Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

Albert Garner - J.C. Howes

Isaiah 12

Verses 1–2

ISAIAH - CHAPTER 12

MILLENNIAL THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE FOR MESSIANIC DELIVERANCE

Verse 1-2: REMEMBERING GOD’S JUDGMENT AND RESTING IN HIS COMFORT

1. "In that day" refers to the coming millennial era (the day of salvation) wherein the Messianic Deliverer of Israel will rule in righteousness on, and over, the whole earth, (2 Peter 3:8; Isaiah 26:1; Isaiah 60:18).

2. Judgment for the once-rebellious nation will then be past, (Isaiah 40:1-2; Isaiah 54:7-10; Psalms 30:5) - the anger of Jehovah having been turned away, so that His hand is no longer "stretched out" against them.

3. Praise, rooted in comfort, trust and the banishment of fear, will be on every tongue, (comp. Isaiah 25:1; Psalms 9:1; Zechariah 14:20-21).

4. All Israel will then recognize God as their Deliverer (Isaiah 33:2; Isaiah 45:17; Isaiah 62:11); Jehovah Himself will be acknowledged as their strength, and the object of their song, (Exodus 15:2; Psalms 118:14).

Verses 3–6

1. With what holy delight will those who have learned to trust the Lord then draw the water of life, liberally and freely, from the inexhaustible "wells of salvation", (John 4:10; John 7:37-38; Isaiah 41:18; Isaiah 55:1; Psalms 42:1; Jeremiah 2:13; Revelation 22:17).

2. Not only will they "praise the Lord" (Isaiah 24:15-16; Isaiah 42:12); they will also urge others:

a. To "call upon (proclaim) His name", (Psalms 105:1; Psalms 99:6; Psalms 22:4-5; 1 Samuel 12:18; Exodus 15:25; Exodus 32:30-34).

b. To declare His marvelous works among the people, (Psalms 145:4-7).

c. And to advertise the exaltation of His name.

3. For excellent deeds, known to all the earth, they are commanded to "sing unto the Lord!" (Zephaniah 3:14; Isaiah 42:10; Isaiah 49:13; Exodus 15:1; Zechariah 2:10; Psalms 98:1).

4. And those who inhabit Jerusalem are to exult in "the Holy One of Israel", Who now dwells within her gates, (Isaiah 52:9-10; Isaiah 45:1; Ezekiel 48:35; Jeremiah 3:17).

5. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, the Lord’s church already has the privilege of experiencing a foretaste of this blessedness -limited only by our lack of faith, (Romans 14:17-18).

a. The word of God has a far-reaching applicability - though we must never confuse application with primary interpretation.

b. Whoever trusts God, in any age, may confidently sing: "I will trust and not be afraid!" (Psalms 46; Proverbs 3:3-5; Hebrews 13:5-6).