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

Again, it is uncertain if this is an individual being referred to or a national entity (cf. NRSV, JB,REB). It is somewhat similar to the problem in 24:13 (cf. Isa. 30:15). This idea of remaining faithfulcan be related to the concept of waiting on the Lord (cf. 25:9; 26:8). In the midst of judgment God’strue people still trust Him.26:3 “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace” Notice the covenantal aspect.1. The believer’s mind is stayed on YHWH (BDB 701, KB 759, Qal PASSIVE PARTICIPLE, butused in an ACTIVE sense, cf. I Chr. 29:18).2. YHWH keeps him/her (BDB 665 I, KB 718, Qal IMPERFECT, the covenant relationship hastwo participants, see Special Topic at 1:19).3. “Perfect peace” is a doubling of shalom (BDB 1022, cf. DSS). This doubling of words is verycommon in this section of Isaiah.} “he trusts in You” The word “trust” (BDB 105, KB 120, Qal PASSIVE PARTICIPLE) means “trust” inYHWH (cf. 12:2; 26:4; 36:15; 37:10; 50:10). Notice that the next verse has the same word as anIMPERATIVE. This is such an important theological concept of the need for a personal relationship withGod, not just obedience. Both are crucial!26:4 “Trust in the LORD forever” For the VERB (BDB 105, KB 120, Qal IMPERATIVE), see SpecialTopic at 22:23.The name for Deity in the first line of v. 4 is YHWH; in the second line a CONTRACTION Yah andYHWH, see Special Topic at 1:1.The term “forever” (BDB 723 I), first the PLURAL form and then the SINGULAR form (CONSTRUCT,cf 65:18; Ps. 83:18; 92:8). This construction, along with “everlasting” (BDB 761), used of YHWH,implies a personal relationship beyond this life (cf. vv. 14,19; Ps. 23:6).} “we have an everlasting rock” The word “rock” is a metaphor for God’s unchanging character (cf.Psa. 18:1, 2; Isa. 17:10; 30:29; 44:8).26:5 “the unassailable city” This may refer to the pride of Moab (cf. 25:10-12), particularly v. 12.Human pride and arrogance always result in Divine judgment.26:6 Here YHWH acts on behalf of His people. The concept of “trampling” links this with 25:10,which is God’s judgment on Moab that seems, in this context, to be a symbol of all human, sinful,rebellious society (similar to the use of Babylon in Revelation).Notice the different words that relate to the foot.1. VERB, “tramples” (BDB 942, KB 1245, Qal IMPERFECT)2. NOUN, “foot” (BDB 919, SINGULAR)3. NOUN, “foot” (BDB 919, PLURAL)4. NOUN, “steps” (BDB 821)This chapter has several doubled words, which is characteristic of the larger context.1. peace, v. 32. YHWH, v. 43. foot, v. 6Remember all the doubled VERBALS in chapters 24-27.1. “writhes,” BDB 615, KB 663, Qal PERFECT, 24:42. “ceases,” BDB 991, KB 1407, Qal PERFECT, 24:83. “drink,” BDB 1059, KB 1667, Qal IMPERFECT and PARTICIPLE, 24:94. “treacherously,” BDB 93, KB 108, Qal PARTICIPLE and PERFECT (twice), 24:165. “be trodden,” BDB 190, KB 218, Niphal PERFECT and INFINITIVE, 25:10256