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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Isaiah 12:1–3. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
This is the former part of the hymn of praise which is prepared for the use of the church, of the Jewish church when God would work great deliverances for them, and of the Christian church when the kingdom of the Messiah should be set up in the world in despite of the opposition of the powers of darkness: In that day thou shalt say, O Lord! I will praise thee. The scattered church, being united into one body, shall, as one man, with one mind and one mouth, thus praise God, who is one and his name one. In that day, when the Lord shall do these great things for thee, thou shalt say, O Lord! I will praise thee. That is,
I."Thou shalt have cause to say so." The promise is sure, and the blessings contained in it are very rich, and, when they are bestowed, will furnish the church with abundant matter for rejoicing and therefore with abundant matter for thanksgiving. The Old Testament prophecies of gospel times are often expressed by the joy and praise that shall then be excited; for the inestimable benefits we enjoy by Jesus Christ require the most elevated and enlarged thanksgivings.
II."Thou shalt have a heart to say so." All God's other gifts to his people shall be crowned with this.
He will give them grace to ascribe all the glory of them to him, and to speak of them upon all occasions with thankfulness to his praise. Thou shalt say, that is, thou oughtest to say so. In that day, when many are brought home to Jesus Christ and flock to him as doves to their windows, instead of envying the kind reception they find with Christ, as the Jews grudged the favour shown to the Gentiles, thou shalt say, O Lord! I will praise thee. Note, we ought to rejoice in, and give thanks for, the grace of God to others as well as to ourselves.
1.Believers are here taught to give thanks to God for the turning away of his displeasure from them and the return of his favour to them (Isa 12:1): O Lord! I will praise thee, though thou wast angry with me. Note, Even God's frowns must not put us out of tune for praising him; though he be angry with us, though he slay us, yet we must put our trust in him and give him thanks. God has often just cause to be angry with us, but we have never any reason to be angry with him, nor to speak otherwise than well of him; even when he blames us we must praise him. Thou was angry with us, but thy anger is turned away. Note,
(1.)God is sometimes angry with his own people and the fruits of his anger do appear, and they ought to take notice of this, that they may humble themselves under his mighty hand.
(2.)Though God may for a time be angry with his people, yet his anger shall at length be turned away; it endures but for a moment, nor will he contend for ever. By Jesus Christ, the root of Jesse, God's anger against mankind was turned away; for he is our peace.
(3.)Those whom God is reconciled to he comforts; even the turning away of his anger is a comfort to them; yet that is not all: those that are at peace with God may rejoice in hope of the glory of God, Rom 5:1, Rom 5:2. Nay, God sometimes brings his people into a wilderness that there he may speak comfortably to them, Hos 2:14.
(4.)The turning away of God's anger, and the return of his comforts to us, ought to be the matter of our joyful thankful praises.
2.They are taught to triumph in God and their interest in him (Isa 12:2): "Behold, and wonder; God is my salvation; not only my Saviour, by whom I am saved, but my salvation, in whom I am safe. I depend upon him as my salvation, for I have found him to be so. He shall have the glory of all the salvations that have been wrought for me, and from him only will I expect the salvations I further need, and not from hills and mountains: and if God be my salvation, if he undertake my eternal salvation, I will trust in him to prepare me for it and preserve me to it. I will trust him with all my temporal concerns, not doubting but he will make all to work for my good. I will be confident, that is, I will be always easy in my own mind." Note, Those that have God for their salvation may enjoy themselves with a holy security and serenity of mind. Let faith in God as our salvation be effectual,
(1.)To silence our fears. We must trust, and not be afraid, not be afraid that the God we trust in will fail us; no, there is no danger of that; not be afraid of any creature, though ever so formidable and threatening. Note, Faith in God is a sovereign remedy against disquieting tormenting fears.
(2.)To support our hopes. Is the Lord Jehovah our salvation? Then he will be our strength and song. We have work to do and temptations to resist, and we may depend upon him to enable us for both, to strengthen us with all might by his Spirit in the inner man, for he is our strength; his grace is so, and that grace shall be sufficient for us. We have many troubles to undergo, and must expect griefs in a vale of tears; and we may depend upon him to comfort us in all our tribulations, for he is our song; he giveth songs in the night. If we make God our strength, and put our confidence in him, he will be our strength; if we make him our song, and place our comfort in him, he will be our song. Many good Christians have God for their strength who have him not for their song; they walk in darkness: but light is sown for them. And those that have God for their strength ought to make him their song, that is, to give him the glory of it (see Psa 68:35) and to take to themselves the comfort of it, for he will become their salvation. Observe the title here given to God: Jah, Jehovah. Jah is the contraction of Jehovah, and both signify his eternity and unchangeableness, which are a great comfort to those that depend upon him as their strength and their song. Some make Jah to signify the Son of God made man; he is Jehovah, and in him we may glory as our strength, and song, and salvation.
3.They are aught to derive comfort to themselves from the love of God and all the tokens of that love (Isa 12:3): "Therefore, because the Lord Jehovah is your strength and song and will be your salvation, you shall draw water with joy." Note, The assurances God has given us of his love, and the experiences we have had of the benefit and comfort of his grace, should greatly encourage our faith in him and our expectations from him: "Out of the wells of salvation in God, who is the fountain of all good to his people, you shall draw water with joy. God's favour shall flow forth to you, and you shall have the comfort of it and make use of the blessed fruits of it." Note,
(1.)God's promises revealed, ratified, and given out to us, in his ordinances, are wells of salvation; wells of the Saviour (so some read it), for in them the Saviour and salvation are made known to us and made over to us.
(2.)It is our duty by faith to draw water out of these wells, to take to ourselves the benefit and comfort that are treasured up for us in them, as those that acknowledge all our fresh springs to be there and all our fresh streams to be thence, Psa 87:7.
(3.)Water is to be drawn out of the wells of salvation with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction. It is the will of God that we should rejoice before him and rejoice in him (Deu 26:11), be joyful in his house of prayer (Isa 56:7), and keep his feasts with gladness, Act 2:46.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
And you shall say on that day: I will praise you, O Lord, for you were angry with me, but your anger has turned away, and you have comforted me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. You who were the first to speak in the wilderness, when you came out of the land of Egypt, and when the Red Sea was dried up before you: Let us sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea (Exodus 15:1), and the rest of the verse. Now with the tongue of the Egyptian sea struck, and its river dried up and cut off, and humiliated, glorify the Lord, and say: I will praise you, O Lord, for I have obtained mercy after deserving your wrath and fury; for you are my Savior, that is, Jesus, and I have no confidence in idols, nor will I fear what is not to be feared; but you are my strength and my praise, who have become my salvation. Let the most wicked heresy be heard, that the Lord was made by those who are saved, and that he was not previously Lord, so that we may understand in the holy scriptures both creation and making, not always the condition of those things that were not, but sometimes the grace that is bestowed on those who have deserved to become God.
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Summary
Isaiah 12:2 is a profound and exultant declaration of unwavering faith, proclaiming God as the singular, all-encompassing source of salvation. This verse encapsulates the joyful and fearless response of a redeemed people, asserting that divine deliverance eradicates all anxiety and fear, empowering believers with strength and an unending reason for praise. It stands as a foundational statement within the "Song of Salvation" (Isaiah 12:1-6), articulating the deep peace, security, and confident trust found in a life wholly dependent on the Lord's saving power.
Context
Literary Context
Isaiah 12:2 is situated within a short, exultant psalm of thanksgiving (Isaiah chapter 12), which serves as a climactic doxology concluding the "Book of Immanuel" (Isaiah chapters 7-12). This section of Isaiah transitions from prophecies of impending judgment against Judah and surrounding nations, interspersed with glorious promises of a future Messianic kingdom and restoration, to a celebratory outpouring of praise. Chapter 12 specifically anticipates a time when God's people, having endured severe trials and experienced His mighty deliverance from oppression and exile, will joyfully "draw water from the wells of salvation" as depicted in Isaiah 12:3. The song looks beyond immediate distress to the ultimate and certain salvation found in God alone, serving as a prophetic hymn for a redeemed remnant that will one day return to Zion with singing, acknowledging God's mighty acts.
Historical & Cultural Context
The prophecies of Isaiah were delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, primarily in the 8th century BC, marked by the rising threat of the Assyrian Empire. The concept of "salvation" (Hebrew: yᵉshûwʻâh) for the Israelites was deeply rooted in their historical experience of God's miraculous interventions—from the seminal Exodus deliverance from Egyptian bondage to His protection against invading armies. Culturally, "strength" and "song" were often intertwined with divine protection and victory, as seen in ancient Israelite war songs and hymns of triumph following deliverance. The declaration of "LORD JEHOVAH" (Yahweh Yah) emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and His unique, self-existent nature, a cornerstone of Israelite theology that distinguished their God from the pantheon of pagan deities. This verse, therefore, speaks to a people who understood salvation not merely as spiritual redemption but as tangible, historical deliverance from political and military threats, culminating in a restored relationship with their covenant God.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Isaiah's message and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores God as the Sole Source of Salvation, emphasizing that deliverance, whether from national enemies or personal sin, originates entirely from Him and is not earned by human merit. The repetition of "my salvation" reinforces the completeness and certainty of this divine work. Secondly, the verse highlights the transformative power of Trust Dispelling Fear. The direct consequence of recognizing God as one's salvation is the vanquishing of anxiety and the cultivation of profound peace, even amidst daunting circumstances. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 27:1, where faith acts as an antidote to dread. Lastly, the declaration "for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song" reveals God as the Enabler of Strength and the Inspirer of Praise. He provides the fortitude to face challenges and is the very reason for joyful expression and worship, mirroring the ancient song of Moses and the Israelites after their deliverance at the Red Sea, as recorded in Exodus 15:2.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H3444) is a feminine passive participle derived from the root yāshaʻ, meaning "to save" or "to deliver." It encompasses a broad range of meanings, including deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity, health, and welfare. In Isaiah 12:2, its dual appearance—"God is my salvation" and "he also is become my salvation"—underscores the comprehensive and complete nature of God's saving work. It signifies not merely an act of saving but God Himself as the embodiment of deliverance and well-being, a continuous state of divine provision and security.
The verb bâṭach (H982) is a primitive root meaning "to hide for refuge," and figuratively, "to trust, be confident or sure." It implies a deep-seated reliance and security, a confident leaning upon another that is not impulsive but grounded. The phrase "I will trust, and not be afraid" directly links this active confidence in God with the absence of fear, indicating that genuine trust in God inherently dispels anxiety and provides inner stability and peace, even in the face of daunting circumstances.
This unique KJV rendering combines two forms of God's sacred name. "LORD" (in small caps) typically translates Yah (H3050), a shortened, poetic form of Yahweh, emphasizing God's eternal and self-existent nature, often conveying vehemence or intensity. "JEHOVAH" (H3068) translates Yᵉhôvâh, the Jewish national name of God, often rendered as Yahweh, derived from the verb "to be" (hayah), signifying "He who is," "He who causes to be," or "The Self-Existent One." The combination "LORD JEHOVAH" (Yah Yahweh) in Isaiah 12:2 is a rare and emphatic construct, highlighting the absolute supremacy, unchanging faithfulness, and covenantal reliability of the God of Israel. It is a powerful affirmation of His unique identity and His steadfast presence as the one true God.
Verse Breakdown
"Behold, God [is] my salvation;"
This opening exclamation, "Behold," serves as a call to attention, inviting the listener to perceive a profound and foundational truth. The declaration immediately identifies God (ʼêl, H410, the Mighty One, the Almighty) as the personal and complete source of the speaker's deliverance (yᵉshûwʻâh). It is a statement of identity, asserting that salvation is not merely an act of God but is intrinsic to His very being and His relationship with the believer, making Him the ultimate and sole provider of well-being.
"I will trust, and not be afraid:"
This clause articulates the direct and transformative human response to the divine reality just proclaimed. Because God is the ultimate salvation, the individual makes a conscious and active decision to bâṭach (trust, hide for refuge) in Him. This deliberate act of confident reliance leads directly to the vanquishing of fear (pâchad, to be startled or afraid), demonstrating that genuine faith in God's saving power is the antidote to anxiety and a source of profound inner peace and stability.
"for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song;"
This explanatory clause provides the profound reason ("for") behind the confident trust and absence of fear. The emphatic divine name, "LORD JEHOVAH" (Yah Yahweh), is presented as the very essence of the believer's strength (ʻôz, H5797, power, might, security, boldness) and song (zimrâth, H2176, instrumental music, praise, the very theme of worship). God is not merely a provider of strength but the strength itself, and He is not just the recipient of praise but the very inspiration and content of the believer's worship and joyful expression, making Him the wellspring of all fortitude and adoration.
"he also is become my salvation."
This concluding phrase powerfully reiterates and reinforces the opening declaration, creating an emphatic inclusio. The repetition of "my salvation" emphasizes the completeness, certainty, and ongoing nature of God's saving work. It signifies that God has not only been the source of past deliverance but continues to be the active, present, and future embodiment of salvation for the believer, making His saving presence a continuous and ever-present reality in every aspect of life.
Literary Devices
Isaiah 12:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of confident faith and joyful praise. The most prominent is Repetition, specifically the emphatic restatement of "my salvation" at both the beginning and end of the verse. This creates a powerful Inclusio (a literary device of framing a section with the same word or phrase) and a sense of completeness, reinforcing the central message and imbuing the verse with certainty. Parallelism is evident in the phrase "my strength and my song," where two distinct but complementary aspects of God's relationship with the believer are presented side-by-side, enhancing the richness and totality of His provision. The opening word, "Behold," functions as an Exclamation or interjection, drawing immediate attention to the profound truth that follows and inviting the reader into a posture of awe, wonder, and contemplation. Furthermore, the verse uses Metaphor when describing God as "my strength" and "my song," portraying Him not merely as the source of these qualities but as their very embodiment, transforming abstract concepts into tangible, personal realities within the believer's experience and worship.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Isaiah 12:2 stands as a theological cornerstone, articulating the profound truth that genuine salvation is found exclusively in God, leading to a life characterized by unwavering trust and joyful praise. This verse encapsulates the essence of biblical faith: a recognition of God's absolute sovereignty and saving power, which in turn liberates humanity from the bondage of fear and empowers them to live in confident reliance. It highlights that God is not merely an external helper but becomes the very strength and song of His people, integrating His divine nature into the core of their being and experience. This divine indwelling transforms human fear into faith, anxiety into adoration, and weakness into divinely supplied might, making the believer's life a continuous testimony to God's unfailing deliverance and a perpetual wellspring of worship.
Reflection and Application
Isaiah 12:2 offers timeless encouragement for believers navigating a world rife with uncertainty, anxiety, and fear. In an age where security is often sought in fleeting circumstances, human achievements, or self-reliance, this verse powerfully redirects our gaze to God alone as our ultimate and unshakeable salvation. When we truly internalize the truth that God Himself is our deliverance, our strength, and the very reason for our joy, fear loses its debilitating grip, and a profound peace takes root. This verse invites us to actively cultivate a spirit of confident reliance on Him, transforming our anxieties into adoration and our weaknesses into opportunities for His strength to be made perfect. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a lived experience where God is not just a concept but the dynamic, ever-present reality that undergirds our peace, empowers our daily walk, and inspires our worship in every season of life, regardless of external circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the name "JEHOVAH" used in conjunction with "LORD" in this verse?
The KJV rendering "LORD JEHOVAH" in Isaiah 12:2 is a unique and emphatic translation of the Hebrew phrase Yah Yahweh (יה יהוה). "LORD" (in small caps) typically translates Yah (H3050), a shortened, poetic form of God's personal covenant name, Yahweh, often used to convey intensity or vehemence. "JEHOVAH" translates Yᵉhôvâh (H3068), which is the full, sacred name of God, often rendered as Yahweh, signifying "The Self-Existent One" or "He Who Is." This rare combination, Yah Yahweh, serves to intensify the declaration of God's absolute supremacy, unchanging faithfulness, and unique identity as the covenant-keeping God of Israel. It is a powerful affirmation of His eternal and self-existent nature, underscoring that the God who saves is indeed the one true God, distinct from all other deities. This emphasis on His name reinforces the certainty of the salvation He provides, as His character is intrinsically tied to His promises, as seen in passages like Psalm 68:4.
How does trusting God truly dispel fear, as stated in the verse?
Trusting God dispels fear because it fundamentally shifts our focus from the perceived threat or our own limited ability to an infinite, sovereign, and benevolent God. When we genuinely believe that "God is my salvation," we acknowledge His ultimate control over all circumstances and His unwavering commitment to our well-being. This confidence allows us to "hide for refuge" (the root meaning of bâṭach, H982) in Him, knowing that He is our secure dwelling place and ultimate protector. Fear often arises from a sense of vulnerability, lack of control, or uncertainty about the future. By placing our trust in God, we surrender these anxieties to His perfect wisdom and power, finding a peace that "transcends all understanding," as described in Philippians 4:7. It's not a naive optimism but a profound conviction in God's character and His promises, enabling us to face challenges with courage rather than debilitating dread, because our security rests in His unfailing nature.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Isaiah 12:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Hebrew word for "salvation" (yᵉshûwʻâh, H3444) from which this verse draws its power, is the very root from which the name "Jesus" (Greek: Iēsous, derived from the Hebrew Yeshua) originates. Thus, when the prophet declares, "Behold, God is my salvation," he is, in a profound sense, pointing forward to the coming of Jesus, who is God incarnate and the embodiment of divine deliverance. Jesus is not merely a means to salvation; He is our salvation, having fully accomplished redemption through His perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection (Colossians 1:13-14). In Him, we find the perfect fulfillment of the promise to "trust, and not be afraid," for He is our peace who has overcome the world and its anxieties, assuring us of victory even in tribulation (John 16:33). Moreover, Jesus is the ultimate "strength" for the believer, empowering us to live righteously and endure trials through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Philippians 4:13). He is also our "song," the central theme of our worship and praise, for all glory and honor belong to Him who has reconciled us to God and made us a kingdom of priests (Revelation 5:9-10). Therefore, Isaiah 12:2 is not just a historical declaration of faith but a prophetic anthem that finds its complete and living reality in Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and becomes our eternal salvation (John 1:29).