Isaiah 12:1-6·~1 min

Joyful Thanksgiving

The saved community looks back on divine anger and confesses that though the LORD was once angry, His wrath has turned away and He has become their comfort. Because God Himself is now known as salvation, fear gives way to trust, and the people can say that the LORD is their strength and song.

I¹n that day you will say: ²Surely God is my salvation;

With joy the people are pictured drawing water from the springs of salvation, taking hold of God's saving abundance as a lived reality rather than a distant promise. That joy immediately becomes proclamation, calling them to give thanks, call on the LORD, and make His deeds known among the peoples so that His name is publicly exalted.

³With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation, ⁴and on that day you will say:

The hymn closes by commanding song because the LORD has done glorious things worthy of worldwide recognition. Zion is urged to cry aloud and rejoice, not merely because blessings have arrived, but because the Holy One of Israel is present in her midst with great majesty.

⁵Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things. ⁶Cry out and sing, O citizen of Zion,

Section summaryThe chapter's single movement gives voice to the people in the day of salvation, first thanking God because His anger has turned and His comfort has come, then expressing fearless confidence in Him as strength, song, and salvation. From there the song widens into public testimony, urging the people to draw from salvation's springs, proclaim the LORD's works among the nations, and cry aloud in Zion because the Holy One of Israel dwells there in greatness.

Role in the chapterThis section turns promised redemption into a communal hymn of confidence, proclamation, and Zion-filled joy.