I will not yield My glory to another
God's glory refers to His supreme honor and majesty, which He will not share with any other being or entity. This statement is a direct challenge to the polytheistic beliefs of the time, where multiple deities were worshipped. It underscores the monotheistic foundation of Israel's faith, as seen in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4), which declares the oneness of God. The refusal to share His glory highlights God's jealousy for His name and His desire for exclusive worship, as seen in the first commandment (Exodus 20:3).

or My praise to idols.
Idols, or graven images, were prevalent in the ancient Near East, representing various deities. This phrase condemns the practice of idolatry, which was a constant temptation for Israel, as seen throughout their history (e.g., the golden calf in Exodus 32). The prophets frequently spoke against idolatry, emphasizing its futility and the living God's superiority over lifeless images (Isaiah 44:9-20). This statement reinforces the call to worship God alone, as He alone is worthy of praise and adoration. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).

“ ‘I am the LORD;’ ” (Isaiah 42:8a)

• The declaration is absolute. God identifies Himself with the same covenant name He used when He sent Moses: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14).

• This name sets Him apart from every created thing. “There is no God but Me” (Isaiah 45:5–6).

• It reassures His people that the One speaking is the unchanging, faithful God who delivered Israel (Exodus 6:2–3) and who still rules over all nations (Psalm 22:28).

• For believers today, the claim echoes into the New Testament as Jesus says, “Before Abraham was born, I am” (John 8:58), revealing the same divine identity.

“ ‘…that is My name!’ ” (Isaiah 42:8b)

• God stresses that His personal name is not a title humans may reassign or redefine.

• Throughout Scripture He guards His name: “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God” (Exodus 20:7).

• His name represents His character—holy, just, merciful. “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious…” (Exodus 34:5–7).

• Trusting in His name brings security: “Those who know Your name trust in You” (Psalm 9:10).

“ ‘I will not yield My glory to another…’ ” (Isaiah 42:8c)

• God’s glory is the radiant display of who He is—His majesty, power, and perfection (Psalm 19:1).

• He alone deserves ultimate honor: “For My own sake—for My own sake—I will act… I will not give My glory to another” (Isaiah 48:11).

• Sharing that glory would deny His very nature and mislead creation. “Who is like the LORD? There is no Rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2).

• In redemption, God’s glory shines supremely in Christ: “Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed” (John 17:5). Even then, the glory remains within the Godhead; it is not surrendered to a created being.

“ ‘…or My praise to idols.’ ” (Isaiah 42:8d)

• Idols—whether carved images (Psalm 115:4–8) or modern substitutes—are powerless. Worshiping them robs God of the praise due Him.

• The first two commandments forbid idolatry (Exodus 20:3–5). Isaiah ridicules the folly of trusting in a block of wood (Isaiah 44:9–20).

• Turning from idols to the living God is essential: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21); “Flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14).

• God’s refusal to share His praise protects us. When we center our lives on Him, we find the joy and purpose false gods can never supply (Romans 1:22–23 vs. 11:36).

Isaiah 42:8 proclaims the exclusive sovereignty of the LORD. He alone is God; His personal name reveals an unchanging, covenant-keeping character. Because He is uniquely glorious, He will not divest His honor or allow it to be rightly given elsewhere. Any idol—ancient statue or modern obsession—steals worship that belongs to Him and leaves people empty. Embracing the truth of this verse calls us to wholehearted devotion, confident that all glory and praise rightly center on the LORD, now and forever.