Isaiah 26:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Isaiah 26:1 opens a prophetic song of triumph and confidence, sung by God's people in a future "day" of restoration and ultimate security. This verse follows prophecies of divine judgment, setting the stage for a glorious declaration of God's faithfulness and protection for the righteous.

Context

This verse is part of a section in Isaiah often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27), which describes global judgment followed by God's salvation for His people. The phrase "In that day" is a common prophetic idiom referring to a future time of ultimate divine intervention, often associated with the Messianic age or the end times, when God's kingdom will be fully established. The song anticipates a period of peace and security for Judah, a stark contrast to the preceding descriptions of desolation and turmoil. It reflects the people's renewed trust in God after experiencing His judgment and deliverance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Security: The central message is that God Himself is the ultimate defense. The "strong city" is not fortified by human might but by divine power. This speaks to a spiritual and eternal security that transcends physical barriers.
  • Salvation as Protection: God's salvation (yeshu'ah in Hebrew) is personified as the impregnable "walls and bulwarks" of the city. This implies that true safety comes not from human defenses or strategies, but from God's active deliverance and preserving power.
  • Future Hope and Restoration: The song points to a future time when God's people will dwell in complete safety, free from fear of their enemies. It offers a powerful message of hope for those who trust in the Lord, promising a secure dwelling in His presence. This resonates with the promise of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, a city whose builder and maker is God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "salvation" here is yeshu'ah (or yesha), which conveys a sense of deliverance, victory, and welfare. By stating that God "appoints" this yeshu'ah as walls and bulwarks, the prophet emphasizes that God's saving act is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible, protective force. It is as solid and reliable as the strongest physical fortifications, yet infinitely more effective because it is divinely ordained and maintained.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 26:1 offers profound comfort and a call to trust. In a world filled with uncertainties and threats, this verse reminds us that our ultimate security is found in God's salvation through Jesus Christ. We are called to live with confidence, knowing that God Himself is our refuge and strength, our impenetrable defense against spiritual and worldly dangers. Just as the people of Judah would sing this song of trust, we too can find peace and rest in the knowledge that God's presence and saving power are our true "walls and bulwarks." This verse encourages us to place our faith not in human institutions or material possessions, but entirely in the Lord, who provides perfect peace to those whose mind is stayed on Him.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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