfilled, that His doings should be declared among the people, and that what He hath done should be known in all the earth.
3. By a holy exultation and transport of joy. Cry out and shout.
III. FOR WHAT THEY MUST PRAISE THE LORD.
1. Because He hath glorified Himself. His name is exalted, is become more illustrious and conspicuous, and every good man rejoiceth in that.
2. Because He hath magnified His people. He hath done excellent things for them, which makes them look great and considerable.
3. Because He is, and will be, great among them. (M. Henry.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v6 Isa_12:6. Cry out and shout, &c.
THE DUTY OF GLADNESS
Isa_12:6. Cry out and shout, &c.
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Two things are here observable:—
1. The person addressed, “thou inhabitant of Zion” [1012] i.e., one who is no longer a stranger and foreigner, but a fellow-citizen with the saints (Eph_2:12; Eph_2:19).
2. The admonition given, “Cry out and shout.” Consider—
[1012] Zion was the name of a high mound situated upon a bed of rock enclosed within the walls of Jerusalem, and making the finest and strongest part thereof. Here was first the Tabernacle, and then the Temple, and concerning it great things are declared (Psa_132:13-18). If we look through the literal description to the spiritual glory discernible, we shall soon see that it was typical of a higher state, and a shadow of good things to come. I need hardly remind you that, by a figure of speech, Zion is used in the New Testament as significant of the Church of the living God (Heb_12:22).—Jay.
Such are the encouragements that consoled the ancient city of God in the day of her trouble. Harassed, her garrisons stormed, her armies scattered, her very sanctuary threatened with violation. she was bade remember her Eternal King, and take comfort in the thought of that watchful Guardian who sooner or later would assuredly avenge her wrongs. Often was she taught the same lesson; and often, in despite of her own froward and unbelieving heart, was the prediction realised. The Lord still “loved the gates of Zion;” the streams of His holy “river still made glad the city of God;” and He was “known in her palace for a refuge.” But a gloomier hour at length arrived; even Divine patience has its limits; and the last dread crime of Zion could only be expiated in her ruin. Blood had flowed beneath her hands, every drop of which was worth a universe, and she had invoked its curse upon her own head and the head of her children. And now, behold, in the fearful words of her own prophets, “the lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way,”—Jerusalem is ruined and Judah is fallen, because their tongues and their doings are against the Lord to provoke the eyes of His glory. “But what?—is this the city of which such glorious things are spoken—that the Highest Himself should establish her, that she should not be moved?” Where are His mighty promises of perpetuity? Where is that foundation which no power should ever shake—that Zion, in which the poor of His people were to trust?
Brethren, look around you, and you behold the evidences of its existence, and of the eternal faithfulness of Him who is pledged to its immortality. A greater than Zion inherits her name; a greater than Zion bore it in the far-reaching scope of the prophetic vision. That “city of the great King” was but a perishable emblem of a “city whose builder and maker is God.” It is true she was honoured by His symbolic presence and sanctified by His sacred worship; it is true that for ages she alone, in a world of darkness, held the precious lamp of His truth; but what are these characters of honour to hers, whose every living stone is quickened by His indwelling energy, whose worship is no more in type and shadow, but in spirit and in substance; whose preaching and teaching, no longer shrouded in obscurity and limited to a corner of the earth, spreads over all lands, embraces the whole family of mankind, and makes even the course of that sun whose “going forth is from the end of the heaven and his circuit unto the ends of it, and from whose light nothing is hid,” a faint image of the power with which she diffuses through all nations “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”? (See also 2Co_3:10-11.)—Archer Butler.
I. THE TRUTH ON WHICH THE ADMONITION IS FOUNDED. “Great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.” This includes—
1. His character, “the Holy One of Israel.” The holiness of God has shone forth in all that He has done in heaven and on earth (Psa_145:17); in heaven it is the theme of the songs of the most exalted intelligences (Isa_6:3); on earth it inspires bad men with dread and dislike (Isa_30:11), and good men with thankfulness and hope (Psa_30:4; Heb_12:10; H. E. I, 2275, 2843).
2. His greatness. “Great”—in duration, wisdom, power, dominion, and resources. All these render Him terrible as an enemy, desirable as a friend [1015]
3. His residence. “In the midst of thee.” But is not God everywhere? Yes, but not everywhere in the same character; not in heaven as in earth, &c. Wherever His presence is spoken of in a way of promise or privilege, it is to be distinguished from His attribute of omnipresence, for it has then in it something peculiarly beneficial and saving (Deu_4:7; Psa_34:18). God’s presence in the midst of His people is the guarantee of their safety and the source of their joy. Let them adore the condescension He shows in dwelling in their midst.
[1015] How well may the Church on Zion rejoice to have such a God dwelling in the midst of it! He is great as the Giver of promises, and great in fulfilling them; great in grace, and great in judgment; great in all His saving acts, which spread from Israel to all mankind.—Delitzsch.
II. THE STIRRING EXHORTATION.
1. Religion is animated. “Cry out and shout,” &c. What is here required cannot be merely the exclamation, separate from suitable dispositions and sentiments, as is the case with some. Noise is in itself worth nothing. On the other hand, where there are these feelings, it is permissible, yea, praiseworthy, to give free and exultant expression to them (Rev_5:12). Some disparage such expressions as enthusiasm, but there is nothing that should call forth enthusiasm like the Gospel. Religion calls for not only feeling and sentiment, but for the highest degree of feeling and sentiment [1018]
2. Religion, rational as well as animated. Why is the inhabitant of Zion to cry aloud and shout? “For great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.” This more than justified him, for from hence the Church can infer safety, assistance, consolation, honour. Thus God is with His people, and this is grace: soon they shall be with Him, and that is glory.—William Jay: Sunday Evening Sermons and Thursday Evening Lectures, pp. 297–305.
[1018] Take the Gospel. What is it? Not a decision of Parliament, or the termination of a debate which may have no effect on our welfare. It brings us glad tidings of great joy. It is infinitely important, it is eternally interesting to us. It is our life. It is all our salvation, and it should be all our desire. Therefore we should receive it as a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation. We should receive it as a dying man would a remedy, or as a condemned criminal would hail a reprieve. We should receive it with feelings superior to those with which we receive anything else. It is a subject which rises infinitely above all others in interest and importance, and demands all the energies of the soul, and renders Dr. Young’s words the words of truth and soberness:—
“On such a theme ’twere impious to be calm:
Passion is reason; transport, temper here.”
—Jay.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v5 General Information:
General Information:
Isaiah continues to tell what the people will say when the king rules.
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for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel
"because the Holy One of Israel, who lives among you, is mighty" or "because the Holy One of Israel is mighty and he lives among you"
translationWords
Yahweh
glory
know
earth
joy
Zion
Holy One
Israel
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv4, 6 12:4-5 Tell the nations what he has done: The…
12:4-5 Tell the nations what he has done: The story of salvation must be told, even beyond the community of Israel (Pss 67:2; 70:4; 98:2).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.