Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things . This is another quotation, very slightly modified, from the song of Moses, in which these words were part of the refrain ( Exodus 15:1 , Exodus 15:21 ). This is known ; rather, let this be known ; i.e. publish it—noise it abroad. read more
God honored through his mercies. "Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things." A comprehensive term, summing up all that God had done for his people through the long ages, The Hebrew indicates an echo from Exodus 15:1 , "He hath triumphed gloriously." Reviewing God's wondrous workings, we may regard them from three points of view. I. THEY ARE THINGS WHICH WE OUGHT TO ADMIRE . II. THEY ARE THINGS WHICH WE OUGHT TO STUDY . III. THEY ... read more
Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion ; i.e. raise a "cry" that may be heard far and wide—a cry that shall be a "shout" of rejoicing. The wool translated "inhabitant" is feminine, and designates the entire community or Church that dwells on the holy hill. For great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee . The crowning glory of the Church is the presence of her Lord in the midst of her a presence continuous ("I am with you always"), efficacious ( John 15:4-6 ), yet... read more
This chapter Isaiah 12:1-6 is a part of the vision which was commenced in Isaiah 10:5. The prophet had foretold the deliverance of the nation from the threatened invasion of Sennacherib Isaiah 10:0; he had then looked forward to the times of the Messiah, and described the certainty, the character, and the consequences of this reign Isaiah 11:0. The eleventh chapter closes with a reference to the deliverance of the nation from the oppression of the Egyptians. That deliverance was celebrated with... read more
And in that day - The day referred to in the previous chapter, the time of the Messiah, when the effects of his reign shall be seen everywhere. The duty of praise, however, is couched in such language as to make it applicable to the event predicted in the former part of the prophecy Isaiah 10:0 - the delivering of the nation from the invasion of Sennacherib, as well as the more glorious event on which the prophet fixed his eye Isaiah 11:0 - the coming and reign of the Messiah. The language of... read more
Behold, God is my salvation - Or, God is the author, or source, of my salvation. It has not been brought about by any human hands, but is to be traced directly to him. The value of a gift is always enhanced by the dignity and excellency of the giver, and it confers an inestimable value on the blessings of salvation, that they are conferred by a being no less than the infinite God. It is not by human or angelic power; but it is to be traced directly and entirely to Yahweh.I will trust, and not... read more
Therefore - In view of all his mercies, the Hebrew is, however; simply, ‘” and” ye shall draw.’ It has already been intimated that the Jews applied this passage to the Holy Spirit: and that probably on this they based their custom of drawing water from the fountain of Siloam at the feast of the dedication (note, John 7:37). The fountain of Siloam was in the eastern part of the city, and the water was borne from that fountain in a golden cup, and was poured, with every expression of rejoicing,... read more
And in that day - (see Isaiah 12:1).Call upon his name - Margin, ‘Proclaim.’ It denotes to call upon him in the way of celebrating his praise. The whole hymn is one of praise, and not of prayer.Declare among the people - Among all people, that they may be brought to see his glory, and join in the celebration of his praise.His doings - Particularly in regard to the great events which are the subject of the previous predictions - his interposition in saving people by the Messiah from eternal... read more
Sing unto the Lord - This is the same expression which occurs in the song of Moses Exodus 15:21. Isaiah evidently had that in his eye.He hath done excellent things - Things that are exalted (גאות gê'ûth); that are worthy to be celebrated, and had in remembrance; things that are majestic, grand, and wonderful.This is known in all the earth - Or, more properly, ‘Let this be known in all the earth.’ It is worthy of being celebrated everywhere. It should be sounded abroad through all lands. This... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 12:4-6
Exultation and activity. There is a jubilant strain throughout these verses; not, however, without a sense of some sacred duty to be performed. We learn— I. THAT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST MAY WELL SPEAK IN THE ACCENTS OF EXULTATION . The terms of the prophecy do not seem to be satisfied with anything less than Messianic blessings; they fit perfectly the estate to which Christ has called us; they belong to that "kingdom of heaven" of which the Son of man had so much... read more