Isaiah 26

¹ 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.

² Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.

³ Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

⁴ Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

⁵ 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.

⁶ The foot shall tread it down, [even] the feet of the poor, [and] the steps of the needy.

⁷ The way of the just [is] uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.

⁸ 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.

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ 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.

¹¹ 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.

¹² LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

¹³ O LORD our God, [other] lords beside thee have had dominion over us: [but] by thee only will we make mention of thy name.

¹⁴ [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.

¹⁵ 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.

¹⁶ LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer [when] thy chastening [was] upon them.

¹⁷ 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.

¹⁸ 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.

¹⁹ 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.

²⁰ 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.

²¹ 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.

Table of Contents

Overview of Isaiah Chapter 26

Isaiah 26 is a song of praise and a declaration of faith, reflecting the themes of trust in God, salvation, and the ultimate triumph of God’s people. The chapter is a response to the deliverance and protection that God provides, emphasizing the importance of reliance on Him in times of trouble.

Key Themes

Trust in God: The chapter opens with a proclamation of trust in the Lord as a stronghold and refuge.
Salvation: It emphasizes the concept of salvation, both spiritual and physical, as a gift from God.
Judgment and Justice: The chapter contrasts the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked, highlighting God’s justice.
Peace: The promise of peace is a recurring motif, illustrating the security that comes from faith in God.

Detailed Analysis

Verses 1-4: A Song of Salvation

The chapter begins with a declaration of a strong city, symbolizing the security found in God’s presence. The imagery of walls and bulwarks signifies protection and safety. The invitation to open the gates for the righteous to enter suggests that access to God is granted to those who are faithful.

The “strong city” represents the community of believers.
God is described as the “everlasting rock,” signifying His unchanging nature and reliability.
The call to trust in the Lord emphasizes reliance on divine strength rather than human power.

Verses 5-7: The Downfall of the Proud

In these verses, the text contrasts the fate of the proud and lofty with that of the humble and righteous. The pride of the wicked leads to their downfall, while the path of the righteous is made smooth by God’s guidance.

The “city of the proud” symbolizes human arrogance and self-sufficiency.
God’s judgment is portrayed as inevitable, leading to the ultimate destruction of the wicked.
The righteous are depicted as walking in a path that is aligned with God’s will, highlighting the importance of humility.

Verses 8-11: Longing for God’s Justice

The longing for God’s justice is expressed, with a recognition that the righteous desire to see God’s name exalted. The text acknowledges that God’s judgments lead to true righteousness and peace, contrasting the behavior of the wicked who do not learn from God’s actions.

The phrase “Your name and remembrance” indicates the significance of God’s character in the lives of the faithful.
The wicked’s failure to perceive God’s hand in history illustrates a spiritual blindness.
The longing for righteousness emphasizes the hope that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.

Verses 12-15: Acknowledgment of God’s Sovereignty

These verses reflect a recognition of God’s sovereignty over the nations and His role in the lives of His people. The acknowledgment of God’s provision and the blessings bestowed upon the faithful serve as a reminder of His grace.

God’s sovereignty is affirmed as the source of strength and peace for His people.
The blessings mentioned highlight the transformative power of God’s presence.
The imagery of growth and increase signifies the flourishing of God’s people under His care.

Verses 16-18: The Response of the People

The people express their distress and cries for help during times of trouble. They acknowledge their need for God’s intervention and recognize their own limitations. This section emphasizes the human condition and the need for divine assistance.

The acknowledgment of weakness and dependence on God is a key aspect of faith.
The reference to “as a woman with child” symbolizes the pain and struggle of waiting for deliverance.
The mention of “we have not brought salvation” highlights the inability of humanity to save itself.

Verses 19-21: Hope in Resurrection

The chapter concludes with a powerful declaration of hope, emphasizing the resurrection of the dead and the ultimate victory over death. This section serves as a promise of restoration and renewal for God’s people.

The imagery of the dead rising signifies hope beyond the grave.
The call to “come, my people” reflects an invitation to fellowship with God.
The promise of God’s judgment on the earth underscores His authority and the finality of His plans.

Conclusion

Isaiah 26 encapsulates the themes of trust, salvation, and the hope of resurrection. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people and the assurance that He will ultimately bring justice and peace. The chapter encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God’s promises even amidst challenges.

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Andrew

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