Isaiah 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.

Isaiah 12:4 (KJV)

Context

The book of Isaiah is a prophetic book in the Old Testament, written by the prophet Isaiah. It contains messages of judgment, prophecies about the Messiah, and promises of restoration and redemption. This verse is part of a song of praise and thanksgiving that follows promises of deliverance, celebrating God’s salvation.

Meaning

The phrase “in that day” is a common expression in Isaiah, pointing to a future time of fulfillment and restoration. Here, it signifies a time when God’s people will experience His salvation and deliverance. The verse calls God’s people to respond with praise and prayer: “Praise the LORD, call upon his name.” This emphasizes acknowledging God’s goodness and relying on Him through prayer.

“Declare his doings among the people” prompts believers to proclaim the mighty acts and works of God to others. It highlights the responsibility of sharing the testimony of God’s faithfulness and grace to all people, not keeping it private. The command is corporate and missional, indicating a worldwide witness.

“Make mention that his name is exalted” calls believers to acknowledge and honor the exalted name of the Lord. It recognizes the supremacy and greatness of God’s name and encourages His followers to magnify and glorify Him. The exaltation of God’s name is both a reason for praise and a goal of proclamation.

Biblical connections

This verse connects to the broader biblical theme of God’s name being exalted among the nations, anticipating the New Testament mission of making disciples of all nations. The imperative verbs—praise, call, declare, make mention—are actions to be done collectively by God’s people in response to His mighty acts.

Application

Isaiah 12:4 urges believers to respond to God’s salvation with praise, prayer, and testimony. It emphasizes the importance of proclaiming God’s greatness and exalting His name among the people. As you study this verse further, explore the surrounding verses and the overall theme of the chapter to gain a deeper understanding of the context and message conveyed by the prophet Isaiah.