In Isaiah 1-12 we see the theme of judgement followed by hope, a pattern which will be continued in more detail throughout the book of Isaiah. Isaiah first accuses Israel’s leaders of covenant rebellion, idolatry, and injustice. Then he says that God will judge Israel and purify them of unrighteousness. Then he says that the judgment will be so harsh that it will leave them desolate and forced into exile. And finally a holy remnant fully committed to the Lord will return and rebuild a new Jerusalem.
So far we have covered (Isaiah 1-11):
Isaiah 1-5 (Part A) spoke mostly to God’s coming judgement of Judah.
Isaiah 6 (Part B) is where we read about the commissioning of Isaiah as prophet of Israel.
Isaiah 7-11 (Part C) tells of the coming Messiah. Here in Isaiah 12 we will read this final chapter of Part C, which is a song of praise for what God will do when Israel meets her King and acknowledges him at his second coming when he establishes his kingdom.
It is a comfort to know that God’s message of hope is given equal weight with God’s message of judgement throughout the book of Isaiah, and here in Isaiah 12 we read not of the prophecy of judgement, but the prophecy of victory and deliverance.
Isaiah 12:1-2 - From Condemned to Comforted.
[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, and you comforted me. [2] Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.
God promises us more than Canaan Land and milk and honey, but he himself will become our salvation. This promise of trust (ultimate assurance) will one day cause so much comfort in us that we will not be afraid for God himself will be our comfort and might.
How has God’s comfort been a source of bravery and strength for you already?
Isaiah 12:3 - Ultimate Salvation
[3] With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Salvation, here as in the previous verse, implies an ultimate or final salvation or deliverance. Salvation is originally the Hebrew word yeshuah, which can mean: deeds of deliverance, deliverance, help, prosperity, salvation, save, saving, securit, victories, and victory. Therefore, with joy we will draw water from the wells of deeds of deliverance, deliverance, help, prosperity, salvation, save, saving, securit, victories, and victory. We will draw water from the wells of yeshuah, the Messiah. We will draw water from the wells of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the personification of yeshuah (ultimate salvation).
How do you draw water from the wells of Jesus?
Isaiah 12:4 - Tell Somebody
[4] And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted.
To make known his deeds among the nations is God's call to share his truth with all four corners of the earth. God’s plan of reconciliation is thus in effect, as he desires to be exalted by more nations than the nation of Israel alone. God wants to reconcile all of creation back to him.
This desire to give thanks to the Lord publicly is an effect of the joy of being eternally delivered, and to call on his name is to teach others to do the same. It is an outward form of worship rooted in a changed heart. It is the invitation extended outwardly to all that we may draw inwardly from the wells of yeshuah together.
“The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.” - 2 Peter 3:9”
The joy and relief that is found in deliverance causes us to tell others about what God has done. How do you make God’s deeds known publicly?
Isaiah 12:5-6 - Shout for Joy
[5] Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. [6] Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Again, God extends the invitation to all nations when he gives Isaiah the words, “let this be known in all the earth.” God created all things, and will reconcile all things back to himself, and we can let this be known to the world even when we sing praises to the Lord. Preaching is then only one form of proclaiming the Gospel!
This chapter concludes with God being exulted, much like God was high and lifted up in the temple when Isaiah received his commission to prophesy to Israel (see Isaiah 6). When God is truly exalted in our own lives, we too will be commissioned by the Holy Spirit to tell the world of our hope in God’s ultimate salvation.
How is the Lord exulted in your life? Can people tell that the Holy One of Israel is in your midst?
You are welcomed to pray this prayer with me:
Eternal God,
You are my yeshua, a salvation in life today as well as in life eternal. I thank you for your agape love that pulled me out of ignorance and into a knowledge of you and your Son. Have your way in me as I continue to learn your ways. Whatever you need me to do to make your glorious deeds known, lead me and teach me, and I will follow you. There is plenty good room in my heart for you, LORD, so I invite you to be established and exulted in my life, in Jesus Name. Amen!