The wells of salvation – Isaiah 12

Isaiah 12 is often referred to as a song of praise, mainly because it comes after Isaiah 11, which speaks about the coming of the Messiah to the world and to save us. In Isaiah 12, we find him praising God because of the coming savior, who will return God’s people to himself, and not only that, but he directs the sinner to where he can find peace and joy. The chapter holds deep meaning in our praise to the highest. It is through him we draw water from the wells for our salvation. The chapter begins with Isaiah thanking God, for he has turned his anger away and has offered salvation to his people (Verse 1-2). In verse four, thanksgiving is given for God’s glorious acts of salvation and calling on his people to make that glory known though out the nations of the earth. The singer calls upon the people to live in expectation of the day of salvation and, in doing so, make the kingdom of God known.

Water is a common motif in the Hebrew Scriptures. There are narratives of God’s miraculous provision of water for desperate persons (Genesis 21:19) and communities (Exodus17:1-7). Often used as a metaphor for salvation (Isiah35:6-7 and 55:1, Ezekiel47:1-12), water also represents the very presence of God with individuals (Psalm 42:1, 63:1) and communities (Isaiah 44:3).

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation Isaiah 12:3

Here in Isaiah 12:3, the wells of salvation from which we draw seem to reflect both salvation and divine presence, as the reference to God’s indwelling with Israel suggests. The wells of salvation, the water of God’s gracious presence, are bottomless and endless. They give life, restoring vibrancy to a world that is dying of thirst and seeking wholeness for those overwhelmed by the floods of destruction. The waters of forgiveness, of liberation, form all that holds us in captivity, of refreshment of souls that are arid for grace, is the same water of which Jesus spoke to the Samarian woman at the well in John 4:14. The wells of salvation that flowed with the very presence of God is coming again to the world in endless supply for our deepest need.

One will notice that Isaiah talks about wells and not well because the wells of salvation are everywhere we go, not just in one place. God is our salvation. Wells are the places and the times we go to him. There is no place and time when he is not ready to meet with us. God’s salvation is not in bowls or buckets that would run out or think if it will be enough. God’s wells are full of water. His salvation never runs out and is enough for all of us. We are active participants in drawing from God. All God requires for us is that we willingly go to him to draw from his well and let him fill us and quench our thirst. I pray we joyfully make the Lord our salvation, strength, and song.