Isaiahchapter 26

21 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 419 cross-references outward and receives 429 — heaviest partner: Isaiah.

Chapter summary

In that day a song rises in the land of Judah: "we have a strong city," salvation appointed for walls, gates opened to the righteous nation that keeps faith. Jehovah keeps in perfect peace the mind stayed on him — an everlasting rock — while the lofty city is laid low for the feet of the poor to tread. The singers confess desiring him in the night, since his judgments teach the world's inhabitants righteousness; other lords have ruled them, but those dead will not rise. Israel's labor has brought forth only wind, "we have not wrought any deliverance" — yet verse 19 answers: "Thy dead shall live; my dead bodies shall arise," dust-dwellers waking to sing. A closing summons sends the people into their chambers for a little moment while Jehovah comes forth to punish the earth, which discloses her blood.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Prophecy · Isaiah — see the Isaiah overview for the book's full setting.

1 In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; salvation will he appoint for walls and bulwarks.

2 Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth faith 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 Jehovah for ever; for in Jehovah, even Jehovah, is an everlasting rock.

5 For he hath brought 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 that art upright dost direct the path of the just.

8 Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Jehovah, have we waited for thee; to thy name, even to thy memorial name, is the desire of our soul.

9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee earnestly: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.