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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 12:1-3

This is the former part of the hymn of praise which is prepared for the use of the church, of the Jewish church when God would work great deliverances for them, and of the Christian church when the kingdom of the Messiah should be set up in the world in despite of the opposition of the powers of darkness: In that day thou shalt say, O Lord! I will praise thee. The scattered church, being united into one body, shall, as one man, with one mind and one mouth, thus praise God, who is one and his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 12:3

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... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 12:1-6

THE SONG OF THANKSGIVING OF THE UNITED CHURCH . On each of her deliverances the Church is hound to praise God. In some parts of the Church it is customary on every such occasion to sing a "Te Deum." The ordinary Israelite hymn of praise appears to have been the hundred and thirty-sixth psalm ( 1 Chronicles 16:34 , 1 Chronicles 16:41 ; 2 Chronicles 5:13 ; 2 Chronicles 7:3 ; Ezra 3:11 ; Jeremiah 33:11 ; 1 Macc. 4:24); but on extraordinary occasions special... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 12:1-6

Christian thanksgiving - its principal characteristics. There is so much allusion in this thanksgiving song to the "song of Moses," that Isaiah cannot but be supposed to intend some comparison between the two. The occasion, however, of their utterance is so different, and their scale and method of construction so far apart, that it is difficult to draw out in detail any comparison between the two that would not appear forced and unnatural. Moses' song is a burst of gratitude for a particular... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 12:1-6

A hymn of praise. Some critics say that the language and the tone of thought are so different here from that of Isaiah, that the hymn cannot be from his pen. The theory seems probable enough that a copyist or reader, who beheld with joy a fulfillment of the words in Isaiah 11:15 , Isaiah 11:16 , on the deliverance from the Babylonian exile, supplemented the oracle with these jubilant words." I. THE FULL HEART SEEKS RELIEF IN RELIGIOUS SONG . If burdened with the sense... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 12:3

With joy shall ye draw water . The prophet interrupts the song to give a comforting promise. The "salvation" granted to the Church shall be as an inexhaustible well, from which all comers may draw continually. Compare our Lord's promise to the woman of Samaria in John 4:14 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 12:3

A religion of blessedness. "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." Religion is not only safety, it is blessedness—the very highest blessedness. We are not to be ever in fear and trembling about "our state," but to remember that "perfect love casteth out fear." A really religious man finds that he cannot do without the gospel as satisfying his entire being. He is not religious because he "ought to be," or must be, to be saved; he is religious because also it is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 12:3

The joy of Christ's salvation. These words of prophecy must have been peculiarly precious to those who first heard them. They sound very musical to us, but they must seem more melodious still to the Oriental ear. We know that water is an invaluable thing, but it is only they who have lived or traveled in tropical countries that appreciate all that is meant by burning drought or by refreshing streams. And as words gather sweetness and excellency to the ear as they become associated with that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 12:3

The wells of salvation A very expressive image in a hot country. Wells are treated in contrast with cisterns, which only store the drainage of the ground. Wells are fed from springs and storehouses treasured in the heart of the earth. Inside Carisbrooke Castle is a deep well, which ensured constant supply for the garrison, however closely the castle might be besieged. Salvation is like a well; forth from it ever comes "living water." It is not like a man-made cistern, which only holds a... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 12:3

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

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