Isaiah 12:6
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse calls for a "cry" and a "shout," not just simple singing. This isn't just about expressing joy; it's a powerful, almost visceral eruption of praise that acknowledges the sheer magnitude of God's presence dwelling right among His people.
This verse brings to a close a beautiful hymn of praise and thanksgiving that follows God's promise of future salvation and restoration for His people. It's a jubilant, almost explosive declaration of joy, meant to be sung by those dwelling in Zion, celebrating the mighty presence of God among them.
Why do the ancient prophets call for 'crying out' and 'shouting'? It's more than just being loud; it's a powerful expression of faith when God is near.
The words used for 'cry out' and 'shout' here aren't just about making noise; they paint a vivid picture of exultation and praise. One word often describes the neighing of a horse, conveying a sense of energetic enthusiasm, while the other signifies a loud, joyous outcry.
These aren't quiet moments of reflection, but vibrant, public declarations. They are calls for God's people to express their deep joy and praise with their whole being, especially when they recognize God's powerful presence and actions on their behalf. It's a communal celebration, meant to echo and spread.
What makes the 'inhabitant of Zion'—God's people—burst into such enthusiastic praise? The verse gives us the ultimate answer.
The reason for this vibrant celebration isn't just a good day or a fortunate circumstance. It's the profound reality that 'great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.'
This presence of God—the Holy One, set apart, pure, and powerful—is the source and substance of true joy. The commentaries highlight that this isn't just about a physical location, but about God dwelling with His people, His Church. This indwelling presence is what makes Zion, and by extension, all believers, unique and blessed. When God is truly with us, our lives are transformed, and our response is ecstatic praise.
Understand the original words
tsahal · Hebrew Verb
To cry out or proclaim aloud, often associated with a joyful, ringing cry of victory, triumph, or religious acclamation before God.
ranan · Hebrew Verb
To express delight, gladness, or triumph. It often refers to a loud, vocal expression of happiness, especially in the context of praising God for His salvation or presence.
yashav Tsiyon · Hebrew Noun/Participle
A designation for the people living in or associated with Zion (Jerusalem). Biblically, Zion represents the dwelling place of God and the city of the Great King, signifying the community of the faithful.
qadosh Yisra'el · Hebrew Noun Phrase
This chapter, and particularly this verse, bursts forth with exultant praise following a moment of profound deliverance, like the miraculous salvation of Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege. It highlights that even in the aftermath of severe judgment and during times of rebuilding, the unshakeable joy of God's presence in their midst is the ultimate reason for celebration.
Late 8th Century BC
Assyrian invasions and threats
The Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BC. Judah, under Isaiah's ministry, faced increasing threats and invasions from the Assyrian Empire, culminating in Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem.
701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Siege of Jerusalem
The Assyrian king Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem, a pivotal moment where God miraculously intervened, saving the city and its people.
c. 605 BC - 586 BC
Babylonian Exile
Following repeated rebellions, Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians, leading to the destruction of the Temple and the exile of the Jewish people, marking a period of profound national crisis and divine discipline.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Decree
The Persian King Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon and issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
This passage echoes Isaiah's message by proclaiming God's direct presence among His people, saying, 'For I have set my face toward you, declares the LORD of hosts.' This reinforces the idea of the 'Holy One of Israel' being 'in the midst' of Zion, bringing joy and protection.
Psalm 51:18This psalm speaks of God's favor and restoration, connecting with Isaiah's theme of rejoicing after distress. It highlights that genuine praise flows from God's presence and forgiveness, which is central to the inhabitants of Zion's joyful shout.
John 1:14This New Testament verse declares that 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,' directly mirroring the concept of God, the 'Holy One of Israel,' being great and present in the midst of His people. It shows the ultimate fulfillment of God dwelling with humanity.
Romans 8:10-11Paul speaks of Christ living in believers, bringing life through the Spirit. This connects to Isaiah's declaration of the Holy One being 'in the midst of thee,' emphasizing that God's dwelling presence is the source of spiritual life and power for His people.
Matthew 28:20Jesus' promise to be with His disciples always ('even to the end of the age') serves as a powerful New Testament parallel to the joy found in the Holy One's presence in Zion. It assures believers that God's presence is continuous and a cause for unending celebration.
barnesIsaiah 12:6: "Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee."
Cry out - (צהלי tsahalı̂y). This word is usually applied to the neighing of a horse Jeremiah 5:8 ; Jeremiah 8:16 . It is also used to express joy, pleasure, exultation, by a clear and loud sound of the voice Isaiah 10:30 ; Isaiah 12:6 ; Isaiah 14:14 ; Isaiah 54:1 ; Jeremiah 31:7 ; Jeremiah 50:11 . It is here synonymous with the numerous passages in the Psalms, and elsewhere, whe…
ellicottIsaiah 12:6: "Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee."
(6) Thou inhabitant of Zion. —The Hebrew is feminine. The inhabitant is the daughter of Zion, the restored Church, that has Zion for her dwelling-place. Great is the Holy One of Israel . . .—The hymn ends with the Divine Name which is characteristic of Isaiah. The presence of the Holy One was to be a joy and blessing to the remnant who were worthy of their calling. With this hymn…
The verse calls for a "cry" and a "shout," not just simple singing. This isn't just about expressing joy; it's a powerful, almost visceral eruption of praise that acknowledges the sheer magnitude of God's presence dwelling right among His people.
This verse brings to a close a beautiful hymn of praise and thanksgiving that follows God's promise of future salvation and restoration for His people. It's a jubilant, almost explosive declaration of joy, meant to be sung by those dwelling in Zion, celebrating the mighty presence of God among them.
This verse brings to a close a beautiful hymn of praise and thanksgiving that follows God's promise of future salvation and restoration for His people. It's a jubilant, almost explosive declaration of joy, meant to be sung by those dwelling in Zion, celebrating the mighty presence of God among them.
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A primary title for God, emphasizing His transcendent purity, majesty, and moral perfection, as well as His covenant relationship with His people. He is set apart from all creation in His holiness yet actively involved in the life of Israel.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
The Second Temple in Jerusalem was completed and dedicated, signifying a return of worship and a renewed, albeit humbled, presence of God among His people.
"Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”" — The verse calls for a "cry" and a "shout," not just simple singing. This isn't just about expressing joy; it's a powerful, almost visceral eruption of praise that acknowledges the sheer magnitude of…
