NOTES for Isa 12:1-2
Once again the prophet Isaiah proclaims a word of hope to us. He announces the Lord's word that Christ—the shoot from the root of Jesse—will become a banner for the peoples, and the Gentiles will turn to Him. The prophet sings a majestic hymn to the deliverance the Lord grants. In this deliverance there is room for everyone: for Judah and Ephraim, and for all the Gentiles. God's purpose is to save the remnant of Israel and thereby draw all peoples to salvation. “God is my salvation,” says the prophet on behalf of all peoples; “I will trust in Him and not be afraid.” Everything said about the remnant of Israel is His judgment, God's judgment. But where would any of us be if, in His mercy, He had not opened this hope to us as well? Therefore, this is not only the hymn of an ancient Hebrew prophet, but ours too.