Isaiah 26:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

In that day {H3117} shall this song {H7892} be sung {H7891} in the land {H776} of Judah {H3063}; We have a strong {H5797} city {H5892}; salvation {H3444} will God appoint {H7896} for walls {H2346} and bulwarks {H2426}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day this song will be sung in the land of Y'hudah: "We have a strong city! He has built walls and ramparts for our safety.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; salvation will he appoint for walls and bulwarks.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 26:1 introduces a triumphant song, destined to be sung in the land of Judah during a future era of divine intervention and restoration. This prophetic declaration expresses profound confidence in God, who Himself is portrayed as the impregnable defense of His people, establishing His salvation as the unassailable walls and bulwarks of their "strong city." The verse encapsulates a vision of ultimate security and peace, founded not on human might or fortifications, but entirely on the sovereign power and saving work of the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the opening of a poetic section (Isaiah 26) that immediately follows a powerful declaration of God's universal judgment and ultimate victory over the nations in chapters 24-25. Isaiah 24 vividly depicts global desolation, while Isaiah 25 celebrates God's triumph over death and His provision of a lavish feast for all peoples. Therefore, Isaiah 26 functions as a communal song of praise and confident trust by God's redeemed people, sung *after* the great judgments and *in* the glorious era of His established kingdom. The "song" (שִׁיר, _shîyr_) is a recurring literary device in Isaiah, often signaling a thematic shift or expressing a collective response to God's mighty acts, particularly celebrating deliverance or future hope.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a "strong city" with "walls and bulwarks" held immense significance in the ancient Near East. Cities were the foundational centers of population, commerce, and defense, with their strength directly correlated to the robustness of their fortifications. Jerusalem itself, frequently referred to as the "city of God," had endured numerous sieges and periods of destruction, rendering the promise of an impregnable city particularly poignant and comforting to its inhabitants. The phrase "In that day" (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא, _bayyôm hahûʼ_) is a classic prophetic idiom, pointing not to a specific calendar day but to a divinely appointed, eschatological era when God's ultimate purposes would be fully realized, often encompassing both judgment and salvation. For Judah, a nation that often succumbed to the temptation of relying on human alliances and military strength, this song powerfully redirects their trust entirely to God as their ultimate and only source of security.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Isaiah. It fundamentally underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, as God is the orchestrator of the appointed "day" and the one who sovereignly "appoints" salvation. It highlights **God's Faithfulness and Deliverance**, presenting Him as the ultimate source of security and refuge for His people, particularly after periods of divine judgment and potential exile, a theme beautifully echoed in passages like [Isaiah 12](/isaiah/12 "Isaiah 12 - A Song of Praise for God's Salvation"). The vivid imagery of the "strong city" speaks directly to the theme of **God's Dwelling Place and Kingdom**, where His people reside in perfect peace and safety under His righteous rule, anticipating the glorious future described in [Isaiah 60](/isaiah/60 "Isaiah 60 - The Future Glory of Zion"). Finally, the emphasis on "salvation" as the very substance of protection reinforces the profound concept that **True Security is Spiritual**, derived solely from God's saving power rather than any humanly constructed fortifications, a truth central to the prophet's consistent message of trusting in the Lord alone (compare [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - In Quietness and Trust Is Your Strength")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** H3117. This term, while literally referring to a warm period or a 24-hour cycle, is used here figuratively as a "space of time defined by an associated term." In prophetic literature, "that day" signifies a specific, divinely appointed era—often the eschatological period of God's ultimate intervention, encompassing both judgment and salvation. It points to a decisive moment in history when God's kingdom will be fully established and His redemptive purposes brought to fruition.
* **salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** H3444. This feminine passive participle means "something saved" or "deliverance." It encompasses a broad range of meanings including aid, victory, prosperity, health, and welfare. Here, _yᵉshûwʻâh_ is personified as the very substance of the city's defenses, emphasizing that God's active, saving power is the tangible means of protection, not merely an abstract concept. It underscores the comprehensive nature of divine deliverance.
* **walls (Hebrew, _chôwmâh'_):** H2346. This term refers to a "wall of protection," specifically the fortified defensive structure of a city. Its root suggests "to join," implying a solid, unified barrier. In this verse, it represents the primary, unbreachable defense of the city, symbolically embodying God's protective presence and the security He provides.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah;":** This opening clause establishes the eschatological setting, pointing to a future, decisive period of God's intervention. The singing of a "song" signifies a communal, joyful, and confident response from the people of Judah, indicating a time of restoration and profound security after previous trials and judgments. It is a declaration of unwavering faith and praise for God's redemptive work.
* **"We have a strong city;":** This is the core declaration of the song. The "strong city" is not merely a physical fortress but represents the secure dwelling place of God's people, divinely established and maintained. Its strength is not derived from human construction or military might but from God's inherent power and abiding presence within it, providing absolute and unshakeable security against all adversaries.
* **"salvation will [God] appoint [for] walls and bulwarks.":** This clause reveals the divine source and nature of the city's strength. God Himself is the architect and builder, actively "appointing" or establishing His "salvation" as the very fortifications. This means that divine deliverance, comprehensive protection, and holistic welfare are the impenetrable defenses, far more effective and reliable than any humanly constructed walls or ramparts. It underscores that the security is spiritual, divinely guaranteed, and absolute.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 26:1 is rich in **Metaphor**, most notably in equating "salvation" with "walls and bulwarks." This powerful image transforms an abstract theological concept (salvation) into a tangible, protective barrier, emphasizing its concrete efficacy and impenetrable nature. The phrase "In that day" functions as a **Prophetic Idiom**, signaling an eschatological time of divine intervention and fulfillment, a common device throughout prophetic literature to point to God's ultimate plan for judgment and redemption. The entire verse is structured as a **Song**, a poetic form that allows for communal expression of faith, celebration, and confident trust, often found in response to divine acts of deliverance. This song also employs **Personification**, as salvation is depicted as an active agent, capable of being "appointed" and serving as defensive structures, further highlighting its dynamic and protective nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 26:1 profoundly articulates the theological truth that ultimate security resides solely in God. It decisively shifts the focus from human fortifications and military might to God's active and sovereign salvation as the true source of defense. This concept resonates throughout Scripture, where God is consistently portrayed as the refuge and strength of His people, their unshakeable rock and impregnable fortress. The "strong city" becomes a potent metaphor for the secure community of faith, protected by divine power and presence. This divine appointment of salvation as walls and bulwarks speaks to God's intentional, comprehensive, and unwavering provision for His people, ensuring their welfare and peace in the face of any threat, both physical and spiritual. It is a profound declaration of absolute trust in God's saving work and His unfailing faithfulness.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Is Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord Is a Strong Tower")
* [Zechariah 2:5](/zechariah/2-5 "Zechariah 2:5 - The Lord Will Be a Wall of Fire Around Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by pervasive uncertainty, fear, and a constant barrage of threats, Isaiah 26:1 offers a profound and unshakeable anchor for the soul. It calls believers to fundamentally shift their gaze from the shifting sands of human security—whether financial stability, political alliances, or military strength—to the unshakeable foundation of God's sovereign salvation. Our true "strong city" is not a physical location or earthly construct, but our spiritual position in Christ, where God Himself is our impenetrable and eternal defense. This verse invites us to live with a deep-seated, unwavering confidence, knowing that the Lord's saving power is our ultimate wall and bulwark against all spiritual attacks, worldly anxieties, and the very gates of hell. It encourages a life of continuous worship and absolute trust, where our song is one of praise for God's unfailing protection, allowing us to experience the "perfect peace" promised to those whose minds are steadfastly fixed on Him, because they trust in Him ([Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust in God")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "walls and bulwarks" you typically rely on for security in your life, and how might they compare to God's salvation as your ultimate defense?**
* **How does understanding God as your ultimate "strong city" transform your perspective on current anxieties, fears, or perceived vulnerabilities?**
* **In what practical ways can you actively "sing this song" of trust and confidence in God's protection in your daily life and interactions?**

### FAQ
**What does "In that day" mean in this context?**

Answer: "In that day" (Hebrew: _bayyôm hahûʼ_) is a common and significant prophetic idiom used throughout the Old Testament, particularly in books like Isaiah. It does not refer to a specific 24-hour period but rather to a divinely appointed, future era. This "day" is consistently associated with God's decisive intervention in history, encompassing both judgment upon the wicked and ultimate salvation and restoration for His people. In Isaiah 26:1, it points to a glorious, eschatological time after the judgments described in previous chapters, when God's kingdom will be fully established and His people will dwell in complete security under His perfect protection. It signifies the culmination of God's redemptive plan for His creation and His covenant people.

**Is the "strong city" a literal place or symbolic?**

Answer: While the imagery of a "strong city" with "walls and bulwarks" draws from the literal experience of ancient fortified cities, in Isaiah 26:1, it is primarily symbolic. It represents the secure dwelling place of God's redeemed people, a spiritual reality more profound and enduring than any physical location. Its strength comes not from human engineering or military might but from God Himself, who "appoints" His salvation as its impenetrable defenses. This symbolic city embodies the peace, safety, and unwavering protection that God provides for all who trust in Him. It serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the New Jerusalem, described in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth"), which is a divine city whose ultimate security is God's presence and whose light is the Lamb.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 26:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "strong city" whose walls are salvation is not merely a metaphor for ancient Judah, but a prophetic glimpse of the spiritual reality of God's kingdom established through Christ. Jesus Himself is our ultimate "strong city," the refuge and fortress for all who believe, as beautifully declared in [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord Is My Rock, My Fortress, and My Deliverer"). His finished work on the cross and His glorious resurrection constitute the "salvation" that God "appointed" as our impenetrable "walls and bulwarks." Through His victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, Christ has provided a salvation that is both comprehensive and eternal. Believers are now "in Christ," dwelling in an unshakeable spiritual reality where God's saving power is their constant and absolute defense. The song sung "in that day" is now sung by the church, the body of Christ, as we anticipate His glorious return and the full establishment of the New Jerusalem, a city whose light is the Lamb ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb Is Its Lamp")), and whose gates are never shut because there is no night there ([Revelation 21:25](/revelation/21-25 "Revelation 21:25 - The Gates of the City Will Never Be Shut")). He is our peace, our security, and our eternal dwelling place ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 60:18

Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

Isaiah 62:11

Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

Zechariah 2:5

For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

Ephesians 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Isaiah 27:1

¶ In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that [is] in the sea.

Isaiah 27:2

In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine.