Isaiah 25:1
O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֤ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהַי֙
thou art my God
H430
אֱלֹהַי֙
thou art my God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲרֽוֹמִמְךָ֙
I will exalt
H7311
אֲרֽוֹמִמְךָ֙
I will exalt
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
4 of 13
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
אוֹדֶ֣ה
thee I will praise
H3034
אוֹדֶ֣ה
thee I will praise
Strong's:
H3034
Word #:
5 of 13
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
שִׁמְךָ֔
thy name
H8034
שִׁמְךָ֔
thy name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
6 of 13
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עָשִׂ֖יתָ
for thou hast done
H6213
עָשִׂ֖יתָ
for thou hast done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עֵצ֥וֹת
things thy counsels
H6098
עֵצ֥וֹת
things thy counsels
Strong's:
H6098
Word #:
10 of 13
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
מֵֽרָחֹ֖ק
of old
H7350
מֵֽרָחֹ֖ק
of old
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
11 of 13
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
Cross References
Exodus 15:2The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.Psalms 118:28Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.Numbers 23:19God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?Psalms 98:1O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.Psalms 40:5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.Isaiah 28:29This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.Isaiah 61:10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.Revelation 19:11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.Ephesians 1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:Isaiah 46:10Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
Historical Context
This thanksgiving psalm interrupts the apocalypse genre, showing appropriate response to divine judgment: worship. 'Counsels of old' suggests God's eternal decree, planned before creation, now unfolding in history. For Israel, this referenced promises to Abraham, David, and the prophets—all faithfully fulfilled. New Testament believers see even deeper fulfillment: God's eternal plan of redemption through Christ, 'foreordained before the foundation of the world' (1 Peter 1:20), executed precisely at the appointed time (Galatians 4:4). Paul celebrates this same theme: God's purpose 'from the beginning' now revealed (Ephesians 3:9-11).
Questions for Reflection
- How does personal relationship with God ('thou art my God') transform worship from mere religious duty to heartfelt response?
- What 'wonderful things' has God done in your life that should provoke exaltation and praise?
- How does God's faithfulness to 'counsels of old' (ancient promises kept) strengthen your confidence in His future promises?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name—After chapter 24's devastating judgment, chapter 25 erupts in worship. The personal pronouns emphasize covenant relationship: 'my God' (אֱלֹהָי, Elohai). I will exalt thee (אֲרוֹמִמְךָ, aromimka) means to lift up, magnify, make great—responding to God's self-revelation in judgment with worship.
For thou hast done wonderful things (כִּי עָשִׂיתָ פֶּלֶא, ki asita pele)—The Hebrew פֶּלֶא (pele, wonderful things) refers to acts only God can perform, miraculous deeds that inspire awe. These aren't random miracles but purposeful demonstrations of divine power and character.
Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth (עֵצוֹת מֵרָחוֹק אֱמוּנָה אֹמֶן, etsot merachok emunah omen)—God's ancient plans (from distant time) are utterly reliable. אֱמוּנָה (emunah, faithfulness) and אֹמֶן (omen, truth/stability) appear together emphasizing absolute dependability. What God planned long ago, He executes precisely—no failed promises, no adjusted plans. This grounds worship in God's proven character across history.