These two songs is one of personal thanksgiving. It begins with a declaration of intention (I will praise you), followed by a reason (your anger has turned away and you have comforted me), and it concludes with a confession of faith (God is my salvation). But it’s clear from what immediately precedes (and what follows) that it is not a solitary individual who is in view here, but a collection of individuals: “the remnant of [the Lord’s] people”. The first song (12:1-2) looks forward to the time when final judgment has taken place, and every survivor will have learned at last that salvation is to be found in no-one and nothing else but the Lord, and will thankfully and gladly confess that fact.

The second song (12:4-6) is a communal hymn in which the worshipers exhort one another to give thanks to the Lord, to declare His deeds to the nations, and to praise Him joyfully and loudly. Two reasons are given for the responses that are called for: the Lord’s glorious deeds (v. 5a), and His presence in Zion (v. 6b). The second of these is a consequence of the first. It’s the Lord’s glorious deeds in judgment and salvation that have established His presence in Zion and the great and Holy One. But as chapter 2:1-4 has made clear, the final establishment of the Lord’s rule in Zion will have implications for the nations, and this is why the second song in particular places such stress on worldwide proclamation. The two songs of this chapter celebrate good news which, in the end, cannot be contained. It must be proclaimed far and wide, for only as the nations hear of the Lord’s glorious deeds will they be able to recognize at last that He alone is God, and come to Zion to learn of His ways. Thankfulness and praise overflow, as they always must, into evangelism.

Isaiah 12:1-6 Reflection Questions:
What is the second exodus depicted in chapter 11?
Which gospel do you find verse 3 having relevance?
Does your thankfulness and praise for the Lord overflow into evangelism? How?