Isaiah 42:8—“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”
This is a thunderous proclamation in a world eager to divide worship among many voices. God declares His covenant name—the LORD, Jehovah, the I AM that I AM—the name that reveals His self-existence, holiness, and unchanging character. Here, God does more than reveal His identity; He also reserves His glory exclusively for Himself so that no idol, creature, or human accomplishment may claim it. His glory is His alone. It is His absolute claim.
This verse appears in a section that introduces the Servant of the LORD, first portrayed in the opening verses as One through whom God will act powerfully to open blind eyes, liberate captives, and lead His people from darkness. In the latter part of this, the LORD rises as a mighty warrior from His long-held silence, ending in decisive action against idol worshippers.
Yet before describing what He will do, God reminds Israel who He is. The God who acts in history is the God who owns all glory. “My glory will I not give to another” does not reflect insecurity but divine perfection. Glory is the radiance of God’s being—His holiness displayed, His worth revealed, His majesty made known. To give it away would be to deny Himself.
This truth upholds the uniqueness of God, His incomparable identity. He alone creates, sustains, redeems, and rules. Idols, whether carved from wood or fashioned in the hearts (pleasure, power, self, reputation, luxury, wealth, etc.), are unworthy thieves attempting to steal what belongs to Him. Anything that captures our trust and love above God becomes a graven image of the heart. God refuses such robbery.
This brings both warning and comfort. It warns us against divided devotion, yet comforts us with a God whose glory cannot be diminished. The One who will not share His glory is the very One who graciously shares His salvation. Therefore, let us cast down every rival and give God alone the praise due unto His name. His glory is our joy, and His honour our life.
