Read
A Song of Praise
1At that time you will say,
“I thank you, Lord!
You were angry with me,
but you stopped being angry
and gave me comfort.
2 I trust you to save me,
Lord God,
and I won't be afraid.
My power and my strength
come from you,
and you have saved me.”
3With great joy, you people
will get water
from the well of victory.
4At that time you will say,
“Our Lord, we are thankful,
and we worship only you.
We will tell the nations
how glorious you are
and what you have done.
5Because of your wonderful deeds
we will sing your praises
everywhere on earth.”
6Sing, people of Zion!
Celebrate the greatness
of the holy Lord of Israel.
God is here to help you.
Reflect
What many see as the conclusion of the first section of Isaiah is nothing less than a great song of affirmation about the covenant keeping LORD.
Notice the two sections of the doxology, marked by the repeated expression, “at that time.” (v. 1 and 4).
The first section (v. 1-3) addresses the past. This is a reference to a time when God was angry at his people, with a nod to the historical exodus story. (Could verse 2 be an echo of Exodus 15:2?). There will be incredible joy that God alone gives. Drawing water speaks to renewal and refreshment that He alone gives.
The second section (v. 4-6) begins in a similar fashion. Now however, the restored Israel is to give thanks, call out to God, and make His accomplishments known. The imperatives flow – the people of God are to proclaim God’s name, to sing aloud his marvels, and to make all this known globally. They are to shout and to sing because, “great is the Holy One of Israel among us.”
Respond
Holy Father, I read this passage and realize that you are always present and will actively work in the future. You are doing a new thing and I ask you to show me where I am not following you in thought, word and action. I desire to live so you get all the credit. Amen.
Glenn Smith
Dr. Glenn Smith is married to Sandra and together they have three daughters, Jenna, Julia and Christa and two granddaughters They are the pastors of a missional community network in their church in Montréal – a multi-site congregation in five locations. Glenn did his graduate studies at the Université d’Ottawa and his doctoral thesis at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Chicago. He was the Executive Director of Christian Direction in Montreal 1983 – 2018. He is the Dean of the Faculty of Practical Theology at Presbyterian College at McGill University and the the Institut de théologie pour la francophonie, accredited by Université Laval. He also teaches in Haïti. Publications: co-author of Espoir pour la ville; Dieu dans la cité (Hope for the city, God in the city); Following Jesus: God invites us to transformative discipleship. His forth-coming book is entitled, City Air Makes You Free.