What is the context?
This short song follows the promise of gathering and deliverance in chapter 11. The singer praises the Lord because His anger has turned away and He has brought comfort. Fear gives way to trust in God as salvation.
The words about the Lord being strength, song and salvation recall Israel’s song after the sea crossing in Exodus 15:1–3. Once again, rescue leads to praise of the One who accomplished it.
The picture of drawing water from the springs of salvation expresses joyful refreshment from God. The song then opens outward: His works are to be made known among the peoples and throughout the earth. Zion’s joy rests on the presence of the Holy One of Israel among His people.
The movement is from receiving comfort to making God known. The people do more than celebrate the end of danger; they call others to recognize the Lord’s greatness.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley reads the song in connection with Israel’s restoration and the gathering of Gentiles. He stresses that the salvation comes from God’s power and explains the water as God’s grace and comfort refreshing thirsty souls.
Gill similarly connects it with salvation through Christ and notices its links with the song after the Red Sea. He reads the call to make God’s works known as including the announcement of Christ’s saving work among the nations. Both readings see received salvation becoming thankful worship and public witness.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
The picture of God giving life through water continues in John 7:37–39. Jesus invites the thirsty to come to Him and drink, and John explains that He is speaking about the Spirit whom believers will receive. This is a related biblical picture, rather than a claim that John identifies Isaiah 12 as his sole source.
Revelation 7:9–17 brings the themes of this song together in a larger scene: a multitude from every nation praises God and the Lamb for salvation, and the Lamb leads them to springs of living water. Isaiah’s call for God’s saving works to be known throughout the earth belongs within that wider hope of people gathered into His presence and praise.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.