1 You will say in that day: “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me.
2 “Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
4 And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
let this be made known in all the earth.
6 “Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
The True Meaning of Isaiah 12
The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah, who lived during the reigns of several Judean kings in the 8th century BC. Isaiah was known for his powerful messages of judgment and hope, often using vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his divine revelations. A shift from the previous warnings and prophecies of judgment to a hymn of thanksgiving and praise occurs in this chapter. After the trials and tribulations described earlier, the people of Judah are now called to rejoice and celebrate God’s salvation. This chapter foreshadows the restoration and redemption that will come, even in the midst of difficult times. We will see echoes of other biblical themes, such as the living waters mentioned in John 4 and the promise of a future kingdom found in Revelation 21, as we delve into this passage. Isaiah’s words remind us that even in the darkest moments, God’s steadfast love and faithfulness never fail.
Isaiah 12:1-3
Isaiah 12:1-3 reads: “You will say in that day: ‘I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. ‘Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.’ With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. The prophet Isaiah speaks of a future time of redemption and salvation in this passage, where the people would give thanks to the Lord for turning away His anger and providing comfort instead. It emphasizes the transformation from fear and judgment to trust and salvation in God.
The mention of drawing water from the wells of salvation symbolizes the abundance and sustenance that comes from God’s salvation. Water is a vital element for life, and in the biblical context, it often represents cleansing, renewal, and life itself. Drawing water joyfully from the wells of salvation suggests that God’s salvation is not only life-giving but also brings joy and satisfaction to the soul.
This passage carries a timeless message about the nature of God and His relationship with His people. It portrays God as a source of strength, comfort, and salvation for those who trust in Him. It reminds us that even in moments of anger or discipline from God, His ultimate desire is to bring comfort and redemption to His people. This theme of transformation from fear to trust and from judgment to salvation is echoed throughout the Bible in various stories and verses.
One such parallel can be found in the story of the Israelites in the wilderness. When they were delivered from slavery in Egypt, they faced challenges and moments of testing in the desert. However, God provided for them, even miraculously providing water from a rock (Exodus 17:6) and manna for sustenance (Exodus 16). Just as God sustained the Israelites in the wilderness, He continues to be the source of strength and salvation for His people today. Isaiah 12:1-3 encourages believers to trust in God’s salvation, to not be afraid, and to find comfort, strength, and joy in Him. It speaks of a future restoration and redemption that brings about a deep sense of gratitude and praise to the Lord for His unfailing love and provision.
Isaiah 12:4-6
The prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 12:4-6 expresses gratitude and praise to God, highlighting key themes of salvation, strength, and trust in the Lord.
The section begins with Isaiah urging the people to “Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.” This call to thanksgiving and proclamation of God’s greatness emphasizes the importance of spreading the message of God’s deeds and magnifying His name. It serves as a reminder that as believers, we are called to not only experience God’s blessings in our own lives but also to share His goodness with others. This theme is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Psalm 105:1 which says, “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.”
Isaiah then goes on to declare, “Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.” This exhortation to sing praises to God for His glorious deeds reflects a sense of joy and celebration at the mighty works of the Lord. It emphasizes the idea of worship as a joyful response to God’s goodness and faithfulness. This notion of singing praises to God is a common theme throughout the Bible, with numerous Psalms dedicated to praising and worshiping God through song. For instance, Psalm 96:1-3 says, “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
The passage concludes with Isaiah exhorting the people to “Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” This declaration underscores the greatness and presence of the Holy One of Israel in the midst of His people. The term “Holy One of Israel” is a significant title used throughout the Book of Isaiah to refer to God’s uniqueness, purity, and holiness. It signifies God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel and His transcendence above all other gods. This title not only emphasizes God’s moral perfection but also His relational aspect with His chosen people. The prophet’s call for the people of Zion to rejoice and celebrate the presence of the Holy One among them is a reminder of God’s abiding presence and faithfulness to His covenant promises. Isaiah 12:4-6 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of thanksgiving, praise, and joy in the life of believers. It encourages us to share the good news of God’s salvation with others, to sing praises to His name, and to rejoice in His presence among us. The passage underscores the timeless message of trust in the Lord and the need for His people to continually exalt His name and proclaim His greatness to the nations.
After Isaiah 12
The people had finally found their salvation in the Lord. They rejoiced and gave thanks, for He had delivered them from their troubles. Yet, the journey was not over. The prophet knew that more trials and tribulations lay ahead. The people basked in the glory of their deliverance and prepared their hearts and minds for the challenges that were to come. For the Lord’s work was never done, and His people must remain steadfast in their faith, ready to face whatever the future held.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.