What is the meaning of Isaiah 12:6? Cry out and sing “Cry out and sing” is a pair of urgent commands. The prophet is calling for an exuberant, vocal response to God’s saving work that has just been celebrated in Isaiah 12:1–5. • The verbs are joyful and public; this is not silent gratitude but audible praise like Psalm 98:4, “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth; burst into jubilant song.” • The context of Isaiah 12 is a song of thanksgiving after judgment is removed (Isaiah 12:1); therefore praise naturally overflows. • Zephaniah 3:14 mirrors the same mood: “Shout for joy, O Daughter of Zion; shout loudly, O Israel!” The consistency underscores that God’s people have always been called to celebrate His salvation with their voices. The verse reminds modern believers that heartfelt worship is both commanded and fitting whenever we reflect on redemption achieved through Christ (Ephesians 5:19–20). O citizen of Zion Isaiah singles out “O citizen of Zion” to identify the worshipers. Zion, originally the hill on which David built his city, represents the dwelling place of God with His people (Psalm 132:13–14). • It is a concrete location—Jerusalem—yet it also carries future and spiritual dimensions, pointing to the gathered people of God (Hebrews 12:22, “You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God”). • By saying “citizen,” Isaiah affirms a relationship, not merely geography. Those who belong to Zion enjoy covenant privileges and responsibilities, so praising God is a family trait (Psalm 87:5–7). • The phrase anticipates the body of believers who call Jesus Lord, having been “qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:12). Thus, the command to rejoice is directed to all who find their identity in the Lord’s city—both ancient Israelites and grafted-in Gentiles (Romans 11:17). for great among you is the Holy One of Israel Here Isaiah gives the reason for such loud praise: “for great among you is the Holy One of Israel.” • “Great” stresses God’s unmatched power and majesty, echoing Exodus 15:11, “Who among the gods is like You—majestic in holiness?” • “Among you” highlights His nearness. Just as God promised, “I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God” (Exodus 29:45), the prophet affirms that promise is reality. Zechariah 2:10 offers the same assurance: “I am coming, and I will live among you.” • The title “Holy One of Israel” appears repeatedly in Isaiah (e.g., 1:4; 41:14) to stress both His moral purity and covenant loyalty. His presence is not distant; it is personal, saving, and transformative (Isaiah 6:3–7). Because God Himself is in the midst of His people, their worship is not based on circumstance but on His unchanging character and intimate presence (Matthew 1:23). summary Isaiah 12:6 calls every believer who belongs to God’s Zion to lift a loud, joyful song. The command springs from the reality that the Holy One—majestic, powerful, and personally present—lives right in the midst of His redeemed people. Awareness of His greatness naturally erupts in audible, unrestrained praise. |
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