(Isa. 12:3)
The “water out of the wells of salvation” is a symbol also used in Jeremiah 2:13 and John 4:7–14. It is life-giving “water” of new birth unto salvation and atonement.
(Ellis T. Rasmussen, A Latter-day Saint Commentary on the Old Testament [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1993], 512–513.)
By comparing the punctuation, especially the quotation marks, with the King James Version, a major problem with this short psalm becomes apparent. Although the beginning of the psalm is clearly defined in verse 1, the conclusion of the psalm remains indefinite. Scholars agree that verse 3 is the most important verse in this set, but they disagree as to whether or not it should be included within the psalm. Unfortunately, the original Hebrew provides no help with this problem because it contains no punctuation at all. Indeed, most early Hebrew writings had no punctuation, since such symbols were not developed or even encouraged because space on writing materials (scrolls of parchment, clay tablets, metal plates, etc.) was at a premium, and most readers of the materials were familiar enough with it that they could supply the necessary breaks, pauses, and inflections. Therefore, context becomes the best clue for interpretation.
(Victor L. Ludlow, Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, and Poet [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982], 178.)
Wells of Salvation. Has reference to the feast of tabernacles, or tents, celebrated by the Jews at the close of the year in grateful remembrance of the goodness of God to their fathers in the wilderness, and to themselves, as evidenced by abundant harvests and other blessings in the land of Rest (Lev. 23:34). The observance lasted for seven days. A libation was an important part of the services every day. It was at the close of such a festival that our Lord stood on the temple ground and invited the people to come unto him. It was the last day. The water was perhaps flowing gently in the trench. But the crowd was about to disperse. Each one had to go to his own home and leave the life-giving stream for, perhaps, less pleasant water containers. Then Jesus cried with a loud voice: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his innermost parts shall flow rivers of living water.” You need not thirst, because you cannot always stay by this stream (John 7:37, 38; cf. John 4:14) Jesus spoke of the spirit which they that believe on him should receive (John 7:39).
(George Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl, Commentary on the Book of Mormon, ed. Philip C. Reynolds, 7 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1955–1961], 1:360.)
As one who, by special assignment, has been given authority in the house of Israel today, I ask the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to bless my brethren of Judah and have mercy on them; that the land to which Judah has returned after a long night of dispersion shall be fruitful, prosperous, and become the envy to her neighbors; that the nation Israel shall be delivered from all her oppressors and enemies; that Judah will “draw water out of the wells of salvation” (Isa. 12:3), and fulfill all those prophecies that God declared through his prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah, even that prophecy through Zechariah that “the Lord shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again” (Zech, 2:12).
(Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Dec. 1976, 72.)
Brothers and sisters, let us be anxiously engaged in good causes. Let us love God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Let us sustain and live by the revelations of the restored gospel. Let us love our fellow beings and fill our hearts and souls with the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Then we will sing with Isaiah:
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; …
“Therefore with joy shall [I] draw water out of the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:2–3)… .
Each of us needs to model what it truly means to be a believing and behaving Latter-day Saint… . Let us … radiate to others the joy, confidence, love, and warmth of being part of the true Church of Christ.
Our discipleship is not something to be endured with long face and heavy heart. Nor is it something to be jealously clutched to our bosoms and not shared with others …
Remember, too often our behavior is a bigger deterrent to others than is our doctrine.
(M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, Oct. 1999, 62.)