If you look at Isaiah 5:1-7, you’ll find a Song of Judgment. By contrast, in Isaiah 12:1-6, there is a Song of Thanksgiving. These two songs create a sort of envelope around the passages in between them.
In previous chapters, we encounter warnings about God’s wrath caused by the people’s sins. However, we also find a record of God’s promise of forgiving grace for those who repent and trust in His guidance.
When you read “on that day” in the first verse, it refers to the Messiah and the remnant discussed in chapter 11. Here, we discover God’s purpose for His people. This psalm of praise anticipates the emotions people will feel when that significant day comes.
You will say on that day:
“I will give thanks to you, O Lord,
for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
and you comforted me. (Isaiah 12:1)
Modern readers might overlook the word Lord, because it is used so frequently. LORD, represents the Hebrew Yahweh. It contrasts Ahaz’s lack of belief, showing that instead of trusting Yahweh, he relied on Assyria.
Unlike Ahaz’s wavering attitude towards God (Isaiah 7), declaring that the Lord is our strength and song signifies recognizing that God now means everything to His people.
Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and will not be afraid,
for the Lord is my strength and my might;
he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)
They rely on Him for strength and have forsaken all other sources of trust. The Lord will receive all their faith and be the only One they sing praises to.
You might recall the waters of Shiloh (Isaiah 8:6), which flowed gently and steadily into the city. Now, this image is replaced by wells of salvation from which trusting people can draw with joy.
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3)
The difference lies in relying on the Euphrates’ flowing water, symbolizing Assyria, versus trusting God, who deals with people in a gentle and quiet manner.
Good News to All Humanity
Isaiah’s readers would recall God’s incredible power in freeing the people from slavery in Egypt (see Exodus 15).
And you will say on that day:
“Give thanks to the Lord;
call on his name;
make known his deeds among the nations;
proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
let this be known in all the earth.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 12:4-6)
The truth is, while the Exodus was a significant moment for Israel, it was just the beginning and a remarkable act by God. It showed His mighty power, yet an even greater display of His power would follow.
Praising His name among themselves, as done in the Song of Moses, is no longer enough. The entire world must know what He has done and that His name is exalted.
This echoes the Book of Acts and our role in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Reflections
Sometimes we forget that evangelism involves an evangel who is sharing the good news. What attracts people to Christ is the positive and forward-looking message found in Isaiah 12.
On the other hand, people are turned off by narrow-minded and negative Christians.
To make a positive impact, we can stay connected to the Lord through prayer and worship. This will help us naturally live lives full of love for the Lord.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 