The Prophet and His Day: Isaiah 1-39 - Free Bible Commentary

WORD AND PHRASE STUDYNASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 26:1-61In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:"We have a strong city;He sets up walls and ramparts for security.2Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter,The one that remains faithful.3The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,Because he trusts in You.4Trust in the LORD forever,For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.5For He has brought low those who dwell on high, the unassailable city;He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He casts it to the dust.6The foot will trample it,The feet of the afflicted, the steps of the helpless."26:1 “In that day” This refers to God visiting His creation. It can be for blessing or for judgment. Seefull note at 2:11.} “song” There are several songs in this literary unit (i.e., chapters 24-27).1. judgment, 23:15-182. judgment, 24:7-11worship, 24:14-163. thanksgiving and praise, 25:1,3,6,94. rejoicing, 26:1,195. rejoicing, 27:2The type of music/praise reflects the coming of YHWH in judgment or blessing (cf. Deuteronomy 27-28).} “We have a strong city” The city referred to in vv. 1-6, with the possible exception of v. 5, is God’scity, restored Jerusalem, which is symbolic of God’s restoration of all His earth. See D in Backgroundabove.} “He sets up walls and ramparts for security” These ramparts were earthen works which did notallow siege machines to reach the walls of the city. The PRONOUN refers to YHWH.The term “security” is literally “salvation” (BDB 446), see Special Topic at 33:2.26:2 “Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter” This refers to access to the holy city andthe temple (cf. 60:11,18; 62:10).The word “nation” (BDB 156) is usually used in a derogatory way referring to Gentiles, but here ithas a positive connotation referring to the faithful of Judah. Remember, context, context, context!} “The one that remains faithful” Verses 2-4 seem to be a play on the Hebrew word “faithful” or“trustworthy.” See Special Topic at 22:23. The verse emphasizes the continuance of faith by1. the Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE of “keeps” (BDB 1036, KB 1581)2. the PLURAL of “faith” (BDB 53)255