Isaiah 12:2

KJV

Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, God {H410} is my salvation {H3444}; I will trust {H982}, and not be afraid {H6342}: for the LORD {H3050} JEHOVAH {H3068} is my strength {H5797} and my song {H2176}; he also is become my salvation {H3444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"See! God is my salvation. I am confident and unafraid; for Yah ADONAI is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation!"

Berean Standard Bible

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.”

American Standard Version

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid: for Jehovah, even Jehovah, is my strength and song; and he is become my salvation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 12:2 is a profound declaration of unwavering faith and confident trust in God as the singular source of salvation. It encapsulates the joyful response of a redeemed people, proclaiming that divine deliverance eradicates fear and empowers believers with strength and a reason for perpetual praise. This verse serves as a foundational statement within the "Song of Salvation" (Isaiah 12:1-6), articulating the deep peace and security 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 acts 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](/isaiah/12-3 "Isaiah 12:3 - Drawing Water from Wells of Salvation"). 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.
* **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 interventions—from the Exodus deliverance from Egypt ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")) 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. 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 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](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation"), 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](/exodus/15-2 "Exodus 15:2 - The Song of Moses and Miriam").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** 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.
* **Trust (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** 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. 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.
* **LORD JEHOVAH (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This unique KJV rendering combines two forms of God's sacred name. "LORD" (in small caps) typically translates _Yah_ (H3050), a shortened form of Yahweh, emphasizing God's eternal and self-existent nature. "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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, God [is] my salvation;":** This opening exclamation serves as a call to attention, inviting the listener to perceive a profound truth. The declaration immediately identifies God (_ʼêl_, H410, the Mighty One) as the personal and complete source of the speaker's deliverance (_yᵉshûwʻâh_). It is a foundational statement of identity, asserting that salvation is not a mere attribute of God but is intrinsic to His very being and His relationship with the believer.
* **"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 chooses to _bâṭach_ (trust, hide for refuge) in Him. This active decision to trust leads directly to the vanquishing of fear (_pâchad_, to be startled or afraid), demonstrating that faith in God's saving power is the antidote to anxiety and a source of profound inner peace.
* **"for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song;":** This explanatory clause provides the reason ("for") behind the confident trust and absence of fear. The emphatic divine name, "LORD JEHOVAH" (Yahweh Yah), is presented as the very essence of the believer's strength (_ʻôz_, H5797, power, might, security) and song (_zimrâth_, H2176, instrumental music, praise). 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.
* **"he also is become my salvation.":** This concluding phrase powerfully reiterates and reinforces the opening declaration. 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 reality.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 12:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of confident faith. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic restatement of "my salvation" at both the beginning and end of the verse. This chiastic structure (A-B-B-A, where "salvation" is A) creates a powerful inclusio, framing the declaration of trust and God's attributes within the overarching theme of His saving power. This repetition not only reinforces the central message but also imbues the verse with a sense of certainty and completeness. **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 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 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 realities within the believer's experience.

### 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.

* [Exodus 15:2](/exodus/15-2 "Exodus 15:2 - The Lord is My Strength and Song")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and My Salvation")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious About Anything")

### 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 or human achievements, 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, strength, and the very reason for our joy, fear loses its debilitating grip. 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most prone to fear or anxiety, and how might declaring "God is my salvation" directly address those fears?**
* **How does recognizing God as your "strength" empower you to face challenges that seem insurmountable in your own power?**
* **What does it mean for God to be your "song," and how can you more intentionally cultivate a life of praise and joyful worship, even amidst difficult circumstances?**
* **How does the repetition of "my salvation" in this verse encourage you about the completeness and certainty of God's work in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the name "JEHOVAH" used in conjunction with "LORD" in this verse?**

Answer: 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. "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](/psalms/68-4 "Psalm 68:4 - Extol Him Who Rides on the Clouds").

**How does trusting God truly dispel fear, as stated in the verse?**

Answer: Trusting God dispels fear because it 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. 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](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"). 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 dread.

### 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 life, death, and resurrection ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through His Blood")). 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 ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")). 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](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). 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 ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The New Song")). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 15:2

The LORD [is] my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he [is] my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Psalms 27:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 118:14

The LORD [is] my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

Revelation 7:10

And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Isaiah 26:3

Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:4

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

Jonah 2:9

But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay [that] that I have vowed. Salvation [is] of the LORD.