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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Isaiah 26:1–4. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
To the prophecies of gospel grace very fitly is a song annexed, in which we may give God the glory and take to ourselves the comfort of that grace: In that day, the gospel day, which the day of the victories and enlargements of the Old Testament church was typical of (to some of which perhaps this has a primary reference), in that day this song shall be sung; there shall be persons to sing it, and cause and hearts to sing it; it shall be sung in the land of Judah, which was a figure of the gospel church; for the gospel covenant is said to be made with the house of Judah, Heb 8:8. Glorious things are here said of the church of God.
I.That it is strongly fortified against those that are bad (Isa 26:1):
We have a strong city. It is a city incorporated by the charter of the everlasting covenant, fitted for the reception of all that are made free by that charter, for their employment and entertainment; it is a strong city, as Jerusalem was, while it was a city compact together, and had God himself a wall of fire round about it, so strong that none would have believed that an enemy could ever enter into the gates of Jerusalem, Lam 4:12. The church is a strong city, for it has walls and bulwarks, or counterscarps, and those of God's own appointing; for he has, in his promise, appointed salvation itself to be its defence. Those that are designed for salvation will find that to be their protection, Pe1 1:4.
II.That it is richly replenished with those that are good, and they are instead of fortifications to it; for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, if they are such as they should be, are its strength, Zac 12:5. The gates are here ordered to be opened, that the righteous nation, which keeps the truth, may enter in, Isa 26:2. They had been banished and driven out by the iniquity of the former times, but now the laws that were made against them are repealed, and they have liberty to enter in again. Or, There is an act for a general naturalization of all the righteous, whatever nation they are of, encouraging them to come and settle in Jerusalem. When God has done great things for any place or people he expects that thus they should render according to the benefit done unto them; they should be kind to his people, and take them under their protection and into their bosom. Note,
1.It is the character of righteous men that they keep the truths of God, a firm belief of which will have a commanding influence upon the regularity of the whole conversation. Good principles fixed in the head will produce good resolutions in the heart and good practices in the life.
2.It is the interest of states to countenance such, and court them among them, for they bring a blessing with them.
III.That all who belong to it are safe and easy, and have a holy security and serenity of mind in the assurance of God's favour.
1.This is here the matter of a promise (Isa 26:3): Thou wilt keep him in peace, peace, in perfect peace, inward peace, outward peace, peace with God, peace of conscience, peace at all times, under all events; this peace shall he be put into, and kept in the possession of, whose mind is stayed upon God, because it trusts in him. It is the character of every good man that he trusts in God, puts himself under his guidance and government, and depends upon him that it shall be greatly to his advantage to do so. Those that trust in God must have their minds stayed upon him, must trust him at all times, under all events, must firmly and faithfully adhere to him, with an entire satisfaction in him; and such as do so God will keep in perpetual peace, and that peace shall keep them. When evil tidings are abroad those shall calmly expect the event, and not be disturbed by frightful apprehensions arising from them, whose hearts are fixed, trusting in the Lord, Psa 112:7.
2.It is the matter of a precept (Isa 26:4): "Let us make ourselves easy by trusting in the Lord for ever; since God has promised peace to those that stay themselves upon him, let us not lose the benefit of that promise, but repose an entire confidence in him. Trust in him for ever, at all times, when you have nothing else to trust to; trust in him for that peace, that portion, which will be for ever." Whatever we trust to the world for, it will be but for a moment: all we expect from it is confined within the limits of time. But what we trust in God for will last as long as we shall last. For in the Lord Jehovah-Jah, Jehovah, in him who was, and is, and is to come, there is a rock of ages, a firm and lasting foundation for faith and hope to build upon; and the house built on that rock will stand in a storm. Those that trust in God shall not only find in him, but receive from him, everlasting strength, strength that will carry them to everlasting life, to that blessedness which is for ever; and therefore let them trust in him for ever, and never cast away nor change their confidence.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
(Chapter 26, Verse 1) On that day, this song will be sung in the land of Judah: Our strong city, the Savior will set it as a wall and rampart. In that day, this song will be sung over the land of Judah: Behold, a strong city, our salvation will set up walls and bulwarks. When Moab is humbled and brought to the ground, and all the enemies of Christ are brought low, then this song will be sung in the land of Judah or Judea, which signifies both confession: that just as we have understood Zion and Jerusalem to be the heavenly city, so let us understand the confession of this city's region to be a heavenly confession. Finally, the saints unwilling to sing the song of Judah in a foreign land, say: How can we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land? (Ps. 136:4). I think this is the song that is also commanded to the saints in another place: Sing to the Lord a new song (Ps. 95:1). And this song will be the one that follows: The city of our strength is the Savior (Matthew 5). What city is this? It cannot be hidden, for it is situated on a mountain. It is written about this in another place: The rushing of the river makes glad the city of God (Psalm 46:4); and again: Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God (Psalm 87:2). The founder of this city is the one about whom the Father speaks: he built my city. Indeed, the Savior is the city of our strength, that is, Jesus. And in it will be placed a wall and a bulwark. The wall of good works, and the bulwark of right faith, so that it may be protected on both sides by a double defense. For it is not enough to have a wall of faith, unless that faith is confirmed by good works. This wall and this rampart or surrounding wall are built of living stones, which, according to the prophet, are rolled upon the earth. The term we render 'rampart' Symmachus has interpreted 'firmament,' so that the walls themselves may be surrounded by fortifications and ramparts and trenches and other walls, which in the construction of camps they are accustomed to call breastworks.
Hence, if they find anyone outside, they beat, wound and rob him by not believing in the true flesh of Christ that was nailed to the cross, from whom true blood flowed when pierced by a lance, and by not believing in the true God who bore a true soul and laid it down freely and raised it up freely. Isaiah prophesied about this city and, indeed, demonstrated with his finger, when he said, “Behold, our Savior is a strong city, fortified with walls and bulwarks.”
For this reason, it seems to me that the wall represents the people who are acquainted with the one omnipotent God, having been brought near to the Word of the Father, about whom Isaiah prophesied, saying, “The Savior is our strong city. A wall and a bulwark is established in him.” This indicates that Christ was shown to be equipped with a true soul and true flesh for the redemption of the world. But those who have already attained greater perfection, who are prepared to have their blood shed for the sake of his name, who by their own example offer unbelievers access to salvation, are compared with gates. For although the Word of God clothed himself with the nature of every human person for the liberation of the human race, it is nevertheless true that anyone becomes the wall or the gate of the prophesied city, that is of Christ, who, bearing God’s image and holding fast to the true faith, merits with his holy works to contain the Word himself, as he promised through the prophet: “I will dwell within them, and I will be their God.”
When Hezekiah, the king of Judah and son of Ahaz, was gravely ill and had learned of his coming death by the prophecy of Isaiah, he turned his face to the wall and wept bitterly. Immediately the Lord in his mercy not only averted the destruction of imminent death but also added fifteen years to the man’s life. Then, at last, Hezekiah sang this song. Hezekiah, a holy man who reigned at that time over all of Israel, displayed the Lord’s form: clearly he had every movement of body, soul and mind in subjection to himself, and he accepted the consequences of his infirmity and weakness. He knew without doubt through the prophetic message that the end of his life was approaching. For the longer we seem to live, the more indubitably is our future death foreknown to us. And if we turn our face to the wall when struck by the fear of death, that is, if we direct the vision of our hearts to the Savior, who is here represented by the wall because he is elsewhere called “a wall,” we will be saved, inasmuch as he saves the faithful who dwell within him from a great many attacks. “In the city of our strength,” says Isaiah, “is the Savior established as a wall and a fortress.” Behold, the Savior is said to be a wall.
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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. 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. 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).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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).
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "In that day" mean in this context?
"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?
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, 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. 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), and whose gates are never shut because there is no night there (Revelation 21:25). He is our peace, our security, and our eternal dwelling place (Ephesians 2:14).