Isaiah 26:2

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

Translations

Modern
Open the gates so a righteous nation may enter—one that remains faithful.
Traditional
Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.
Literal
Open the gates, that a righteous nation may enter in—one keeping faith.
Latin
Aperite portas, et ingrediatur gens justa, custodiens veritatem.

Original

Hebrew
English
Open the gates so a righteous nation may enter—one that remains faithful.

Notes

Open access is given to all who, like God and his Messiah, are righteous and faithful. The citizens of true Zion are committed to the Lord.

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.

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.

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

Glossary

Isaiah, Book of

Topics

Gates of Salvation Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of Blessing and Restoration