A Hymn of Praise

It is good that we know the history of the people of Israel, because in it are hidden so many stories that we as Christians must know for our joy, not to make the same mistakes and to understand all the good and portentous works that God did in them, which God has also done in us by bringing us to His glorious ways.

The prophet Isaiah says:

4 In that day you will say:

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.

5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.

6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

Isaiah 12:4-6

Recall that the people of Israel passed great tests, which were often caused by their own disobedience, we see them captive in Babylon, walking 40 years in the desert, being often defeated by other nations, bringing famine to the nation, among many other afflictions.

In spite of all the disobedience in which they were trapped, God never stopped warning them and wanting to bring us back to Him again. In the same way is our God with us, if He sees that we turn aside, then He does not leave us on the ground, He looks for the way to draw us to Him.

The Bible says that He does not want any to be lost but that we all proceed to the continual repentance that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

These verses are a way to motivate the people of Israel and to make them understand that one day salvation would come for them and they would rejoice in His Holy Name.

In the same way we, although we are going through the most cruel tempest, we must rejoice in our Creator and know that one day our tears will become perfect joy. We believe in God with all our heart!

The story of Israel is not only a historical record; it is a mirror for every believer in every age. In Israel we see the patience of God, His discipline, His mercy, His promises, and His glory displayed through centuries of human weakness and divine faithfulness. Their journey is our lesson book. Their victories remind us of God’s power, and their failures warn us of the dangers of wandering away from Him.

Isaiah’s words in this passage come at a moment of prophetic hope. Despite the sins, rebellions, and judgments Israel had faced, a day was coming—a day of restoration, salvation, and joyful worship. Isaiah calls the people to praise God, proclaim His works, and exalt His name among the nations. This is not only a command—it is an invitation to enter into the joy of knowing a God who saves.

The prophet tells them to “sing for joy” because “great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” This is one of the greatest truths in Scripture: God is not distant. He is present among His people. He was with Israel in the desert, in captivity, in battle, in famine, and in restoration. And today, He is with His church in the same way—guiding, correcting, strengthening, and loving us through every season.

Israel’s trials were many. Their wandering in the desert for forty long years teaches us about the consequences of unbelief. Their captivity in Babylon teaches us about the consequences of idolatry and rebellion. Yet in every chapter, God remained faithful. He disciplined them, but He also delivered them. He allowed sorrow, but He also brought comfort. He permitted trials, but He always provided a way to return to Him.

We, too, face trials caused sometimes by our own decisions or by the brokenness of the world around us. But just as God remained with Israel, He remains with us. He draws us back when we drift away. He convicts us when we sin. He comforts us when we suffer. He restores us when we repent. His desire is not to destroy us but to transform us.

When Isaiah says, “Let this be known to all the world,” he reminds us of our mission. Israel was chosen not only to receive God’s blessings but to proclaim God’s glory to the nations. Likewise, we are called to testify of His works, His grace, and His salvation. Our lives—redeemed, restored, sustained—become living testimonies of His goodness.

So when storms come, when tears fall, when the future seems uncertain, let us remember Israel’s story and Isaiah’s prophecy. A day of joy is promised. A day of salvation is guaranteed. A day of singing is coming for all who trust in the Lord. Our pain is temporary; our hope is eternal. And the God who walked with Israel walks with us still.