FocusSin, judgment, and the promised ruler
Connection to the wholeThe opening visions confront Judah's rebellion while joining judgment with promises concerning the remnant and the Davidic ruler.
interpretation Isaiah 12:6
KJVCry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
Read it in context
Song of Salvation and Praise
Start reading at Isaiah 12:1 (Isaiah 12:1 to Isaiah 12:6).
This entire chapter forms a distinct hymn of praise, serving as a doxology to the preceding prophecies of judgment and restoration.
- 12:1 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.
- 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.
- 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
- 12:4 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.
- 12:5 Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
- 12:6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Isaiah son of Amoz is the named prophet and the traditional author. The New Testament attributes passages from both earlier and later portions to Isaiah; scholars differ about the book's later composition and collection. Biblical references: Isaiah 1:1; John 12:38; John 12:39. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Isaiah 9:1–12:6): Israel and Judah hear judgment and hope concerning God's rule, the remnant, and the promised Davidic reign. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Judah and Jerusalem are the principal named audience, with messages also concerning Israel and other nations. Later portions address God's people in the horizon of exile, return, and restoration. Biblical references: Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 40:1; Isaiah 48:20. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is a future song of praise and thanksgiving for God's salvation, comfort, and presence among His people, after a time of divine anger has passed.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing Himself as the source of salvation, strength, and comfort, whose anger turns away, and who is great and present in the midst of His people.
- What is the literary style? A prophetic hymn or song of praise and thanksgiving.
When
- When was it written? Approximately 700 to 680 B.C. book background
- When does the event take place? The passage speaks of a future "in that day," referring to a time of ultimate salvation and restoration for God's people. stated in the text
Where
- Where did it happen? The call to cry out and shout is directed to the "inhabitant of Zion," referring to Jerusalem. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Song of Salvation and Praise (Isaiah 12:1 to Isaiah 12:6). Start reading at Isaiah 12:1. This entire chapter forms a distinct hymn of praise, serving as a doxology to the preceding prophecies of judgment and restoration.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This chapter serves as a concluding hymn of praise for the first major section of Isaiah (chapters 1-12), which prophesies both judgment and future restoration. It anticipates a glorious future when God's anger is turned away and His people experience full salvation and joy. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? The "Holy One of Israel" is God, and the salvation, strength, and comfort described here are ultimately and perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is the "wells of salvation" from whom believers draw living water, and through Him, God's anger is turned away from those who trust in Him. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to trust in God as their salvation, strength, and song, to praise Him for His excellent works, and to declare His greatness among all people, knowing that the great Holy One is present in their midst. interpretation
Cited: Isaiah 12:1, Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 12:3, Isaiah 12:4, Isaiah 12:6
Who wrote it, and how we know
Isaiah the prophet
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens with the vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz and names him throughout. The New Testament quotes both the earlier and later chapters as Isaiah's words.
Isaiah 1:1Isaiah 6:1John 12:38John 12:39
Early traditionJewish and Christian tradition holds the whole book to be Isaiah's.
What is debatedMany critical scholars propose a second and third author for chapters 40 and following, based on setting and style. John 12 quoting both sections as Isaiah is a significant argument against that view.
Related passages
- Cry out Isa 40:9 Isa 52:7-10 Isa 54:1 Zeph 3:14 Luke 19:37-40
- thou Isa 10:24 Isa 30:19 Isa 33:24 Zech 8:3-8
- great Isa 8:18 Isa 24:23 Isa 41:14,16 Ps 9:11 Ps 68:16 Ps 71:22 Ps 89:18 Ps 132:14
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Isaiah 12
Isaiah's opening locates his vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem in named royal reigns. The book includes warnings, narratives, and promises addressed to different settings. Identify the immediate audience before extending a promise or judgment to later readers. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Isaiah 1:1 Isaiah 6:1 Isaiah 40:1
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Isaiah
Isaiah's opening locates his vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem in named royal reigns. The book includes warnings, narratives, and promises addressed to different settings. Identify the immediate audience before extending a promise or judgment to later readers.
Isaiah 1:1 Isaiah 6:1 Isaiah 40:1
FocusSin, judgment, and the promised ruler
Connection to the wholeThe opening visions confront Judah's rebellion while joining judgment with promises concerning the remnant and the Davidic ruler.
interpretation Oracles concerning the nations
Isaiah 13:1–23:18FocusThe LORD's judgment beyond Judah
Connection to the wholeThe series addresses surrounding nations and powers, locating Judah's troubles within a wider scene of divine judgment.
interpretation Judgment and deliverance
Isaiah 24:1–27:13FocusThe earth, the people, and renewed worship
Connection to the wholeThe scope widens through visions of judgment, praise, and gathering, linking the LORD's rule with His people's hope.
interpretation Warnings and the way of restoration
Isaiah 28:1–35:10FocusMisplaced trust and promised renewal
Connection to the wholeWarnings against false security and accounts of judgment lead into a vision of restoration and return.
interpretation Hezekiah's crisis
Isaiah 36:1–39:8FocusAssyria, deliverance, and Babylon
Connection to the wholeThe narratives connect trust and deliverance with an announcement concerning Babylon, bridging earlier warnings and later words of comfort.
interpretation Comfort and the servant
Isaiah 40:1–55:13FocusThe LORD's saving purpose
Connection to the wholeThe movement announces comfort, challenges idols, and develops the servant passages and invitations to receive the LORD's provision.
interpretation The community and the final hope
Isaiah 56:1–66:24FocusRighteousness, worship, and renewal
Connection to the wholeThe closing chapters confront ongoing sin while presenting the LORD's promised renewal, maintaining both warning and hope.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.