Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 26

Verses 1-4

ISAIAH - CHAPTER 26

A SONG OF PRAISE FOR REDEMPTION

Vs. 1-4: AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF DIVINE PROTECTION

1. "In that day", an expression used repeatedly in this section, is "the day of the Lord" wherein His mighty purpose is brought to its glorious climax, (Isaiah 24:21; Isaiah 25:9; Isaiah 26:1; Isaiah 27:1-2; Isaiah 27:12-13).

2. It is, preeminently, a day of salvation, (Isaiah 12:2; Isaiah 49:26; Isaiah 35:4; Jeremiah 23:6; Jeremiah 30:7; Ezekiel 37:23).

3. Jerusalem, the strong, righteous, faithful "city of habitation", and "city of the Great King" (Isaiah 1:26; Psalms 107:7; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 48:1-3), is set in contrast to "the city of the nations" (Isaiah 25:3); the saving strength of Jehovah will be the only "wall and bulwark" that she needs.

4. A redeemed Israel, whose heart is now truly devoted to Jehovah in loving loyalty, is "the righteous nation" - though it will later be seen that a multitude "from every kindred, tongue, tribe and nation" will be engrafted, by faith, into this sphere and blessedness of covenant fellowship, (1 Peter 2:7-12; Acts 15:14-18; Romans 9:22-27; Revelation 5:9-10; Revelation 7:9-10).

5. "Perfect peace" describes the blessedness of the trusting soul:

"Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blest -Finding, as He promised, Perfect peace and rest", (vs. 12; Psalms 72:3; Psalms 72:7; John 14:27).

6. Thus, the admonition of verse 4: "Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting (Rock of Ages) strength", (Isaiah 12:2; Isaiah 50:10; Psalms 18:1-2; Isaiah 17:10; Isaiah 30:29; Isaiah 44:6-8; Deuteronomy 32:4; Deuteronomy 32:15).

Verses 5-11

Vs. 5-11: THE JUDGMENT OF OPPRESSORS GIVES HOPE TO GOD’S PEOPLE

1. Divine judgment upon the oppressors of His people is adequate reason for trusting in the Lord; positive proof of His mighty strength, (vs. 5; Acts 17:30-31).

2. The poor and needy are permitted to share in the judgment and humiliation of "them that dwell on high" - "the lofty city" being a reference to Babylon, (vs. 5-6; Isaiah 28:3; comp. Isaiah 3:14-15; Isaiah 11:4; Isaiah 29:19).

3. In the way of uprightness the Lord directs the path of the just - imparting to them His own character, (vs. 7; Proverbs 3:3-5; Isaiah 57:1-2; Isaiah 42:16; Isaiah 52:12; Psalms 25:4-5; Romans 3:23-28; Romans 5:1-2).

4. God always honors the patience of those who, recognizing His wise counsels and holy purposes, and concerned for the honor of His name (Isaiah 12:4; Isaiah 24:15; Isaiah 25:1; Exodus 3:15), await His time for acting in their behalf, (vs. 8; Isaiah 51:4-6; Isaiah 54:1; Isaiah 40:31; Isaiah 49:23; La 3:25-26).

5. In the night of her trouble and distress Israel has desired the protecting arm of her estranged lover, (Psalms 77:2-3; Psalms 78:34); in the coming morning (as the "day of the Lord" begins to dawn), she will seek Him early, (vs. 9a; Psalms 59:16; Psalms 63:1; Hosea 5:15; Hosea 6:3; Matthew 6:33).

6. When the Lord’s judgments are made manifest, the nation will come to worship Jehovah, (Revelation 15:4; Zephaniah 3:8-20; Zechariah 14:16).

7. Some, even in face of the overwhelming display of God’s judgments against sin and rebellion, will refuse to honor His majesty - dealing wrongfully with His elect, (vs. 10; 32:6-7; John 5:37-38).

8. Though they do not want to see (Isaiah 5:12; Isaiah 44:9; Isaiah 44:18), they will recognize the uplifted hand of Jehovah, in the zealous defense of His people, to their own shame and eternal ruin, (Isaiah 59:17-19; comp. Isaiah 5:25; Isaiah 9:18-19; Isaiah 10:17; Isaiah 66:15; Isaiah 66:24).

Verses 12-21

Vs. 12-21 REJECTING THE SOVEREIGNTY OF ALL OTHERS, THE HOLY PEOPLE PLEDGE THEIR PERPETUAL DEVOTION TO THEIR REDEEMER

1. As the consummation of His great mercy, the Lord will ordain lasting peace for all who have abandoned themselves to Him - that He may accomplish His own perfect will through them, (vs. 12; see on vs. Isaiah 3; Isaiah 29:23; Isaiah 60:21; Isaiah 64:8 Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Corinthians 12:6; 1 Corinthians 15:10;. Hebrews 13:20-21).

2. Throughout "the times of the Gentiles" the people of God have been oppressed by various tyrants, but the Lord has always intervened in their behalf so as to win their eternal loyalty, love and praise, (vs. 13).

3. Their former tormenters are overthrown, perished and forgotten (vs. 14); but, the righteous nation has been increased, and her borders extended, to the glory of God, (vs. 15; Isaiah 9:3; Isaiah 33:17; Isaiah 33:20-22; Isaiah 54:2-3).

4. Verses 16-18 describe the agony of the nation, under the tyrannical hand of the Man of Sin, as they recognize their utter helplessness to save themselves; they have failed.

5. Pictured as dead, verse 19 views their resurrection to a new and vibrant life (restored to fellowship with her Maker) in which they will be a blessing to others, (Ezekiel 37:1-4).

a. This resurrection is represented as the coming of a bright, sparkling and refreshing dew.

b. Here is fulfilled the assurance of God’s covenant - both to Abraham and to David - of triumph over death, (Genesis 15; 2 Samuel 7).

c. Resurrection is clearly associated with the coming of our Lord to establish His kingdom and rule the earth in righteousness, (Revelation 20:3; Revelation 20:5-6; Revelation 11:15-18; Matthew 24:29; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16).

6. A place of refuge will be provided for a godly remnant, who will form the nucleus of the restored nation, (vs. 20).

7. The full enjoyment of this purposed blessedness must wait "for a little moment" while divine wrath is poured upon the workers of iniquity, (vs. 21; Revelation 19:11-21).