In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.
Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:
For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.
The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.
The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.
Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.
With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the Lord.
Lord, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.
Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.
O Lord our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.
They are dead, they shall not live; they are deceased, they shall not rise: therefore hast thou visited and destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish.
Thou hast increased the nation, O Lord, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified: thou hadst removed it far unto all the ends of the earth.
Lord, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them.
Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O Lord.
We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.
Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.
For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.
Isaiah 26 is a powerful song of hope and trust in the Lord, nestled within a larger section (Isaiah 24-27) that envisions God's ultimate judgment on wickedness and the establishment of His kingdom. This chapter shifts between a future celebration of God's victory and the present realities of Isaiah's time, offering both praise for God's deliverance and a call for Him to execute justice. It acknowledges Israel's past failings and suffering, yet anticipates the resurrection and ultimate triumph of God's people. In essence, Isaiah 26 encapsulates the enduring themes of judgment, redemption, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity, resonating with believers across generations.
The Strong City of Salvation (Isaiah 26:1-4)
The song opens with a triumphant declaration about the "strong city" of God's salvation. Isaiah 26:1 proclaims, "In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: 'We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks.'" In ancient times, city gates were vital for both entry and defense. The image of "walls and bulwarks" emphasizes the impregnable nature of this city, suggesting that entry is only possible through deliberate invitation. This city represents Jerusalem, the future capital of Christ's kingdom, a haven for the redeemed.
Isaiah calls for the gates to be opened to the righteous nation, those who remain faithful (Isaiah 26:2). He then reminds the people that God grants "perfect peace" to those whose minds are steadfastly focused on Him (Isaiah 26:3). This peace isn't just for the future kingdom; it's a present reality for all who align their thoughts with God's spiritual truths. The prophet urges believers to trust in the Lord forever, for He is the "everlasting Rock" (Isaiah 26:4), our secure foundation in an ever-changing world. The ambitions of selfish sinners will crumble, but the LORD himself is an everlasting rock!
The Humbling of the Proud (Isaiah 26:5-9)
In stark contrast to the city of the righteous, Isaiah describes the fate of the world system and its arrogant inhabitants. Isaiah 26:5-6 speaks of a "lofty city" – one seemingly secure and untouchable, perhaps perched high on a mountainside. However, the Lord will bring it down. Like Obadiah's prophecy against the Edomites (Obadiah 1:3-4, 19-21), who trusted in their mountain fortresses, Isaiah declares that even the most seemingly impenetrable strongholds are no match for God's judgment.
Isaiah, speaking in the prophetic past tense, reveals that even the poor and powerless will trample upon this once imposing city of worldliness and those who used it to oppress others. This reversal of earthly fortunes continues in Christ's kingdom. Although God’s people may have trials, he will smooth out the path of the righteous (Isaiah 26:7). Those who desire and long for his agenda will see good results (Isaiah 26:8-9).
The Lord removes obstacles and dangers that confront those who disregard Him. The natural consequences of sin serve as warnings, guiding sinners toward truth (Proverbs 19:25; Romans 2:4). While the life of believers isn't necessarily easier (John 16:33), it's free from spiritual perils. God's people patiently await the Lord's actions on the paths He has prepared. Isaiah's soul yearns for the Lord, recognizing that the world will only learn righteousness when God judges wickedness. He understands that the wicked won't change simply through the threat of divine justice.
The Stubbornness of the Wicked (Isaiah 26:10-11)
Isaiah laments the tragic reality that the wicked often refuse to learn righteousness, even when shown God's favor (Isaiah 26:10). God's kindness is intended to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4), but many stubbornly reject this path.
These verses likely served as a warning to Isaiah's contemporaries in Judah, many of whom exemplified this very attitude. A recurring theme in the prophetic books is Israel and Judah's persistent pursuit of sin, despite God's repeated warnings through His messengers. It takes a particular kind of blindness to ignore God's work all around us, but Judah refused to turn back to the Lord, unwilling to abandon their evil ways. Consequently, they would not be saved from judgment because they didn't want to be saved. And so they would fall to God’s consuming fire (26:11; see Heb 12:29).
Praise for Deliverance and Growth (Isaiah 26:12-15)
The song returns to praise, as the redeemed in the kingdom exalt God for the peace they enjoy and their deliverance from oppressive earthly rulers (Isaiah 26:12-13). This oppression will never recur, for these evil rulers are dead and forgotten (Isaiah 26:14). The righteous, however, will flourish and grow under Christ's kingdom rule (Isaiah 26:14-15), a testament to God's promise to increase His people for His glory.
Distress and Resurrection (Isaiah 26:16-21)
Isaiah acknowledges the distress brought upon Israel and Judah by the Lord's discipline. This discipline, again, is intended to draw them back to Him. The people respond by seeking Him and whispering prayers (Isaiah 26:16). Their suffering is intense, likened to a woman in labor (Isaiah 26:17). Yet, their pain yields no victory; they fail to deliver the earth from the suffering inflicted by other nations. This failure stems from their lack of faithfulness to the Lord (Isaiah 26:18).
However, hope remains. Isaiah offers a clear promise of resurrection for the righteous: "Your dead will live; their bodies will rise" (Isaiah 26:19). Those who belong to the Lord, even in death, will be raised to new life. God’s people need only to go into their rooms and wait for a little while as God completes his wrath on the earth (26:20). This should have been a strong encouragement to Isaiah’s readers to stay true to the Lord. No rebellion will go unpunished; God will set the records straight.
For now, they are called to remain safe and hidden while God pours out His fury to punish evildoing. All death and bloodshed will be exposed by the Lord's judgment (Isaiah 26:21). This promise of future resurrection and justice provides comfort and encouragement to those facing hardship, reminding them that God's ultimate victory is assured.
Isaiah 26 is a timeless song that speaks to the heart of faith. It reminds us to trust in God's unwavering strength, even amidst trials and uncertainties. It calls us to fix our minds on Him, finding perfect peace in His presence. And it assures us that even in death, there is hope of resurrection and eternal life with the Lord.
In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.
Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:
For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.
The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.
The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.
Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.
With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the Lord.
Lord, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.
Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.
O Lord our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.
They are dead, they shall not live; they are deceased, they shall not rise: therefore hast thou visited and destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish.
Thou hast increased the nation, O Lord, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified: thou hadst removed it far unto all the ends of the earth.
Lord, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them.
Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O Lord.
We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.
Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.
For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.
Isaiah 26 is a powerful song of hope and trust in the Lord, nestled within a larger section (Isaiah 24-27) that envisions God's ultimate judgment on wickedness and the establishment of His kingdom. This chapter shifts between a future celebration of God's victory and the present realities of Isaiah's time, offering both praise for God's deliverance and a call for Him to execute justice. It acknowledges Israel's past failings and suffering, yet anticipates the resurrection and ultimate triumph of God's people. In essence, Isaiah 26 encapsulates the enduring themes of judgment, redemption, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity, resonating with believers across generations.
The Strong City of Salvation (Isaiah 26:1-4)
The song opens with a triumphant declaration about the "strong city" of God's salvation. Isaiah 26:1 proclaims, "In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: 'We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks.'" In ancient times, city gates were vital for both entry and defense. The image of "walls and bulwarks" emphasizes the impregnable nature of this city, suggesting that entry is only possible through deliberate invitation. This city represents Jerusalem, the future capital of Christ's kingdom, a haven for the redeemed.
Isaiah calls for the gates to be opened to the righteous nation, those who remain faithful (Isaiah 26:2). He then reminds the people that God grants "perfect peace" to those whose minds are steadfastly focused on Him (Isaiah 26:3). This peace isn't just for the future kingdom; it's a present reality for all who align their thoughts with God's spiritual truths. The prophet urges believers to trust in the Lord forever, for He is the "everlasting Rock" (Isaiah 26:4), our secure foundation in an ever-changing world. The ambitions of selfish sinners will crumble, but the LORD himself is an everlasting rock!
The Humbling of the Proud (Isaiah 26:5-9)
In stark contrast to the city of the righteous, Isaiah describes the fate of the world system and its arrogant inhabitants. Isaiah 26:5-6 speaks of a "lofty city" – one seemingly secure and untouchable, perhaps perched high on a mountainside. However, the Lord will bring it down. Like Obadiah's prophecy against the Edomites (Obadiah 1:3-4, 19-21), who trusted in their mountain fortresses, Isaiah declares that even the most seemingly impenetrable strongholds are no match for God's judgment.
Isaiah, speaking in the prophetic past tense, reveals that even the poor and powerless will trample upon this once imposing city of worldliness and those who used it to oppress others. This reversal of earthly fortunes continues in Christ's kingdom. Although God’s people may have trials, he will smooth out the path of the righteous (Isaiah 26:7). Those who desire and long for his agenda will see good results (Isaiah 26:8-9).
The Lord removes obstacles and dangers that confront those who disregard Him. The natural consequences of sin serve as warnings, guiding sinners toward truth (Proverbs 19:25; Romans 2:4). While the life of believers isn't necessarily easier (John 16:33), it's free from spiritual perils. God's people patiently await the Lord's actions on the paths He has prepared. Isaiah's soul yearns for the Lord, recognizing that the world will only learn righteousness when God judges wickedness. He understands that the wicked won't change simply through the threat of divine justice.
The Stubbornness of the Wicked (Isaiah 26:10-11)
Isaiah laments the tragic reality that the wicked often refuse to learn righteousness, even when shown God's favor (Isaiah 26:10). God's kindness is intended to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4), but many stubbornly reject this path.
These verses likely served as a warning to Isaiah's contemporaries in Judah, many of whom exemplified this very attitude. A recurring theme in the prophetic books is Israel and Judah's persistent pursuit of sin, despite God's repeated warnings through His messengers. It takes a particular kind of blindness to ignore God's work all around us, but Judah refused to turn back to the Lord, unwilling to abandon their evil ways. Consequently, they would not be saved from judgment because they didn't want to be saved. And so they would fall to God’s consuming fire (26:11; see Heb 12:29).
Praise for Deliverance and Growth (Isaiah 26:12-15)
The song returns to praise, as the redeemed in the kingdom exalt God for the peace they enjoy and their deliverance from oppressive earthly rulers (Isaiah 26:12-13). This oppression will never recur, for these evil rulers are dead and forgotten (Isaiah 26:14). The righteous, however, will flourish and grow under Christ's kingdom rule (Isaiah 26:14-15), a testament to God's promise to increase His people for His glory.
Distress and Resurrection (Isaiah 26:16-21)
Isaiah acknowledges the distress brought upon Israel and Judah by the Lord's discipline. This discipline, again, is intended to draw them back to Him. The people respond by seeking Him and whispering prayers (Isaiah 26:16). Their suffering is intense, likened to a woman in labor (Isaiah 26:17). Yet, their pain yields no victory; they fail to deliver the earth from the suffering inflicted by other nations. This failure stems from their lack of faithfulness to the Lord (Isaiah 26:18).
However, hope remains. Isaiah offers a clear promise of resurrection for the righteous: "Your dead will live; their bodies will rise" (Isaiah 26:19). Those who belong to the Lord, even in death, will be raised to new life. God’s people need only to go into their rooms and wait for a little while as God completes his wrath on the earth (26:20). This should have been a strong encouragement to Isaiah’s readers to stay true to the Lord. No rebellion will go unpunished; God will set the records straight.
For now, they are called to remain safe and hidden while God pours out His fury to punish evildoing. All death and bloodshed will be exposed by the Lord's judgment (Isaiah 26:21). This promise of future resurrection and justice provides comfort and encouragement to those facing hardship, reminding them that God's ultimate victory is assured.
Isaiah 26 is a timeless song that speaks to the heart of faith. It reminds us to trust in God's unwavering strength, even amidst trials and uncertainties. It calls us to fix our minds on Him, finding perfect peace in His presence. And it assures us that even in death, there is hope of resurrection and eternal life with the Lord.