Isaiah 12 - Introduction

Chapter 12 A Hymn of Praise at The Consummation.

This hymn is seen as being sung once the purposes of God have come to fruition. It is a hymn of triumph at what He has done. In a sense we could see it as a praise review of chapter 6-11. For the first three lines could be Isaiah's testimony after his experience of chapter 6, when he was first of all aware of his own utter sinfulness, and then received cleansing through the mercy of God. While it also speaks of the final position of the redeemed, for they too, returning from enmity and rebellion and uncleanness, have been reconciled to God. And note the stress on the fact that it is all of God. It is He Who is their deliverance.

Analysis.

a And in that day you will say, ‘I will give thanks to You, O Yahweh, for although You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me (Isaiah 12:1).

b Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and will not be afraid, for Yah Yahweh is my strength and my song, and He is become my salvation (Isaiah 12:2).

c Therefore with joy will you draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3).

c And in that day you will say, ‘Give thanks to Yahweh, call on His name, declare His doings among the peoples, make mention that His name is exalted' (Isaiah 12:4).

b Sing to Yahweh, for He has done excellent things, let this be known in all the earth (Isaiah 12:5).

a Cry aloud, and shout, you inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of you (Isaiah 12:6)

In ‘a' His people will speak out the greatness of His mercy, and in the parallel will cry aloud concerning His greatness a the Holy One of Israel. In ‘b' because he is their salvation He is their song, and in the parallel they sing to Him because of what He has done. In ‘c' they draw water from the wells of salvation, and in the parallel they declare His doings among the peoples.