Isaiah 26:6

KJV

The foot shall tread it down, [even] the feet of the poor, [and] the steps of the needy.

KJV (with Strong's)

The foot {H7272} shall tread it down {H7429}, even the feet {H7272} of the poor {H6041}, and the steps {H6471} of the needy {H1800}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is trampled underfoot by the feet of the poor, by the footsteps of the needy.

Berean Standard Bible

Feet trample it down— the feet of the oppressed, the steps of the poor.

American Standard Version

The foot shall tread it down; even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 26:6 powerfully declares God's righteous judgment and the dramatic reversal of fortunes He orchestrates, where the proud and oppressive are humbled, and the previously downtrodden are exalted. It portrays the metaphorical "lofty city" of human arrogance and power being utterly crushed by the very ones it once oppressed—the poor and the needy—underscoring God's unwavering commitment to justice and the vindication of His humble people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a prophetic "Song of Salvation" found in Isaiah 26, a chapter celebrating God's righteous judgment, the security of those who trust in Him, and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. Following the declaration in [Isaiah 26:4](/isaiah/26-4 "Isaiah 26:4 - Trust in the Lord Forever") to "Trust ye in the LORD for ever," the preceding verse, [Isaiah 26:5](/isaiah/26-5 "Isaiah 26:5 - God Humbles the Lofty City"), sets the stage by describing how God "bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low." Verse 6 continues this thought, specifying that "it" (the lofty city, representing oppressive human power and pride) will be trodden down. The imagery of the "foot" and "steps" of the poor and needy directly follows the description of God's humbling act, indicating their participation in the final, decisive victory over the forces of injustice. This sequence emphasizes divine initiative followed by the vindication and empowerment of the humble, solidifying the theme of God's righteous reversal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah's prophecies were delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, marked by the rising Assyrian and later Babylonian empires, which threatened and eventually conquered Judah. The "lofty city" can be understood as a symbol of any proud, oppressive human empire or system that exalts itself against God and His people, such as Assyria, Babylon, or even the corrupt elements within Judah itself. In the ancient Near East, the act of "treading down" or "trampling" was a vivid symbol of complete conquest, subjugation, and humiliation of a defeated enemy. This act was often performed by victors over the bodies or cities of the vanquished. The "poor" (Hebrew: *ʻânîy*) and "needy" (Hebrew: *dal*) were not merely those lacking material wealth, but often referred to the vulnerable, the oppressed, the marginalized, and frequently, the faithful remnant who relied solely on God amidst societal injustice and foreign domination. Their agency in treading down the oppressor would have been a profoundly counter-cultural and hope-instilling image for Isaiah's original audience, highlighting God's power to reverse human hierarchies.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Reversal and Justice**, where God actively intervenes in human affairs to dismantle systems of pride and oppression, ensuring that those who once exalted themselves are brought low. This demonstrates God's [sovereignty over human power structures](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. Another key theme is the **Vindication of the Oppressed**. The "poor" and "needy" are not passive victims but are empowered by God to participate in the overthrow of their oppressors, symbolizing their ultimate vindication and triumph. This echoes the broader biblical narrative of God's special care for the vulnerable, as seen in passages like [Psalm 140:12](/psalms/140-12 "Psalm 140:12 - God Upholds the Cause of the Afflicted") and [Psalm 10:17-18](/psalms/10-17-18 "Psalm 10:17-18 - The Lord Hears the Desire of the Humble"). Finally, the verse sharply contrasts **Humility vs. Pride**, reinforcing the biblical principle that [God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud"). The downfall of the "lofty city" and the exaltation of the humble serve as a stark warning and a profound promise of God's coming kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tread it down (Hebrew, _râmaç'_):** From H7429, this primitive root means "to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively); oppressor, stamp upon, trample (under feet), tread (down, upon)." The verb conveys a forceful, decisive, and complete subjugation. It implies not just walking over something, but actively crushing and destroying it, indicating the utter destruction of the "lofty city" and the thoroughness of the judgment.
* **foot/feet (Hebrew, _regel'_):** From H7272, referring to "a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step." The repetition of "foot" and "feet" emphasizes the physical action and the agents performing it. In this context, the feet are instruments of conquest and dominion, transforming from symbols of vulnerability (as the poor are often "trodden down") into instruments of righteous judgment, illustrating a dramatic role reversal.
* **poor (Hebrew, _ʻânîy'_):** From H6041, meaning "depressed, in mind or circumstances; afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor." This term describes the socio-economic and spiritual condition of those who are oppressed, humble, and often persecuted. Their designation as "poor" highlights their dependence on God and their vulnerable status, making their role in "treading down" the oppressor all the more remarkable and indicative of God's power working through the weak.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The foot shall tread it down,"**: This initial clause sets the scene for a decisive act of subjugation. "It" refers back to the "lofty city" mentioned in the preceding verse, symbolizing oppressive power and human arrogance. The "foot" here is initially presented as a general agent, but the following clauses immediately specify whose feet will perform this action, creating an immediate sense of anticipation and a dramatic reveal. This highlights the certainty of the city's downfall.
* **"even the feet of the poor,"**: This clause identifies the unexpected agents of this treading down. The "poor" (Hebrew: *ʻânîy*, H6041) are those who are afflicted, humble, or in a state of dependency. This is a profound reversal: those typically trodden *upon* are now the ones doing the treading. It highlights God's justice in empowering the marginalized to participate in the downfall of their oppressors, not through their own inherent strength, but through divine enablement and vindication.
* **"and the steps of the needy."**: This final clause reinforces and expands upon the identity of the agents. "Needy" (Hebrew: *dal*, H1800) refers to those who are weak, thin, or in a state of destitution. The "steps" (Hebrew: *paʻam*, H6471) emphasize the continuous, deliberate movement of conquest and occupation, implying a thorough and complete victory. The parallelism between "feet of the poor" and "steps of the needy" underscores the collective action of the humble and oppressed, demonstrating their complete and triumphant subjugation of the once-mighty "lofty city."

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 26:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine justice and reversal. **Symbolism** is central, with "the lofty city" representing human pride, oppressive power, and any entity that exalts itself against God, while "the poor" and "the needy" symbolize the humble, the oppressed, and God's faithful remnant. The act of "treading down" itself is a potent **metaphor** for complete conquest, humiliation, and destruction, drawing on ancient Near Eastern imagery of victory over a defeated foe. The verse also features strong **parallelism** between "the feet of the poor" and "the steps of the needy," which reinforces the identity of the agents and the nature of their action through synonymous phrasing. This parallelism creates a rhythmic emphasis on the unexpected role of the humble. Finally, the entire verse is an example of **inversion** or **reversal**, a common biblical theme where established power dynamics are dramatically overturned by divine intervention, highlighting God's justice in humbling the proud and exalting the lowly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 26:6 is a profound theological statement on God's character as a just and righteous sovereign who actively intervenes in human history to right wrongs. It reveals His unwavering commitment to upholding the cause of the oppressed and bringing down those who wield power unjustly. This divine reversal is not merely a political or social upheaval but a spiritual principle rooted in God's nature, demonstrating that true strength and enduring authority belong to Him alone. The verse assures believers that even when injustice seems to prevail, God's ultimate plan includes the vindication of His humble people and the complete overthrow of all systems that oppose His righteous rule, offering both comfort to the afflicted and a solemn warning to the proud. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming God's consistent character as the defender of the weak and the judge of the haughty.

* [Psalm 75:7](/psalms/75-7 "Psalm 75:7 - God Is the Judge")
* [Luke 1:52-53](/luke/1-52-53 "Luke 1:52-53 - Mary's Magnificat")
* [James 4:10](/james/4-10 "James 4:10 - Humble Yourselves Before the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 26:6 offers a powerful lens through which to view both our personal struggles and the broader injustices of the world. For those who feel marginalized, overlooked, or oppressed, this verse serves as a profound source of hope and encouragement. It reminds us that God sees our plight, hears our cries, and will ultimately act to bring justice. Our present circumstances do not define our ultimate destiny in God's kingdom. It invites us to cultivate a spirit of dependence on God, acknowledging our own spiritual "poverty" and "neediness" before Him, which is the very posture He exalts. Conversely, for those in positions of influence or power, it serves as a sobering warning against pride, arrogance, and the misuse of authority. It calls us to cultivate humility, to use our influence to uplift the vulnerable, and to align ourselves with God's heart for justice. The verse compels us to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, even when the scales of justice seem tipped against the innocent. It invites us to participate in God's work of justice in our own spheres, advocating for the poor and needy, knowing that our efforts, however small, contribute to His grand reversal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or the world do I see "lofty cities" of pride or oppression that need to be "trodden down" by God's justice?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of power and weakness, particularly in my own life or community, and how might I embrace a posture of spiritual "neediness"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to embody the spirit of the "poor and needy" – cultivating humility and advocating for the marginalized – in my daily life and sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**What does "the lofty city" represent in this context?**

Answer: "The lofty city" is a symbolic representation of any human power, institution, or system that exalts itself in pride and arrogance against God and His people. While it could refer to specific historical empires like Babylon or Assyria (which often oppressed Judah), it more broadly signifies human self-sufficiency, oppressive regimes, or any structure built on injustice and defiance of God's righteous standards. Its "loftiness" speaks to its perceived invincibility and its haughty disregard for divine authority, ultimately destined for divine judgment.

**How do the "poor" and "needy" tread down the city? Is this a call to violent revolution?**

Answer: This verse is not a call to violent revolution by the materially poor. Instead, it is a prophetic declaration of God's divine justice and reversal of fortunes. The "poor" (Hebrew: *ʻânîy*) and "needy" (Hebrew: *dal*) refer not just to economic status, but often to the humble, the afflicted, and the faithful remnant who rely on God. Their "treading down" of the lofty city is primarily an act orchestrated by God, where He empowers the weak and humble to witness and even participate in the downfall of their oppressors. This can manifest through divine judgment, the collapse of unrighteous systems, or the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom where the humble inherit the earth, as seen in [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the Meek"). It emphasizes God's power to use the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His great purposes, often through spiritual and moral triumph rather than physical force.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 26:6 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. The "lofty city" that is trodden down represents the kingdom of darkness, the powers of sin and death, and all human systems built on pride and rebellion against God. Jesus, though [rich, became poor for our sakes](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Jesus' Poverty for Our Riches"), identifying fully with the "poor and needy" of this world. He came not with worldly power or grandeur, but in humility, declaring [blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - The Beatitudes"). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ decisively "trod down" the spiritual forces of oppression, [disarming the powers and authorities and putting them to open shame](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). His victory ensures that those who are spiritually poor and needy, who humble themselves and trust in Him, are not only vindicated but become co-heirs with Him, participating in the ultimate triumph over all evil. The final, complete treading down of all opposing forces will occur at Christ's second coming, when [He will judge the world in righteousness](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World") and establish His eternal kingdom, where the humble truly inherit the earth and reign with 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

Romans 16:20

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.

Joshua 10:24

And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Zephaniah 3:11

In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.

Isaiah 25:10

For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill.

James 2:5

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Luke 1:51

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.