Isaiah 12:2

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation."

Study Bible

Surely God is my salvation;
This phrase emphasizes the certainty and assurance of God's role as the deliverer. In the context of Isaiah, this declaration follows the prophecies of judgment and restoration. The term "salvation" here is comprehensive, encompassing deliverance from physical, spiritual, and eternal peril. It reflects the Hebrew understanding of salvation as holistic well-being. This assurance is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus is identified as the Savior (Luke 2:11), fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament.

I will trust and not be afraid.
Trust in God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often juxtaposed with fear. In the historical context, Israel faced threats from surrounding nations, and the call to trust in God rather than fear them is a central message. This phrase is reminiscent of Psalm 56:3-4, where trust in God dispels fear. It also prefigures the New Testament teaching in Philippians 4:6-7, where believers are encouraged to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, resulting in peace that guards their hearts and minds.

For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,
This phrase draws from the Song of Moses in Exodus 15:2, where God is praised for delivering Israel from Egypt. The repetition of "LORD GOD" (Yahweh) emphasizes His covenantal faithfulness and power. The imagery of God as strength suggests reliance on His power rather than human might, a theme seen in Zechariah 4:6. The reference to "song" indicates joy and celebration, often associated with God's deliverance and victory, as seen in the Psalms.

and He also has become my salvation.”
This statement reflects a personal and experiential realization of God's saving work. It suggests a transformation where God's deliverance is not just a future hope but a present reality. The phrase "has become" indicates a process or journey of faith, aligning with the Christian understanding of salvation as both an event and a journey. This is seen in the life of Jesus, whose death and resurrection provide the ultimate salvation, fulfilling the prophetic hope expressed in Isaiah.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of God's people.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel during Isaiah's time. The people of Judah were often the direct audience of Isaiah's prophecies, including calls to repentance and promises of salvation.

3. The LORD GOD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people. In this verse, He is acknowledged as the source of salvation and strength.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Salvation
Believers are called to place their trust in God, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of salvation. This trust dispels fear and brings peace.

God as Strength and Song
God is not only our strength in times of trouble but also our song, meaning He is the source of our joy and praise. Worship should be a natural response to His saving work.

Fearlessness through Faith
Faith in God leads to a life free from fear. When we acknowledge God as our salvation, we can face life's challenges with confidence and courage.

The Continuity of God's Deliverance
The themes of salvation and strength are consistent throughout Scripture, showing God's unchanging nature and His ongoing commitment to His people.

Personal Application of Salvation
Each believer is invited to personally experience God's salvation, making it a present reality in their daily lives through faith and obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Isaiah 12:2 encourage you to trust in God during difficult times?

2. In what ways can you make God your "strength and song" in your daily life?

3. How does the concept of God as your salvation influence your perspective on fear and anxiety?

4. Can you identify a time in your life when you experienced God's deliverance? How does this reinforce your faith?

5. How do the themes in Isaiah 12:2 connect with the New Testament understanding of salvation through Jesus Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 15:2
This verse echoes the song of Moses after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, where God is praised as their strength and salvation. It highlights the continuity of God's deliverance throughout Israel's history.

Psalm 118:14
Similar language is used here, where the psalmist declares the LORD as their strength and salvation, reinforcing the theme of trust in God's deliverance.

Philippians 4:13
In the New Testament, Paul speaks of finding strength in Christ, which parallels the Old Testament understanding of God as the source of strength and salvation.