All creation is invited to give joyful praise to God wherever they are found.
“They” refers to the verse reference: Isaiah 42:11.
The prophet Isaiah calls for worship across remote regions, proclaiming, “Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voices, The settlements where Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing aloud, Let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains” (v.11). This stirring command encourages the most desolate areas and the people living there to celebrate the works of God. The mention of “wilderness” includes uncultivated terrain in the southern regions or any sparse location in the broader Near East, and “cities” suggests any settled community that might seem far removed from the center of worship in Jerusalem.
Isaiah specifically highlights “Kedar” (v.11), a name tied to the descendants of Ishmael. The Kedarites were known as herders of sheep and goats who ranged over the wide desert region east of Israel, enjoying a semblance of security in Jeremiah’s days. Calling them to lift their voices signals that even distant or semi-nomadic peoples are invited to exalt the one true God. The inhabitants of “Sela” (v.11) are called to “sing aloud” and shout from their mountains. Historical sources connect Sela with the rugged territory of Edom; it may well be the area conquered by King Amaziah, who renamed it Joktheel (2 Kings 14:7). Many identify it closely with the mountainous region later known as Petra. This location, tucked away among lofty cliffs, becomes a vivid symbol of rejoicing in every hidden place.
Isaiah’s command conveys that God’s greatness extends far beyond the traditional borders of Israel to encompass every unknown corner of creation. Even lands and tribes only briefly mentioned in biblical narratives are gathered into a grand chorus of praise. The prophet envisions a day when all peoples—from arid desert dwellers to mountainous fortress cities—will unite in joyful proclamation of the Lord’s glory.
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Isaiah 42:11 meaning
“They” refers to the verse reference: Isaiah 42:11.
The prophet Isaiah calls for worship across remote regions, proclaiming, “Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voices, The settlements where Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing aloud, Let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains” (v.11). This stirring command encourages the most desolate areas and the people living there to celebrate the works of God. The mention of “wilderness” includes uncultivated terrain in the southern regions or any sparse location in the broader Near East, and “cities” suggests any settled community that might seem far removed from the center of worship in Jerusalem.
Isaiah specifically highlights “Kedar” (v.11), a name tied to the descendants of Ishmael. The Kedarites were known as herders of sheep and goats who ranged over the wide desert region east of Israel, enjoying a semblance of security in Jeremiah’s days. Calling them to lift their voices signals that even distant or semi-nomadic peoples are invited to exalt the one true God. The inhabitants of “Sela” (v.11) are called to “sing aloud” and shout from their mountains. Historical sources connect Sela with the rugged territory of Edom; it may well be the area conquered by King Amaziah, who renamed it Joktheel (2 Kings 14:7). Many identify it closely with the mountainous region later known as Petra. This location, tucked away among lofty cliffs, becomes a vivid symbol of rejoicing in every hidden place.
Isaiah’s command conveys that God’s greatness extends far beyond the traditional borders of Israel to encompass every unknown corner of creation. Even lands and tribes only briefly mentioned in biblical narratives are gathered into a grand chorus of praise. The prophet envisions a day when all peoples—from arid desert dwellers to mountainous fortress cities—will unite in joyful proclamation of the Lord’s glory.