Here we read a record of the thanksgiving for salvation the Branch, that is, the Christ, offered.
De Hoff, in his commentary, says the following.
‘This short chapter gives two songs of deliverance which were to be sung when Israel came home from Babylonian captivity. This chapter centres around the theme ‘God in the midst’, God is great a Creator, Redeemer, and Conqueror. God is in the midst of His people, always and everywhere. Their strength and salvation.’
God asked Israel that they testify to the fact that it was Him who had actually brought about their return, Isaiah 12:1. The Jews rejoiced when God brought them home from captivity just as the Christian rejoices over their deliverance from sin, Luke 8:39 / 2 Corinthians 4:15. We need to have joy in our salvation, Psalm 51:12-13.
Under the Old Covenant, sins were remembered over and over again year by year, not absolutely forgiven until the Cross of Jesus Christ, Jeremiah 31:31-35. If the people will trust God they will be fine but they don’t, they trust Assyria, Isaiah 12:2. We all have our Assyrians, those things we trust, whether it be money, family, friends etc, things that we think will take care of us or help us etc.
Barnes, in his commentary, says the following, concerning Isaiah 12:3.
‘A fountain, or a well, in the sacred writings, is an emblem of that which produces joy and refreshment, which sustains and cheers. The figure is often employed to denote that which supports and refreshes the soul, which sustains man when sinking from exhaustion, as the babbling, fountain or well refreshes the weary and fainting pilgrim, John 4:14. It is thus applied to God as an overflowing fountain, suited to supply the needs of all his creatures, Jeremiah 2:13 / Jeremiah 17:13 / Psalms 36:9 / Proverbs 14:27, and to his plan of salvation, the sources of comfort which he has opened in the scheme of redeeming mercy to satisfy the needs of the souls of people, Zechariah 13:1 / Isaiah 41:18 / Revelation 7:17. The word ‘rivers’ is used in the same sense as ‘fountains’ in the above places, Isaiah 42:15 / Isaiah 43:19-20.’
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following, concerning Isaiah 12:4.
‘Make him your Mediator or call the people in his name. Preach him who is the Root of Jesse, and who stands as an ensign for the nations. Call on the people to believe in him, as in him alone salvation is to be found.’
Those who have received salvation not only want to praise God but they also want to tell others of him and all that he has done, Isaiah 12:4-6.
Hailey, in his commentary, says the following, concerning Isaiah 12:4-6.
‘The last three verses here carry repeated instructions to God’s people of all ages’.
1. Give thanks to Jehovah.
2. Call upon his name.
3. Declare his doings among the people.
4. Make mention that his name is exalted.
5. Sing unto Jehovah.
6. God hath done excellent things; let this be known in all the earth.
7. Cry aloud and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion, for great in the midst of thee is the Holy One of Israel.’
Ellicott, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The hymn ends with the Divine Name which is characteristic of Isaiah. The presence of the Holy One was to be a joy and blessing to the remnant who were worthy of their calling. With this hymn the whole of what has been called the Immanuel volume of Isaiah’s prophecies comes to its close.’