Keraia
Isaiah 26

Isaiah 26:1

A Song of Salvation · Isaiah 26:1–21
Read Isaiah 26

Translations

Modern
In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; salvation is established as its walls and ramparts.
Traditional
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.
Literal
In that day, will be sung this song in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; He sets salvation for walls and a rampart.
Latin
In die illa cantabitur canticum istud in terra Juda: Urbs fortitudinis nostræ Sion; salvator ponetur in ea murus et antemurale.

Original

Hebrew
English
In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; salvation is established as its walls and ramparts.

Notes

Isaiah 26:1

  • The city refers to Zion, the eternal city of God, where the Lord is present to protect and bless his people (see Isaiah 1:8, 27; see also Psalm 46). Zion stands in direct contrast with the "fortified towns" of the nations (Isaiah 25:2; 26:5), which are helpless and reduced to "a heap of rubble."

  • The walls of God's salvation protectively enclose his people. No one can harm them again.

Isaiah 26:1–6

The new community of God’s people is likened to the citizens of a city, securely held together by the Lord. They are righteous, faithful, peaceful, and trusting.

Isaiah 26:1–21

This part of the Little Apocalypse (see study note on Isaiah 24:1–27:13) is a song of praise and a prayer for salvation.

Isaiah 24:1–27:13

This section is often called the Little Apocalypse. It is given this name because it has similarities to the book of Revelation.

In these chapters, Isaiah moves from his present time into a vision of the future. The language is broad and universal. Because of this, it is difficult to connect the events to one specific historical situation.

These chapters are not meant to provide a detailed timeline of future events. They are not a historical blueprint. Instead, Isaiah uses vivid images to describe a dramatic future world that is both similar to and different from the present.

The vision includes elements of both the old age and the new age. For example, the people of Zion are described as righteous (new), yet they still wait for their full redemption (old). This pattern fits with the New Testament teaching that the future age has already begun but has not yet fully arrived (2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 1:4).

Peter wrote that believers were already living in the last days (1 Peter 1:12; 2 Peter 3:3). At the same time, he said that the final day of the Lord is still future (2 Peter 3:10). These passages show that the present age and the future age overlap.

Events

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Isaiah, Book of

Topics

Bulwark: Figurative Faith: Exemplified God: Saviour Holy Land: Called: Land of Judah Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of Blessing and Restoration Psalms of Isaiah Salvation: Illustrated by Walls and Bulwarks Walls of Salvation