Isaiah 12:4 - Meaning and Application

This is the second part of this gospel song, and it says much the same as the first. There believers stir themselves up to praise God. Here they call on one another, encourage one another, and look for ways to spread God’s praise and draw others in.

I. Who is called to praise God? It is the people of Zion and Jerusalem, the people God had protected in a special way from Sennacherib’s violence, the Assyrian king (Isaiah 12:6). Those who have received clear favors from God should be the most eager to praise him. The gospel church is Zion, and Christ is Zion’s King. Those who have a place and name in the church should do their best to spread the knowledge of Christ and bring many to him.

The address is made to the woman who lives in Zion, and the word is feminine. Let the weaker sex be strong in the Lord, and let praise be perfected through their mouths.

II. How they must praise the Lord. First, by prayer: “Call on his name.” Giving thanks for past mercy is a fitting way to ask for more mercy. In the same way, asking for more mercy is kindly received as a thankful response to the mercies already given. When we call on God’s name, we give him some of the glory due to him as our strong and generous benefactor.

Second, by preaching and writing. We must not only speak to God, but also speak to other people about him. We must not only call on his name, but also proclaim his name, as the margin reads. Others should learn from us more than they knew before about God and the things by which he has made himself known. “Declare his deeds,” or, as some read it, his plans. The work of redemption follows the plan of his will, and in that work and in all his wonderful acts we should notice his thoughts toward us (Psalm 40:5). Declare these things among the people, among the nations, so they may be brought into fellowship with Israel and the God of Israel. When the apostles preached the gospel to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, this scripture was fulfilled, because his deeds were declared among the people and made known in all the earth.

Third, by a holy joy and excitement of spirit: “Cry out and shout.” Welcome the gospel for yourselves and publish it to others with loud praise, like those who shout after victory (Exodus 32:18) or at the coronation of a king (Numbers 23:21).

III. Why they must praise the Lord. First, because he has glorified himself. Remember this yourselves, and tell it to others, that his name is lifted up and made more glorious and more visible. Every good person rejoices in this. Second, because he has honored his people. He has done excellent things for them, things that make them seem great and important. Third, because he is, and always will be, great among them. “Great is the Holy One,” for he is glorious in holiness, and therefore great because he is holy. True goodness is true greatness. He is great as the Holy One of Israel, and he is in their midst, praised by them (Psalm 76:1), showing himself among them and appearing in glory on their behalf. It is both the honor and the joy of Israel that the God bound to them in covenant, and living among them, is infinitely great.