< 2 Nephi 22 >
A Song of Salvation
Isaiah 12 parallels Exodus 15 (Moses’ song after crossing the Red Sea) — symbolizing a new Exodus: deliverance from sin, not Egypt.
Verses 1–2 – Thanksgiving for God’s Salvation
“And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.”
Meaning:
This echoes Exodus 15:2 almost word for word.
The faithful remnant now see God Himself as the source of their salvation — not military might or human alliances.
Faith replaces fear. The people move from anxiety (in Isaiah 7–10) to peace (Isaiah 12).
Verse 3 – Joy in Drawing Water
“Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”
Meaning:
Verses 4–5 – Global Praise
“And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.”
Meaning:
The restored Israel becomes a light to the world, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant (“in thy seed shall all nations be blessed”).
Verse 6 – Rejoicing in God’s Presence
“Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.”
Meaning
Isaiah 12 parallels Exodus 15 (Moses’ song after crossing the Red Sea) — symbolizing a new Exodus: deliverance from sin, not Egypt.
Verses 1–2 – Thanksgiving for God’s Salvation
“And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.”
Meaning:
- God’s anger (justice) has given way to comfort (mercy) — the people have repented and been redeemed.
- It reflects the covenant cycle: rebellion → chastening → repentance → restoration.
This echoes Exodus 15:2 almost word for word.
The faithful remnant now see God Himself as the source of their salvation — not military might or human alliances.
Faith replaces fear. The people move from anxiety (in Isaiah 7–10) to peace (Isaiah 12).
Verse 3 – Joy in Drawing Water
“Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”
Meaning:
- Water = symbol of life, renewal, and the Spirit.
- “Wells of salvation” = continuous access to divine grace.
- It suggests the joy of partaking of Christ’s living water (John 4:14, John 7:37–38).
Verses 4–5 – Global Praise
“And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.”
Meaning:
- Missionary language — proclaiming God’s works to all nations.
- “Declare his doings” = testimony and sharing of the gospel.
The restored Israel becomes a light to the world, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant (“in thy seed shall all nations be blessed”).
Verse 6 – Rejoicing in God’s Presence
“Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.”
Meaning
- Zion = God’s covenant community, gathered and sanctified.
- “The Holy One of Israel” (a favorite Isaiah title for Christ) dwells among them — His presence brings peace and holiness.
Theme |
Description |
Fulfillment |
Thanksgiving |
Gratitude for forgiveness and mercy |
Christ’s atonement removes God’s anger |
Trust |
“I will trust and not be afraid” |
Faith in Christ replaces fear |
Living water |
Joyful, continual salvation |
Holy Ghost / gospel blessings |
Mission |
Declare His works to all nations |
Global gathering of Israel |
Presence |
“Holy One… in the midst of thee” |
Christ’s reign in Zion |
The Big Picture for Chapters 7-12 of Isaiah
Chapter |
Focus |
Theme |
7–9 |
Crisis and judgment |
Rejection of God’s counsel leads to destruction |
10 |
Assyria used then judged |
God’s sovereignty and justice |
11 |
The Branch / Messiah |
Renewal and Millennial peace |
12 |
Song of praise |
Redemption and gratitude for salvation |