Isaiah 12

forms the lyrical epilogue to the first great division of the book (ch. 1–12). It consists of two short hymns of praise (Isaiah 12:1-2 and Isaiah 12:3-6) which are put into the mouth of the ransomed people. As Israel sang songs of triumph after the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 15), so the restored exiles shall celebrate the great salvation with such psalms of thanksgiving and joy as these. There is thus an obvious link of connexion with Isaiah 11:10-16, where the anticipations of the Messianic salvation are throughout largely coloured by reminiscences of the exodus from Egypt. Nevertheless, the secondary and imitative character of the chapter is so apparent as almost to exclude the supposition that it was written by Isaiah. Its literary affinities are with the Song of Moses, with certain parts of the Psalter, and with lyrical passages interspersed in the later prophecy of ch. 24–27 (see the Notes below).

With the exception of the expression “Holy One of Israel” in Isaiah 12:6 it presents none of the phrases distinctive of Isaiah’s style; and in no other instance does that prophet close an oracle with a liturgical passage like this. Hence the opinion expressed by Ewald in 1840, that the chapter is a late addition to the book of Isaiah, has slowly won a wide acceptance among scholars.

Isaiah 12:1-2

1, 2. The first song, the singer being the individualised community, as frequently in the Pss.

Isaiah 12:2

2. Behold, God is my salvation] Better: Behold the God of my salvation (Psalms 88:1). The second half of the verse is repeated almost verbally from Exodus 15:2 my song] the personal suff. is omitted in Hebr., probably through defective writing. the Lord JEHOVAH] Hebr. Yah Yahveh, a combination only recurring in ch. Isaiah 26:4. Since LXX. and other versions have only one Divine name here it is possible that the second was added in explanation of the rarer contracted form “Jah.” my salvation] The word here used (yìshû‘âh) is not found in genuine prophecies of Isaiah (unless ch. Isaiah 33:2; Isaiah 33:6 be exceptions).

Isaiah 12:3

3. A promise connecting the first song with the second (Isaiah 12:4-6). wells of salvation] (cf. Psalms 87:7). The language is figurative, denoting the inexhaustible fulness of the Divine blessings prepared for the people of God.

Isaiah 12:4-6

4–6. The members of the redeemed community exhort each other to publish the praises of Jehovah to the world.

Isaiah 12:5

5. excellent things] “Excellence,” ch. Isaiah 26:10; cf. Exodus 15:1. this is known] Better as R.V. let this be known.

Isaiah 12:6

6. Cry out] the same word as in ch. Isaiah 10:30, but in a very different sense. Cf. ch. Isaiah 24:14, Isaiah 54:1. inhabitant of Zion] Lit. “inhabitress,” Jerusalem being personified as a woman, Micah 1:11-15; Jeremiah 46:19, &c.