Isaiah 12

Chapter Overview

What happens in Isaiah 12

This short chapter is a song of praise and thanksgiving that responds to the promises of chapters 10 and 11. The people celebrate God's salvation with joy, comparing it to drawing fresh water from a well. They call on the whole world to know what God has done.

Scripture

A Song of Personal Praise

Study note

This first song is personal, using the word 'I.' The singer acknowledges that God was once angry but has turned his anger away and now brings comfort. The declaration 'God is my salvation' echoes the meaning of Isaiah's own name, which means 'the Lord saves.' The image of drawing water from the wells of salvation with joy is a beautiful picture of receiving God's blessings freely and gladly. Water in the dry land of Israel was precious, making this a powerful image of God providing what his people need most.

1 When that day comes, you will say: "I praise you, Lord! You were angry with me, but your anger has turned away, and now you bring me comfort." And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

2 "Look — God is the one who saves me! I will trust him and not be scared. The Lord God gives me strength and fills my heart with song. He himself has become my rescue." Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

3 You will joyfully scoop up water from the springs of salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

A Song of Community Praise

Study note

The second song shifts from personal praise to community celebration. The people together call on the nations to know what God has done. They sing about his excellent deeds and want the whole world to hear about them. The chapter ends with a joyful shout, reminding the people of Zion that the Holy One of Israel lives right among them. This closing chapter of the first major section of Isaiah shows that God's ultimate purpose through judgment is restoration and praise.

4 When that day comes, you will say: "Thank the Lord! Call out his name! Let the nations know what he has done! Declare how great his name is!" And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

5 "Sing praise to the Lord, because he has done amazing things! Let the whole world hear about it!" Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.

6 "Shout out loud and sing, people of Zion, because the Holy One of Israel is great, and he lives right here among you!" Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

Key Themes

Themes in Isaiah 12

Personal praise for God's salvationCommunity worship and testimonyJoy and trust replacing fearProclaiming God's deeds to all nations

Prophetic Connections

How this chapter points to Christ

Isaiah 12:3 John 7:37-38

Jesus stands at the Feast of Tabernacles and cries out that anyone who is thirsty should come to him, echoing Isaiah's image of drawing water from the wells of salvation with joy.

Apply This Today

Living Isaiah 12

After experiencing God's deliverance, the natural response is joyful praise. This chapter models both personal gratitude and public testimony. Drawing water from the wells of salvation with joy reminds us that God's blessings are meant to be received gladly and shared generously with the world.

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