Isaiah 12

The Song of Salvation and the Praise of the Holy One in Zion

The chapter moves from thanksgiving for anger turned away, to confidence in the LORD as salvation, to joyful drawing from salvation’s wells, to public proclamation among the nations, and finally to Zion’s shout of joy because the Holy One of Israel is great in her midst.

World English Bible, Public Domain

The redeemed give thanks because the LORD’s anger has given way to comfort.

Isaiah 12:1-6

Saved people sing; restored hearts proclaim the greatness of the Holy One in their midst.

1 In that day you will say, “I will give thanks to you, Yahweh; for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you comfort me.

Fear is replaced by trust because the LORD himself is salvation, strength, and song.

2 Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for Yah, Yahweh, is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation.”

Salvation is pictured as abundant water joyfully received.

3 Therefore with joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation.

The redeemed proclaim the LORD’s name and glorious deeds to the world.

4 In that day you will say, “Give thanks to Yahweh! Call on his name. Declare his doings among the peoples. Proclaim that his name is exalted!

5 Sing to Yahweh, for he has done excellent things! Let this be known in all the earth!

Zion rejoices because the Holy One of Israel is great in her midst.

6 Cry aloud and shout, you inhabitant of Zion; for the Holy One of Israel is great among you!”

Key Terms

בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא bayyôm hahûʾ H3117
יָדָה yādâ H3034
יְהוָה YHWH H3068
אָנַף ʾānaph H599
שׁוּב šûḇ H7725
נָחַם nāḥam H5162
אֵל ʾēl H410
יְשׁוּעָה yĕšûʿâ H3444
בָּטַח bāṭaḥ H982
פָּחַד pāḥaḏ H6342
עֹז ʿōz H5797
זִמְרָת zimrāṯ H2176

World English Bible (WEB): Public Domain Scripture text · License details