Isaiah 12

Songs of Praise

1 In that day you will say: “I will praise you, LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.

2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense^[a] ; he has become my salvation.”

3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

4 In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.

6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

Isaiah 12 Commentary

Chapter 12

This is a hymn of praise suited to the times of the Messiah.

- The song of praise in this chapter is suitable for the return of the outcasts of Israel from their long captivity, but it is especially suitable to the case of a sinner, when he first finds peace and joy in believing; to that of a believer, when his peace is renewed after corrections for backslidings; and to that of the whole company of the redeemed, when they meet before the throne of God in heaven. The promise is sure, and the blessings contained in it are very rich; and the benefits enjoyed through Jesus Christ, call for the most enlarged thanksgivings. By Jesus Christ, the Root of Jesse, the Divine anger against mankind was turned away, for he is our Peace. Those to whom God is reconciled, he comforts. They are taught to triumph in God and their interest in him. I will trust him to prepare me for his salvation, and preserve me to it. I will trust him with all my concerns, not doubting but he will make all to work for good. Faith in God is a sovereign remedy against tormenting fears. Many Christians have God for their strength, who have him not for their song; they walk in darkness: but those who have God for their strength ought to make him their song; that is, give him the glory of it, and take to themselves the comfort of it. This salvation is from the love of God the Father, it comes to us through God the Son, it is applied by the new-creating power of God the Spirit. When this is seen by faith, the trembling sinner learns to hope in God, and is delivered from fear. The purifying and sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost often are denoted under the emblem of springing water. This work flows through the mediation of Christ, and is conveyed to our souls by means of God's ordinances. Blessed be God, we have wells of salvation opened on every side, and may draw from them the waters of life and consolation. In the second part of this gospel song, ver. ( 4-6 ) , believers encourage one another to praise God, and seek to draw others to join them in it. No difference of opinions about the times and seasons, and other such matters, ought to divide the hearts of Christians. Let it be our care that we may be placed amongst those to whom he will say, Come, ye blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world.

Cross References

• 1. S Isaiah 10:20
• 2. Psalms 9:1; Isaiah 25:1
• 3. S Job 13:16
• 4. S Psalms 71:21
• 5. Isaiah 17:10; Isaiah 25:9; Isaiah 33:6; Isaiah 45:17; Isaiah 51:5,6; Isaiah 54:8; Isaiah 59:16; Isaiah 61:10; Isaiah 62:11
• 6. S Job 13:15; S Psalms 26:1; S Psalms 112:7; Isaiah 26:3; Daniel 6:23
• 7. Isaiah 26:4; Isaiah 38:11
• 8. S Psalms 18:1
• 9. S Exodus 15:2; Psalms 118:14
• 10. S 2 Kings 3:17; Psalms 36:9; Jeremiah 2:13; Jeremiah 17:13; John 4:10,14
• 11. Exodus 15:25
• 12. S Isaiah 10:20
• 13. Exodus 3:15; Psalms 80:18; Psalms 105:1; Isaiah 24:15; Isaiah 25:1; Isaiah 26:8,13; Hosea 12:5
• 14. Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:3; Jeremiah 10:7; Zephaniah 2:11; Malachi 1:11
• 15. S Psalms 113:2
• 16. S Exodus 15:1
• 17. S Psalms 98:1
• 18. S Genesis 21:6; S Psalms 98:4; Isaiah 24:14; Isaiah 48:20; Isaiah 52:8; Jeremiah 20:13; Jeremiah 31:7; Zechariah 2:10
• 19. Psalms 48:1
• 20. S Psalms 78:41; Psalms 99:2; Isaiah 1:24; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 17:7; Isaiah 29:19; Isaiah 37:23; Isaiah 43:3,14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 49:26; Isaiah 55:5; Ezekiel 39:7
• 21. S Psalms 46:5; Zephaniah 3:14-17

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "song"

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 12

This chapter contains a song of praise and thanksgiving for redemption and salvation by Christ, of which the preceding chapter Isa 11:1-16 is a famous prophecy. It begins with an account of the church's former uncomfortable and now comfortable state and condition, Isa 12:1 the foundation of whose comfort was Christ her salvation and strength, and so her song, which engaged her trust, and dispelled her fears, Isa 12:2 hence encouragement to others to apply to the fulness of Christ for grace, and fresh supplies of it, to be had with joy, Isa 12:3 and then follow certain mutual exhortations to praise, exalt, and glorify Christ, with reasons enforcing them, Isa 12:4-6.