Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 12

These prophecies occurred when Assyria rose to power. Syria and Israel formed an alliance against Judah (Isaiah 7:1–2; see 2 Kings 16:5). God used Assyria as a tool to punish Syria, Israel, and Judah (Isaiah 7–10).

The prophet's personal song of praise for God's salvation concludes the reflections on trust in Isaiah 7–12. God will show he is trustworthy in his promises to rescue his people, even though they initially refused to trust him. The song anticipates Isaiah 40–66 with its themes of:

• salvation,

• forgiveness,

• praise,

• joy, and

• the nations.

God's comfort is the main topic of Isaiah 40–66.

• God's promise to save includes:

  • reconciliation (Isaiah 1:18),

  • participation (Isaiah 11:10),

  • cleansing and protection (Isaiah 4:3–6),

  • peace and confidence (Isaiah 32:16–17), and

  • restoration (Isaiah 11:6–9).

• LORD GOD (Hebrew Yah Yahweh): The first word (Yah) is a shorter form of the second (Yahweh).

• the LORD GOD is my strength and my song: See Exodus 15:2; Psalm 118:14.

God's salvation is like a deep, endless source of water that gives life (see also Isaiah 41:18; Psalm 87:7).

Make His works known among the peoples: The story of salvation should be shared with everyone, not just the people of Israel (Psalms 67:2; 70:4; 98:2).

See Psalm 48:1; Psalm 96:4; Psalm 99:2.