Bible Commentaries

Israel's Song of Its Redemption.

v. 1. And In that day, when the redemption of the spiritual Israel, of the Church of Christ, shall be completed, thou shalt say, the Church Triumphant breaking forth in a paean of praise, O Lord, I will praise Thee; though Thou wast angry with me, in a just wrath over the natural sinfulness of those whose redemption was perfected, Thine anger is turned away, through the atonement made by Christ, and Thou comfortest me, the fact of the salvation gained in Christ is the highest consolation of the believers in time and eternity.

v. 2. Behold, God Is my Salvation, literally, "Behold the God of my salvation," Him who planned and carried out the redemption of a world lost in sin; I will trust, placing full reliance upon His promise of help, and not be afraid, not being brought to shame on account of the confidence resting in Him; for the Lord Jehovah is my Strength, giving full evidence of His power in redeeming His people, and my Song, the object of His Church's endless praise; He also is become my Salvation, the blessings of which are now enjoyed by the elect of God.

v. 3. Therefore with Joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation, partaking of its benefits richly and endlessly. "At the Feast of Tabernacles water was drawn from the fountain of Siloam for a drink-offering. From the priest that so brought it with solemnity into the Temple, another took it, and, while pouring out the water, used the words of our text. "

v. 4. And In that day, while enjoying the fullness of the redemption, shall ye say, the prophet here addressing all the members of the Church of Christ, Praise the Lord, call upon His name, loudly proclaiming the miracles of His mercy, declare His doings among the people, making them known throughout the earth, make mention that His name Is exalted, thus giving all glory to Him alone.

v. 5. Sing unto the Lord, for He hath done excellent things, proving His excellence and majesty in the various acts of His redemption; this is known in all the earth, it should be announced to all mankind.

v. 6. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion, the Church of God receiving her name from the mountain where the house of true divine worship warn located; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee, as the Giver of victory and the Fountain of life. Thus this wonderful hymn, modeled after so many psalms of praise in the Old Testament, especially that sung upon the delivery of the children of Israel at the hands of Pharaoh, Exo 15:1-18, sets forth the joy of the redeemed of the Lord, of the Church Triumphant, when entering upon the blessings of eternal redemption.