Isaiah Chapter 12 — A Song of Thanksgiving
This chapter is a short hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God for his comfort and salvation, encouraging the people of Zion to declare his deeds among the nations.
1In that day you will say, “I will give thanks to you, the LORD;*LORD or GOD in all caps is from the Hebrew יהוה Yahweh except when otherwise noted as being from the short form יה Yah. for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you comfort me.
2Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD,†Hebrew: יה Yah the LORD,‡LORD or GOD in all caps is from the Hebrew יהוה Yahweh except when otherwise noted as being from the short form יה Yah. is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation.”
3Therefore with joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation.
4In that day you will say, “Give thanks to the LORD! Call on his name! Declare his doings among the peoples! Proclaim that his name is exalted!
5Sing to the LORD, for he has done excellent things! Let this be known in all the earth!
6Cry aloud and shout, you inhabitant of Zion, for the Holy One of Israel is great among you!”
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Isaiah 12:2
“Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD, the LORD, is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation.”
This verse is a central declaration of faith and trust, identifying God as the primary source of personal strength and security.
Isaiah 12:3
“Therefore with joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation.”
This vivid metaphor illustrates the refreshing and life-giving nature of God's deliverance for his people.
Chapter Summary
Isaiah Chapter 12 serves as a concluding song of praise following the prophecies of the preceding chapters. It is structured as a two-part hymn of thanksgiving. The first part focuses on a personal expression of gratitude, where the speaker acknowledges that God's anger has turned away and He has become a source of comfort and salvation. The second part shifts to a corporate call to worship, inviting the community to draw water with joy from the wells of salvation. The text encourages the people to proclaim God's name, share His excellent deeds with all the earth, and shout for joy because the Holy One of Israel resides among them. It emphasizes trust over fear and highlights the greatness of God's presence in Zion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isaiah 12 is a short song of praise that celebrates God's role as a savior and comforter. It shifts from acknowledging previous divine anger to rejoicing in the peace and strength found in God's presence.
In verse 3, this poetic imagery suggests that salvation is an abundant, accessible, and life-sustaining resource provided by God. It conveys the idea of receiving spiritual refreshment and joy through divine intervention.
The Holy One of Israel is a title for God used frequently in the Book of Isaiah, emphasizing His unique purity and relationship with His people. In this context, it highlights His greatness as He dwells among the inhabitants of Zion.
Study Note
Isaiah 12 is often viewed as a liturgical bridge or concluding doxology for the earlier prophecies regarding the coming of a righteous branch.
Related Chapters
Exodus 15
This chapter echoes the Song of Moses, particularly the phrase 'The LORD is my strength and song.'
Psalm 118
Psalm 118 contains very similar language regarding God becoming salvation and the voice of rejoicing.
John 4
The metaphor of drawing water from a well relates to themes of spiritual thirst and satisfaction found in the New Testament.
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