What does "excellent things" mean in Isaiah 12:5, and how can we recognize them? Key Verse Isaiah 12:5: “Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things; let this be known in all the earth.” Unpacking “Excellent Things” • “Glorious things” is the Hebrew ga·ʾăw·tāw, describing majesty that rises above the ordinary, the lifted-up acts of God • Older translations render the same word “excellent things,” stressing their surpassing worth and beauty • The phrase points to concrete, historical works of God that display His unrivaled greatness, not vague ideals or human achievements Biblical Portraits of God’s Excellent Works • Creation: “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1) • Redemption: “The LORD has become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2) • Exodus deliverance: “Your right hand, O LORD, is glorious in power” (Exodus 15:6) • Covenant faithfulness: “He has caused His wonders to be remembered” (Psalm 111:4) • Incarnation and resurrection: “God highly exalted Him” (Philippians 2:9) • Final triumph: “Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 15:3) Recognizing Excellent Things Today • Scripture first—every recorded miracle, promise kept, and prophecy fulfilled stands as an excellent thing • The new birth of a believer—changed hearts testify that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17) • Providential provision—daily bread, protection, and guidance embody Psalm 23:1 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” • Answers to prayer—personal, specific interventions that align with John 14:13 “Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do” • The spread of the gospel—nations turning to Christ fulfill Isaiah 12:4 “Make His deeds known among the peoples” • The beauty and order of creation—sunrise, seasons, and the intricacy of life continually display Romans 1:20 “His eternal power and divine nature” Marks That Distinguish Excellent Things • They magnify God’s holiness, power, love, wisdom, and faithfulness • They endure; time does not diminish their significance • They stir humble worship rather than self-exaltation • They compel proclamation so “all the earth” may know (Isaiah 12:5) Living Response • Keep a written record of observed excellent things, echoing Psalm 103:2 “Forget not all His benefits” • Sing and speak about them in corporate worship, family conversations, and everyday interactions • Let each testimony fuel confidence for future obedience, since “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) The excellent things of Isaiah 12:5 are the Lord’s mighty, majestic acts—past, present, and future. Recognizing them begins with attentive hearts rooted in Scripture and overflows in joyful proclamation to the ends of the earth. |
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