Isaiah 42:11
Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂא֤וּ
thereof lift up
H5375
יִשְׂא֤וּ
thereof lift up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 12
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
מִדְבָּר֙
Let the wilderness
H4057
מִדְבָּר֙
Let the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
2 of 12
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
וְעָרָ֔יו
and the cities
H5892
וְעָרָ֔יו
and the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 12
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
חֲצֵרִ֖ים
their voice the villages
H2691
חֲצֵרִ֖ים
their voice the villages
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
4 of 12
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
יֹ֣שְׁבֵי
doth inhabit
H3427
יֹ֣שְׁבֵי
doth inhabit
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
קֵדָ֑ר
that Kedar
H6938
קֵדָ֑ר
that Kedar
Strong's:
H6938
Word #:
6 of 12
kedar, a son of ishmael; also (collectively) bedouin (as his descendants or representatives)
יָרֹ֙נּוּ֙
sing
H7442
יָרֹ֙נּוּ֙
sing
Strong's:
H7442
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)
יֹ֣שְׁבֵי
doth inhabit
H3427
יֹ֣שְׁבֵי
doth inhabit
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
סֶ֔לַע
of the rock
H5553
סֶ֔לַע
of the rock
Strong's:
H5553
Word #:
9 of 12
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
מֵרֹ֥אשׁ
from the top
H7218
מֵרֹ֥אשׁ
from the top
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
10 of 12
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Cross References
Isaiah 32:16Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.Isaiah 60:7All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.Isaiah 52:7How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!Isaiah 21:16For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:Isaiah 35:6Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.Isaiah 16:1Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion.Psalms 120:5Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!Nahum 1:15Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.Genesis 25:23And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
Historical Context
Kedar (descendants of Ishmael) and Sela (Edomite region) represent traditional enemies of Israel. Their inclusion in worship demonstrates that salvation transcends ethnic and historical enmity through God's reconciling work.
Questions for Reflection
- Who represents your 'Kedar and Sela'—those you consider unlikely converts?
- How does this vision of universal worship challenge your assumptions about God's saving reach?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The call to praise extends to wilderness and its cities, villages of Kedar (Bedouin settlements), and inhabitants of Sela (rock dwellers). Even traditionally hostile or remote peoples will sing from mountaintops. No place or people are beyond God's redemptive reach.