Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

As I read this verse, it sounded like such a familiar refrain, and for good reason; its truth is repeated in so many areas of scripture.

Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God,

2Samuel 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour;

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 56:11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

Psalm 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Psalm 118:14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

I believe this statement of praise will result from hearts showing great influence from the Word of God.  I believe the time of tribulation leading up to the millennium will be a time of great spiritual awakening in the nation of Israel in particular, and the Word will once again become a precious possession to them.

Insights from the Hebrew:

“salvation” – deliverance, prosperity, health, safety, preservation

“trust” – for refuge, be confident, bold, secure

“strength” – in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise), boldness

“song” – the idea of making music with instruments and voice in praise

It almost always stretches my thinking when I look at the meanings given in the original language.  Salvation is more than deliverance from, it’s preservation to.  Trust includes the idea of being bold because you are secure.  Strength emphasizes the boldness and security of trust and adds the thought of strength in praise and majesty (because we are reflecting God in our lives).  When our heart is focused on God’s salvation and love for us, it will be reflected in and should be the focus of our music.

Isaiah 12:3-4 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.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.

Isaiah knows that the children of Israel will rejoice in all of God’s care and

provision for them as they experience restored fellowship with Him. They will

be eager to praise the Lord, to communicate with Him, to tell others about Him

and what He is doing in their lives, and to honor His name.  That should be the natural response of all of God’s children now. How eager are we to give Him praise each day? How joyful are we for His deliverance and provision? Does it show in our lives? In our countenance? How eager are we to share our testimony, to tell others the difference God makes in our life? How often do we make light of His name rather than giving it the honor it so deserves? How often do we use statements like, “O my God,” “Jesus,” even an insincere “Praise the Lord,” etc. I hear them often from those who claim His name.