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Isaiah 12:3
Verse
Context
Joyful Thanksgiving
2Surely 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.”3With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation, 4and on that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD; proclaim His name! Make His works known among the peoples; declare that His name is exalted.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Isa 12:3, again, contains a prophetic promise, which points back to the commencement of Isa 12:1 : "And with rapture ye will draw water out of the wells of salvation." Just as Israel was miraculously supplied with water in the desert, so will the God of salvation, who has become your salvation, open many and manifold sources of salvation for you (מעיני as it is pointed here, instead of מעיני, (Note: The root is the same as, for example, in יעלתסּו (they rejoice) and יעלתסּו; here, however, it is more striking, because the singular is written מעין, and not מעין. At the same time, it is evident that the connecting sound ay was rather preferred than avoided, as Ewald maintains - as we may see, for example, from the repeated aychi in Ps 103.)) from which ye may draw with and according to your heart's delight. This water of salvation, then, forms both the material for, and instigation to, new songs of praise; and Isa 12:4-6 therefore continue in the strain of a psalm: "And ye will say in that day, Praise Jehovah, proclaim His name, make known His doings among the nations, boast that His name is exalted. Harp to Jehovah; for He has displayed majesty: let this be known in all lands. Shout and be jubilant, O inhabitants of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee." The first song of six lines is here followed by a second of seven lines: a prophetic word of promise, inserted between them, separates the one from the other. This second also commences with the well-known tones of a psalm (compare especially Psa 105:1; Ch1 16:8). The phrase, "Call upon the name of Jehovah," signifies, Make the name of Jehovah the medium of invocation (Ges. 138, Anm. 3*), i.e., invoke it, or, as here, call it out. Gē'ūth is high, towering dignity; here it is used of God, as in Isa 26:10, with ‛âsâh: to prove it practically, just as with lābēsh in Psa 93:1, to show one's self openly therein. Instead of the Chethib meyudda‛ath in Isa 12:5, the keri substitutes the hophal form mūda‛ath, probably because meyuddâ‛, according to the standing usage of speech, denotes one well known, or intimate; the passive of the hophal is certainly the more suitable. According to the preceding appeals, the words are to be understood as expressing a desire, that the glorious self-attestation of the God of salvation might be brought to the consciousness of the whole of the inhabitants of the earth, i.e., of all mankind. When God redeems His people, He has the salvation of all the nations in view. It is the knowledge of the Holy One of Israel, made known through the word of proclamation, that brings salvation to them all. How well may the church on Zion rejoice, to have such a God dwelling in the midst of it! He is great as the giver or promises, and great in fulfilling them; great in grace, and great in judgment; great in all His saving acts which spread from Israel to all mankind. Thus does this second psalm of the redeemed nation close, and with it the book of Immanuel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
draw water . . . salvation--an expressive image in a hot country. On the last day of the feast of tabernacles the Jews used to bring water in a golden pitcher from the fountain of Siloam, and pour it, mingled with wine, on the sacrifice on the altar, with great rejoicing. This is the allusion in Jesus' words on "the last day of the feast" (Joh 7:2, Joh 7:37-39). The pouring out of water indicated repentance (Sa1 7:6; compare, as to the Jews' repentance hereafter, Zac 12:10). There shall be a latter outpouring of the Spirit like the former one on pentecost (Joe 2:23). wells--not mere streams, which may run dry, but ever-flowing fountains (Joh 4:14; Joh 7:38), "Out of his belly (that is, in and from himself)--living water" (Isa 42:18; Psa 84:6; Zac 13:1; Rev 7:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore with joy shall ye draw water,.... These words are either an exhortation to others, as the Septuagint and Arabic versions render it, "draw ye"; and so likewise an encouragement to them by her example, or a prophecy that they should do this; that is, apply to Christ for grace, and receive it from him: for by "water" is meant grace, which is compared to it, because it is softening, purifying, fructifying, cooling, and refreshing, and extinguishes thirst; and this is to be "drawn", it is to be come at, though the well in which it is be deep, and not in the reach of everyone; the bucket is faith that it is drawn with, and this is the gift of God; and it is in the exercise of this grace, which requires diligence, strength, and labour, that saints receive from Christ, and grace for grace; and this is exercised in the use of means, by prayer, reading of the Scriptures, and attendance on the word and ordinances, by which faith draws hard, and receives much, and, when it does, it is attended "with joy": salvation itself is received with joy, and so is the Saviour; as also a justifying righteousness, and pardoning grace, and likewise every supply of grace; which joy is of a spiritual kind, is in a way of believing, what a stranger intermeddles not with, and is unspeakable and full of glory: out of the wells of salvation, or "fountains"; as all the three Persons are; Jehovah the Father, as he is called "the fountain of living water", Jer 2:13 so he is the fountain of salvation; it springs from him, from his everlasting love, his eternal purposes, his infinite wisdom, his sure and unalterable covenant, his free grace in the mission of his Son; and he himself is the God of grace, from whence it all comes, and every supply of it. The Spirit and his grace are called a "well of living water", Joh 4:14 and he also is a well of salvation; it is he that convinces men of their need of it, that brings near this salvation to them, and shows them their interest in it, and bears witness to it, and is the earnest and pledge of it; and he is the author of all that grace which makes them meet for it, and from whom are all the supplies of it by the way. But more especially Christ is meant, who is the "fountain of gardens, and well of living water", Sol 4:15 in whom salvation is, and in no other: the words may be rendered, "the wells" or "fountains of the Saviour" (r), yea, of Jesus; and which are no other than the fulness of grace in him: the phrase denotes the abundance of grace in Christ, much of which is given out in conversion; an abundance of it is received with the free gift of righteousness for justification; and a large measure of it in the pardon of sins, and in all the after supplies, through the wilderness of this world, till the saints come to glory; and which is vouchsafed to a great number, to all the elect angels and elect men, to all the churches, and the members thereof, in all ages; and this always has been and ever will be communicating to them. The Targum is, "and ye shall receive a new doctrine from the chosen, the righteous;'' or of the righteous; which is true of the doctrine of the Gospel, received by the hands of chosen men, the apostles of Christ. The Jews (s) make use of this passage, in confirmation of the ceremony of drawing of water at the feast of tabernacles; and say (t) it signifies the drawing of the Holy Ghost; that is, his grace. (r) "de fontibus Salvatoris", V. L.; Vatablus. (s) T. Bab. Succa, fol. 48. 2. & 50. 2. (t) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 70. fol. 62. 3. T. Hieros. Succa, fol. 55. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:3 God’s salvation is like a deep and unending source of water that provides life (see also 41:18; Ps 87:7).
Isaiah 12:3
Joyful Thanksgiving
2Surely 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.”3With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation, 4and on that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD; proclaim His name! Make His works known among the peoples; declare that His name is exalted.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Greatest Prayer
By Leonard Ravenhill4.5K1:05:14PrayerISA 12:3MAT 12:36JHN 7:38JHN 17:9JHN 17:161PE 1:8In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the high priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17. He emphasizes the need for believers to prioritize their anger and concern for things that align with God's will. The speaker also highlights the importance of living a spirit-filled life, which is characterized by fruitfulness and beauty. He mentions that the Gospel of John provides a unique perspective on Jesus' ministry, with a focus on miracles and the deeper meaning behind them. The speaker concludes by sharing a personal story of a man who experienced the joy and transformation of salvation.
I Will Work a Work Not Believed
By Leonard Ravenhill3.3K1:11:21UnbeliefISA 12:3LUK 10:20ACT 16:15JAS 1:2In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Habakkuk in the Bible. The prophet Habakkuk is in despair as he sees the wickedness and injustice in the world, and he wonders why God does not intervene. However, despite his confusion, Habakkuk maintains his faith and believes that God will eventually turn things around. The preacher emphasizes the importance of using our time wisely and not neglecting our spiritual growth. He also warns against the temptation of materialism and highlights the need for accountability and judgment in the end.
Rivers of Living Water
By James A. Stewart2.6K45:36Living WaterISA 12:3JHN 4:14JHN 7:37JHN 14:16ACT 1:8GAL 5:22EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering the power of God's word. He recalls a moment as a young boy when he read a verse about rivers of living water flowing from within. This experience led him to seek a deeper understanding of this scriptural truth. The speaker then mentions a story about a girl named Helen Ewell, whose life impacted many believers around the world. He emphasizes the need for more soldiers in the Lord's army, men and women of power and love, who can carry the rivers of living water to the ends of the earth.
If Any Man Thirst
By Vance Havner2.4K36:04Thirsting For GodEXO 17:6PSA 123:2ISA 12:3ISA 45:22JHN 3:14JHN 4:14JHN 7:37In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of empty religiosity and the lack of true spiritual fulfillment. He uses the analogy of birdwatching to illustrate how some people are constantly seeking new experiences and not fully appreciating what they already have in their faith. The preacher emphasizes the importance of enjoying and appreciating one's current spiritual journey while also continuing to grow in faith. He also highlights the need for genuine encounters with God and warns against engaging in empty religious activities that lack true spiritual substance.
A Building
By Robert B. Thompson2.1K1:18:00ISA 12:3EZK 47:3JHN 7:38In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a minister of the word of God. He describes the process of becoming a life-giving spirit through death to self and entering the rest of God. The preacher explains that this transformation allows believers to serve others, not to show off their spiritual muscles, but to genuinely serve. He also highlights the idea that God gives believers a trial body to see how they will handle it, similar to a father giving his son progressively more powerful weapons. Ultimately, this trial body serves as a prototype for the resurrection, which represents the finished product.
Is the Water in Your Well Drinkable
By Teresa Conlon2.1K53:48ISA 12:3MAT 6:33JHN 4:14JHN 7:38REV 21:6In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of having a good well in a dry and thirsty land. He compares the land to our total being, including our mind, heart, soul, and body. The speaker emphasizes that a good well, which represents salvation, is necessary for us to be fruitful and produce a harvest. He mentions that in the promised land, there were wells of salvation all over, and similarly, there are wells that spring up in our minds and spirits, nourishing us and causing us to be fruitful. The speaker also references Psalm 44, which highlights how God delivered his people and brought them into the promised land.
Hearts Desire
By Percy Ray8131:02:53PSA 16:11PRO 4:23ISA 12:3JON 3:4MAT 6:33ROM 10:1ROM 10:4In this sermon, the preacher addresses the different motivations people have for attending church. Some come to find excuses for not serving God, while others are simply concerned with when the service will end. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a genuine desire for the salvation of others, just as Paul expressed his longing for his people to be saved. He shares a personal experience of the power of God manifesting during a moment of praise and worship, resulting in many people getting saved. The preacher also highlights the role of personal testimonies in inspiring others to seek salvation and urges believers to share their experiences with those who have not yet encountered God's goodness.
The Violent Take It by Force
By Hans R. Waldvogel77034:01PrayerPRO 8:17ISA 12:3MAT 6:33MAT 11:12JHN 7:38ACT 2:38EPH 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God with diligence and violence. He compares the seeking of God to a thirsty person eagerly drinking from a fountain, and encourages believers to be like a fountain, overflowing with the living water of God's Spirit. The preacher also highlights the need for genuine repentance and transformation in one's life, sharing a testimony of a man who was once a hopeless drunkard but was transformed by the power of God. He emphasizes the importance of being a witness for Christ and experiencing the peace that comes from having Jesus in one's heart. The preacher also mentions the example of famous Christians who diligently sought God and encourages the audience to do the same.
Whatever Happened to Joy?
By David Wilkerson0Understanding SalvationJoy in the LordPSA 144:15ISA 12:3ISA 35:10JHN 17:13David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord with joy and gladness, lamenting the despair that has overtaken many believers. He highlights that true joy comes from understanding the significance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, which brings freedom from fear and bondage. Wilkerson points out that many Christians lack knowledge of this truth, which hinders their ability to rejoice in God's forgiveness. He encourages believers to embrace the joy that God desires for them, as expressed in Scripture, and to recognize that they are called to live in liberty and abundance of joy. Ultimately, he reminds us that God yearns to be enjoyed by His people.
Oh That One Would Give Me Drink of the Water At
By F.B. Meyer0Living WaterLonging for GodPSA 36:9ISA 12:3JHN 4:14JHN 7:37REV 22:17F.B. Meyer reflects on David's longing for the water from the well of Bethlehem, symbolizing a deep desire for the innocence and joy of childhood. He emphasizes that while it is natural to yearn for the past, true fulfillment is found in Jesus, who offers living water that quenches our deepest thirst. Meyer contrasts the purity gained through faith and the richness of experiences gained through suffering with the fleeting joys of youth. He encourages believers to seek solace in Christ, who provides peace and hope beyond earthly circumstances. Ultimately, he calls us to drink from the eternal well of life that Jesus offers freely.
Serve the Lord With Gladness
By C.H. Spurgeon0Heart of WorshipJoyful ServiceNEH 8:10PSA 37:4PSA 100:2ISA 12:3JHN 15:11ROM 12:112CO 9:7PHP 4:4COL 3:231PE 4:10C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that serving the Lord should be a joyful experience, as true service comes from a heart filled with gladness rather than obligation. He argues that God desires cheerful servants who express their love through joyful obedience, contrasting this with the idea of serving out of sadness or reluctance, which is not genuine service. Spurgeon illustrates that just as soldiers who fight for their country do so with enthusiasm, Christians should approach their service to God with a joyful spirit, as this reflects their sincerity and acceptance. He encourages believers to demonstrate their joy in serving God to the world, showcasing that true religion is a source of delight rather than slavery. Ultimately, he calls for a heart of gladness in our service, as it strengthens and uplifts our spirits.
From Marah to Elim
By J. Wilbur Chapman0PSA 23:2PSA 84:6PSA 92:12ISA 12:3ISA 58:11JHN 4:142CO 9:8EPH 2:6COL 3:1REV 22:1J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the delightful change Israel experienced when they moved from Marah to Elim, symbolizing the transition from bondage to freedom, darkness to light, and unrest to rest. This journey mirrors the Christian's rightful experience of a glorious and wonderful life in Christ. Elim's twelve wells of water represent refreshment and rest for every month of the year, while the seventy palm trees signify provision and sustenance for every year of a believer's life. Chapman emphasizes the surpassing experience of going beyond the cross of Christ, passing through His death, and standing on Resurrection ground, where abundant blessings await those who seek heavenly things.
Joy of the Lord
By R. Stanley01SA 2:1NEH 8:10PSA 85:6PSA 119:54PSA 126:5ISA 12:3JHN 15:11PHP 4:41TH 4:162TI 1:12HEB 12:2R. Stanley preaches on the importance of rejoicing in the Lord, emphasizing the distinction between happiness and joy. Joy, independent of circumstances, is a source of strength and makes us better in our roles. The sermon delves into the joy of salvation, submission, saintliness, the Scriptures, singing, supplication, fellowship with saints, soulwinning, sacrificial service, and the anticipation of the Second Coming of the Lord.
Oh, Come, Poor, Weak Thing
By Anne Dutton0ISA 12:3Anne Dutton preaches about finding strength in the Lord Jehovah, emphasizing that our great strength lies not in ourselves but in Jesus. She encourages believers to draw from the vast treasures and well of salvation that are in Christ, reminding them that millions of needy souls have been supplied from His infinite fullness. Dutton urges listeners to come and find rest in the everlasting strength of Jesus, casting all cares and anxieties upon Him.
And All Drunk the Same Spirituall Drinke
By Edward Taylor0ISA 12:3Edward Taylor preaches about the spiritual significance of Christ as the Rock and the River of Aqua Vitae, symbolizing grace, righteousness, and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. He emphasizes the cleansing, refreshing, and life-giving properties of this divine Rock and Water, inviting believers to draw from it with faith and gratitude. Taylor beautifully portrays the imagery of Christ as the source of celestial wine that cheers our souls and the fountain that washes away sin and nourishes us with grace.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Isa 12:3, again, contains a prophetic promise, which points back to the commencement of Isa 12:1 : "And with rapture ye will draw water out of the wells of salvation." Just as Israel was miraculously supplied with water in the desert, so will the God of salvation, who has become your salvation, open many and manifold sources of salvation for you (מעיני as it is pointed here, instead of מעיני, (Note: The root is the same as, for example, in יעלתסּו (they rejoice) and יעלתסּו; here, however, it is more striking, because the singular is written מעין, and not מעין. At the same time, it is evident that the connecting sound ay was rather preferred than avoided, as Ewald maintains - as we may see, for example, from the repeated aychi in Ps 103.)) from which ye may draw with and according to your heart's delight. This water of salvation, then, forms both the material for, and instigation to, new songs of praise; and Isa 12:4-6 therefore continue in the strain of a psalm: "And ye will say in that day, Praise Jehovah, proclaim His name, make known His doings among the nations, boast that His name is exalted. Harp to Jehovah; for He has displayed majesty: let this be known in all lands. Shout and be jubilant, O inhabitants of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee." The first song of six lines is here followed by a second of seven lines: a prophetic word of promise, inserted between them, separates the one from the other. This second also commences with the well-known tones of a psalm (compare especially Psa 105:1; Ch1 16:8). The phrase, "Call upon the name of Jehovah," signifies, Make the name of Jehovah the medium of invocation (Ges. 138, Anm. 3*), i.e., invoke it, or, as here, call it out. Gē'ūth is high, towering dignity; here it is used of God, as in Isa 26:10, with ‛âsâh: to prove it practically, just as with lābēsh in Psa 93:1, to show one's self openly therein. Instead of the Chethib meyudda‛ath in Isa 12:5, the keri substitutes the hophal form mūda‛ath, probably because meyuddâ‛, according to the standing usage of speech, denotes one well known, or intimate; the passive of the hophal is certainly the more suitable. According to the preceding appeals, the words are to be understood as expressing a desire, that the glorious self-attestation of the God of salvation might be brought to the consciousness of the whole of the inhabitants of the earth, i.e., of all mankind. When God redeems His people, He has the salvation of all the nations in view. It is the knowledge of the Holy One of Israel, made known through the word of proclamation, that brings salvation to them all. How well may the church on Zion rejoice, to have such a God dwelling in the midst of it! He is great as the giver or promises, and great in fulfilling them; great in grace, and great in judgment; great in all His saving acts which spread from Israel to all mankind. Thus does this second psalm of the redeemed nation close, and with it the book of Immanuel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
draw water . . . salvation--an expressive image in a hot country. On the last day of the feast of tabernacles the Jews used to bring water in a golden pitcher from the fountain of Siloam, and pour it, mingled with wine, on the sacrifice on the altar, with great rejoicing. This is the allusion in Jesus' words on "the last day of the feast" (Joh 7:2, Joh 7:37-39). The pouring out of water indicated repentance (Sa1 7:6; compare, as to the Jews' repentance hereafter, Zac 12:10). There shall be a latter outpouring of the Spirit like the former one on pentecost (Joe 2:23). wells--not mere streams, which may run dry, but ever-flowing fountains (Joh 4:14; Joh 7:38), "Out of his belly (that is, in and from himself)--living water" (Isa 42:18; Psa 84:6; Zac 13:1; Rev 7:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore with joy shall ye draw water,.... These words are either an exhortation to others, as the Septuagint and Arabic versions render it, "draw ye"; and so likewise an encouragement to them by her example, or a prophecy that they should do this; that is, apply to Christ for grace, and receive it from him: for by "water" is meant grace, which is compared to it, because it is softening, purifying, fructifying, cooling, and refreshing, and extinguishes thirst; and this is to be "drawn", it is to be come at, though the well in which it is be deep, and not in the reach of everyone; the bucket is faith that it is drawn with, and this is the gift of God; and it is in the exercise of this grace, which requires diligence, strength, and labour, that saints receive from Christ, and grace for grace; and this is exercised in the use of means, by prayer, reading of the Scriptures, and attendance on the word and ordinances, by which faith draws hard, and receives much, and, when it does, it is attended "with joy": salvation itself is received with joy, and so is the Saviour; as also a justifying righteousness, and pardoning grace, and likewise every supply of grace; which joy is of a spiritual kind, is in a way of believing, what a stranger intermeddles not with, and is unspeakable and full of glory: out of the wells of salvation, or "fountains"; as all the three Persons are; Jehovah the Father, as he is called "the fountain of living water", Jer 2:13 so he is the fountain of salvation; it springs from him, from his everlasting love, his eternal purposes, his infinite wisdom, his sure and unalterable covenant, his free grace in the mission of his Son; and he himself is the God of grace, from whence it all comes, and every supply of it. The Spirit and his grace are called a "well of living water", Joh 4:14 and he also is a well of salvation; it is he that convinces men of their need of it, that brings near this salvation to them, and shows them their interest in it, and bears witness to it, and is the earnest and pledge of it; and he is the author of all that grace which makes them meet for it, and from whom are all the supplies of it by the way. But more especially Christ is meant, who is the "fountain of gardens, and well of living water", Sol 4:15 in whom salvation is, and in no other: the words may be rendered, "the wells" or "fountains of the Saviour" (r), yea, of Jesus; and which are no other than the fulness of grace in him: the phrase denotes the abundance of grace in Christ, much of which is given out in conversion; an abundance of it is received with the free gift of righteousness for justification; and a large measure of it in the pardon of sins, and in all the after supplies, through the wilderness of this world, till the saints come to glory; and which is vouchsafed to a great number, to all the elect angels and elect men, to all the churches, and the members thereof, in all ages; and this always has been and ever will be communicating to them. The Targum is, "and ye shall receive a new doctrine from the chosen, the righteous;'' or of the righteous; which is true of the doctrine of the Gospel, received by the hands of chosen men, the apostles of Christ. The Jews (s) make use of this passage, in confirmation of the ceremony of drawing of water at the feast of tabernacles; and say (t) it signifies the drawing of the Holy Ghost; that is, his grace. (r) "de fontibus Salvatoris", V. L.; Vatablus. (s) T. Bab. Succa, fol. 48. 2. & 50. 2. (t) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 70. fol. 62. 3. T. Hieros. Succa, fol. 55. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:3 God’s salvation is like a deep and unending source of water that provides life (see also 41:18; Ps 87:7).