Isaiah 24:14
They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Isaiah 24-27 (called 'Isaiah's Apocalypse') was written during the 8th century BC but looks beyond immediate threats (Assyria, Babylon) to ultimate divine judgment and restoration. The chapter describes cosmic catastrophe—earth devastated, cities ruined, population decimated—yet verses 14-16 interrupt with songs of praise. This pattern (judgment/salvation/judgment) reflects biblical eschatology: a remnant preserved through tribulation who worship God amid chaos. Early Christians saw parallels to Revelation's tribulation saints who sing praise during apocalyptic judgments (Revelation 7:9-10, 15:2-4).
Questions for Reflection
- How can believers genuinely praise God's majesty during seasons of widespread devastation and loss?
- What does this remnant's worship 'from the sea' (distant places) teach about the gospel's reach beyond Israel to all nations?
- How should the reality of coming judgment shape the content and urgency of our worship today?
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Analysis & Commentary
They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD—Amid Isaiah's apocalyptic vision of worldwide judgment (24:1-13), this verse introduces a surprising note of praise from a faithful remnant. The Hebrew שָׂא (nasa, lift up) paired with קוֹל (qol, voice) indicates loud, public proclamation. They shall sing uses רָנַן (ranan), meaning to cry out with joy, to shout triumphantly—the same verb used for Israel's victory songs.
The object of their praise is the majesty of the LORD (גְּאוֹן יְהוָה, gaon Yahweh)—His excellency, splendor, and supremacy. While judgment devastates the earth, the remnant recognizes God's sovereign glory even in catastrophe. They shall cry aloud from the sea (מִיָּם, miyam) suggests either western Mediterranean lands or indicates universal scope—praise coming from earth's distant regions. This foreshadows Gentile inclusion in worship of Israel's God.