Isaiah 26:5

KJV

¶ For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, [even] to the ground; he bringeth it [even] to the dust.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he bringeth down {H7817} them that dwell {H3427} on high {H4791}; the lofty {H7682} city {H7151}, he layeth it low {H8213}; he layeth it low {H8213}, even to the ground {H776}; he bringeth {H5060} it even to the dust {H6083}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he has humbled those in high places, levelling the lofty city, levelling it to the ground, laying it in the dust.

Berean Standard Bible

For He has humbled those who dwell on high; He lays the lofty city low. He brings it down to the ground; He casts it into the dust.

American Standard Version

For he hath brought down them that dwell on high, the lofty city: he layeth it low, he layeth it low even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 26:5 serves as a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to divine justice, particularly in the humbling of human pride and self-exaltation. Embedded within a prophetic song celebrating God's deliverance and the security of His people, this verse vividly portrays the inevitable downfall of those who elevate themselves or their creations in defiance of the Almighty, promising their complete abasement from the loftiest positions of power to utter insignificance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral component of a triumphant song of praise and unwavering trust in the Lord, situated in [Isaiah 26](/isaiah/26 "Isaiah 26 - A Song of Salvation and Trust"). The chapter commences with a vision of a "strong city" ([Isaiah 26:1](/isaiah/26-1 "Isaiah 26:1 - The Strong City of God"))—a powerful metaphor for God's redeemed people and His secure, righteous kingdom—which stands in stark contrast to the "lofty city" described in verse 5. The preceding verses emphatically underscore the profound peace and unshakeable security granted to those who place their trust in the Lord ([Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for the Trusting Heart")) and highlight the eternal, rock-like foundation of God's character ([Isaiah 26:4](/isaiah/26-4 "Isaiah 26:4 - Trust in the Lord Forever")). Verse 5 then functions as the theological bedrock for this trust, articulating *why* God's people can remain secure: He actively and decisively dismantles the very powers that oppose Him and oppress His covenant people. The broader song anticipates a future era of restoration and righteous judgment, likely with both immediate post-exilic and ultimate eschatological implications.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "lofty city" in Isaiah's prophetic discourse frequently alludes to the formidable, arrogant empires of the ancient Near East, such as Babylon or Assyria, which consistently posed existential threats to Israel. These dominant civilizations constructed magnificent, seemingly impregnable cities as concrete symbols of their immense might, self-sufficiency, and often, their unbridled hubris, frequently engaging in oppressive practices and boasting against the God of Israel. The concept of "dwelling on high" or being "lofty" was deeply intertwined with notions of immense power, unassailable security, and profound arrogance, vividly exemplified by the architectural marvels and military prowess of these empires. Isaiah's audience, having either experienced or anticipated the crushing oppression of such powers, would have found immense comfort, vindication, and hope in the divine promise that even the most formidable human constructs were utterly vulnerable to God's sovereign judgment. This prophetic declaration also resonates with the pervasive biblical theme of God's unwavering opposition to human pride, a recurring motif found throughout wisdom literature and the prophetic books.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 26:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that permeate both the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the **Sovereignty of God**, demonstrating His ultimate and unchallengeable control over human history and the destiny of nations, irrespective of their perceived strength or arrogance. No earthly power, however formidable, can withstand His divine decree. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, illustrating God's inherently righteous character in consistently bringing low the proud and exalting the humble. This principle is foundational to God's moral governance of the world, ensuring that unbridled arrogance and systemic oppression will not go unpunished. Finally, the verse profoundly reinforces the **Contrast Between Human Pride and Divine Humility**, a pervasive biblical motif. While humanity often endeavors to construct towering monuments to its own transient glory, God consistently demonstrates His omnipotence by dismantling such structures and exalting the lowly, a pattern vividly portrayed throughout the biblical narrative of God's dealings with both Israel and the nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **yâshab (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** Translated "dwell" (as in "them that dwell on high"), this primitive root signifies "to sit down," and by implication, "to dwell" or "to remain." In this context, it describes those who are settled in a position of perceived security and elevated status, implying a sense of permanence and unassailability in their lofty state. Their "dwelling on high" is not merely a physical location but a posture of pride and self-assuredness.
* **mârôwm (Hebrew, _mârôwm'_):** This word, translated "high" or "lofty," derives from the root meaning "to be high." It denotes altitude, an elevated place, or abstractly, elevation. Figuratively, it conveys a sense of elation, dignity, or haughtiness. Here, it describes both the physical elevation of the "lofty city" and, more significantly, the spiritual pride and arrogance of those who inhabit it and the system it represents, who have presumptuously exalted themselves against the divine.
* **shâphêl (Hebrew, _shâphêl'_):** Translated "layeth it low," this primitive root means to depress or sink, and figuratively, to humiliate or abase. Its powerful repetition in the verse ("he layeth it low; he layeth it low") emphasizes the absolute certainty, totality, and active nature of God's judgment. It signifies not a passive decline but a deliberate, forceful act of bringing down from a position of power and pride to one of utter lowliness and insignificance.
* **ʻâphâr (Hebrew, _ʻâphâr'_):** This term, rendered "dust," refers to powdered earth, clay, or ashes. It profoundly signifies the lowest possible state of humiliation, insignificance, and dissolution. To be reduced "even to the dust" is to return to a state of nothingness, echoing humanity's origin from dust and its ultimate return to it. Here, it vividly portrays the complete destruction and utter reduction of the once "lofty city" and its inhabitants, leaving no trace of its former glory or power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he bringeth down them that dwell on high;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine agent ("he," referring to the Lord) and His decisive action: actively humbling and bringing low those who occupy positions of perceived power, unassailable security, or self-exaltation. "Them that dwell on high" refers to individuals, nations, or systems characterized by profound pride and arrogance, who believe themselves to be beyond challenge or judgment.
* **"the lofty city, he layeth it low;":** This clause introduces a specific and symbolic target: "the lofty city." This is a powerful representation of any human construct—a kingdom, an empire, a political ideology, or a societal system—that embodies pride, self-sufficiency, and defiant opposition to God. The phrase "he layeth it low" reiterates God's decisive and intentional act of abasement, emphasizing the absolute certainty of its inevitable downfall.
* **"he layeth it low, even to the ground;":** The repetition of "he layeth it low" serves to intensify the declaration, underscoring the completeness and finality of the divine judgment. The addition of "even to the ground" specifies the extreme extent of the abasement, indicating a comprehensive demolition from its elevated, proud state to the most basic, foundational level of existence, signifying utter ruin.
* **"he bringeth it even to the dust.":** This concluding phrase provides the ultimate climax of the judgment, moving beyond mere "ground" to "dust." This signifies an even greater degree of destruction, dissolution, and insignificance. It implies utter desolation, reduction to nothingness, and a complete reversal of the initial "lofty" status, ensuring that no vestige of its former glory or power remains.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 26:5 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and reversal. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly evident in the phrase "he layeth it low," which is repeated twice. This repetition serves to emphasize the absolute certainty, deliberateness, and comprehensive nature of God's action, reinforcing the inevitability of the downfall of the proud. Closely related is **Climax** or **Intensification**, powerfully demonstrated in the escalating imagery of descent: from "on high" to "low," then "to the ground," and finally "to the dust." This vivid progression portrays a complete and utter reduction to destruction and insignificance, leaving no doubt about the finality of the judgment. The "lofty city" functions as a potent **Symbolism**, representing not merely a physical urban center but any human institution, empire, or individual characterized by pride, self-sufficiency, and defiance of God. This allows the prophecy to possess profound universal application, extending far beyond a specific historical context. Finally, the stark **Contrast** between the initial "high" and "lofty" state and the ultimate reduction "to the dust" dramatically highlights the radical reversal brought about by divine intervention, powerfully underscoring God's sovereign power to humble the proud and exalt the humble.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 26:5 stands as a profound theological statement on the very character of God as a righteous and active judge who consistently opposes human pride and exalts the humble. It reveals that the Lord is not a passive observer of human affairs but intervenes decisively in history to dismantle systems and individuals that presumptuously elevate themselves in defiance of His supreme sovereignty. This principle is a cornerstone of biblical theology, demonstrating that true security, lasting power, and enduring peace reside exclusively in God, not in human achievements, boasts, or self-sufficiency. The verse serves as both a solemn warning to the arrogant and a profound comfort to the oppressed, assuring them that God will ultimately rectify all injustice and bring His perfect, righteous kingdom to fruition, a kingdom where only His name is exalted and His justice prevails.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Luke 1:52](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52 - Mary's Song: He Has Brought Down the Mighty")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 26:5 offers timeless and profoundly relevant insights for both personal and communal life, compelling us to critically examine the true foundations of our security, confidence, and identity. It challenges us to confront any areas of personal pride, self-sufficiency, or arrogance, reminding us with divine clarity that true strength, enduring peace, and lasting significance emanate from humble reliance on God, not from our own achievements, perceived invincibility, or accumulated power. In a world that frequently celebrates and rewards power, wealth, and self-exaltation, this verse issues a divine call to cultivate profound humility, recognizing that all earthly glory is fleeting, transient, and ultimately subject to God's supreme authority. For those who feel marginalized, oppressed, or overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable powers and injustices, it provides profound hope and unwavering assurance that God sees every injustice and will, in His perfect timing and sovereign wisdom, bring down those who oppress and exalt themselves. Ultimately, this passage compels us to place our unreserved trust not in the transient, "lofty cities" of this fallen world, but in the eternal, unshakable, and righteous kingdom of God, whose foundations are secure forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be inadvertently constructing a "lofty city" of self-reliance, personal achievement, or pride, rather than cultivating humble and complete trust in God?**
* **How does the powerful promise of God bringing down the proud offer me profound comfort, challenge my current perspectives, or inspire deeper faith in my present circumstances?**
* **What concrete, practical steps can I intentionally take this week to cultivate a more profound spirit of humility, radical dependence on God, and genuine trust in His sovereign plan in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "the lofty city" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: "The lofty city" in [Isaiah 26:5](/isaiah/26-5 "Isaiah 26:5 - The Lofty City Brought Low") is a profoundly powerful and multi-layered symbol. It represents any human construct—be it a nation, an empire, a political system, a dominant ideology, or even an individual's personal ambition—that is characterized by profound pride, self-sufficiency, and defiant opposition to God's sovereignty. Historically, it could certainly refer to powerful, arrogant cities like Babylon or Assyria, known for their architectural grandeur, military might, and oppressive practices. Theologically, it stands for any earthly power or human endeavor that exalts itself "on high" and believes itself immune to divine judgment, standing in stark contrast to God's "strong city" ([Isaiah 26:1](/isaiah/26-1 "Isaiah 26:1 - The Strong City of God")), which is built upon divine righteousness, unwavering trust, and the eternal security of His presence.

**Is this prophecy only about nations, or does it apply to individuals too?**

Answer: While the immediate literary and historical context of [Isaiah 26:5](/isaiah/26-5 "Isaiah 26:5 - The Lofty City Brought Low") often points to the downfall of proud nations and empires, the profound theological principles embedded within the verse are universally applicable to individuals as well. The Bible consistently and unequivocally teaches that God actively opposes the proud and, conversely, extends His abundant grace to the humble, a timeless theme powerfully echoed in passages like [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") and [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud"). Therefore, any individual who exalts themselves in pride, relying solely on their own strength, wisdom, or accomplishments rather than on God's divine provision and guidance, falls squarely under the scope of this divine principle of abasement. In this broader sense, the "lofty city" can be seen as a powerful metaphor for the proud heart, the self-sufficient life, or any human endeavor built upon a foundation of arrogance rather than humble dependence on God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 26:5 finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the historical downfall of various proud earthly empires, but preeminently in the very person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the "lofty cities" of humanity boasted of their self-exaltation and perceived invincibility, Christ, though existing in the very form of God, "did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He, who was truly "on high" in divine glory, willingly and perfectly "brought himself low" in an unparalleled act of humility, thereby demonstrating the divine principle that true exaltation comes only through profound abasement. His sacrificial death on the cross was the ultimate act of self-humiliation, where the Son of God was literally "laid low, even to the ground, even to the dust" in a physical and spiritual sense, bearing the full weight of humanity's sin. Yet, it was precisely through this ultimate act of self-abasement that God "highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Christ embodies the complete reversal of human pride: He came not to build a lofty earthly city or empire, but to establish an eternal, unshakable kingdom founded upon humility, self-sacrificial love, and divine righteousness. His triumphant victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ultimately brings down the "lofty city" of Satan's dominion and all systems of human rebellion against God, demonstrating that the only enduring and truly exalting power is found in the humble, self-giving love of God revealed perfectly in Him. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to abase the proud and to eternally exalt the humble, inviting all humanity to enter His glorious kingdom through the path of repentance, humility, and faith in Him.

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

Revelation 18:2

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

Job 40:11

Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one [that is] proud, and abase him.

Job 40:13

Hide them in the dust together; [and] bind their faces in secret.

Jeremiah 51:37

And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwellingplace for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 51:25

Behold, I [am] against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.

Jeremiah 51:26

And they shall not take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but thou shalt be desolate for ever, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 13:11

And I will punish the world for [their] evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.