Isaiah 3:26

KJV

And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she [being] desolate shall sit upon the ground.

KJV (with Strong's)

And her gates {H6607} shall lament {H578} and mourn {H56}; and she being desolate {H5352} shall sit {H3427} upon the ground {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Her gates will lament and mourn; ravaged, she will sit on the ground.

Berean Standard Bible

And the gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground.

American Standard Version

And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she shall be desolate and sit upon the ground.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 3:26 delivers a stark and climactic prophecy of Jerusalem's future desolation, portraying a city so utterly devastated that its very gates participate in a profound lamentation. This vivid imagery depicts the complete stripping away of the city's glory, vitality, and dignity, leaving it desolate and reduced to a posture of extreme grief and humiliation, sitting upon the ground as a symbol of utter defeat and despair. It serves as a powerful culmination of the divine judgments pronounced against Judah for its pervasive sin and rebellion against God, underscoring the severe consequences of covenant disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 3:26 serves as the somber climax of a cascading series of divine judgments pronounced against Judah and Jerusalem, particularly within the broader prophetic oracle spanning chapters 2-5 of Isaiah. The preceding verses meticulously detail the removal of all societal pillars—from wise leaders and judges to the basic provisions of sustenance, leading to societal collapse and anarchy (see [Isaiah 3:1-7](/isaiah/3-1-7 "Isaiah 3:1-7 - Removal of Leaders and Provisions")). This is followed by a scathing indictment of Jerusalem's moral decay, where the people's words and deeds are openly rebellious against the Lord (as seen in [Isaiah 3:8-12](/isaiah/3-8-12 "Isaiah 3:8-12 - Rebellion and Oppression")), and the elders and princes are condemned for oppressing the poor (cf. [Isaiah 3:13-15](/isaiah/3-13-15 "Isaiah 3:13-15 - God's Case Against the Elders")). The prophet then turns his attention to the haughty and extravagant women of Jerusalem, whose pride and vanity will be met with severe humiliation and loss (prophesied in [Isaiah 3:16-24](/isaiah/3-16-24 "Isaiah 3:16-24 - Judgment on the Daughters of Zion")), culminating in the lament and desolation of the city's men (described in [Isaiah 3:25](/isaiah/3-25 "Isaiah 3:25 - Men Slain by the Sword")). Thus, Isaiah 3:26 brings the judgment full circle, depicting the city itself—its very infrastructure and public life—as mourning the catastrophic consequences of its inhabitants' sin, signifying a complete and inescapable ruin that leaves no aspect untouched.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered during the tumultuous 8th century BC, a period marked by relative prosperity for Judah under kings like Uzziah and Jotham, yet simultaneously characterized by increasing moral decay, social injustice, and widespread idolatry. Jerusalem, as the capital and spiritual heart of the nation, was meant to be a beacon of righteousness and justice, but it had become deeply corrupted. Culturally, "gates" in ancient Near Eastern cities were far more than mere entrances; they were bustling centers of public life, commerce, legal proceedings, social interaction, and defense. Their lamentation therefore signifies the complete cessation of all civic life and the pervasive nature of the impending sorrow. Furthermore, "sitting upon the ground" was a widely recognized cultural idiom for profound grief, humiliation, and destitution, often adopted by mourners, captives, or those in utter despair. This posture vividly conveyed a complete loss of status, power, and comfort, underscoring the severity of the judgment and the abject state of the city.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 3:26 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, demonstrating that God's righteous character demands a response to persistent sin and rebellion, as depicted in passages like [Isaiah 3:8-9](/isaiah/3-8-9 "Isaiah 3:8-9 - Jerusalem's Rebellion Against God"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Desolation and Humiliation**, portraying the utter stripping away of Jerusalem's glory and dignity, a theme powerfully echoed in the prophetic lament over the city's destruction, such as in [Lamentations 1:1](/lamentations/1-1 "Lamentations 1:1 - Jerusalem's Solitude and Sorrow"). Thirdly, it emphasizes **Profound Mourning and Lamentation**, as the city itself grieves its fate, a sorrow that finds parallels in other prophetic warnings like [Jeremiah 14:2](/jeremiah/14-2 "Jeremiah 14:2 - Judah's Gates Languish"). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates the **Consequences of Sin**, serving as a stark reminder that moral and spiritual decay inevitably leads to severe and devastating outcomes, reinforcing the timeless biblical principle that "righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (as stated in [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness and Sin")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gates (Hebrew, _pethach'_ H6607):** Derived from the root meaning "to open," this word denotes an opening, door, or entrance way. In the context of ancient cities, gates were not merely points of entry but vital centers of civic life, commerce, legal proceedings, and social interaction. They symbolized the city's strength, prosperity, and public identity. The personification of "gates" lamenting signifies that the very essence and public life of the city will cease, replaced by pervasive sorrow and an inability to function, indicating a complete breach of its defenses and vitality.
* **desolate (Hebrew, _nâqâh'_ H5352):** A primitive root meaning "to be clean" or "to make clean," but in an adverse, figurative sense, it implies "to be bare," "to be extirpated," or "to be emptied." In Isaiah 3:26, it vividly describes Jerusalem as being stripped of its inhabitants, its wealth, its glory, and its very essence, leaving it barren and void. This desolation is not merely physical emptiness but a profound spiritual and social void resulting from divine judgment, signifying a complete and utter abandonment.
* **sit (Hebrew, _yâshab'_ H3427):** This primitive root primarily means "to sit down," but also extends to "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." In this context, "to sit upon the ground" is a powerful idiomatic expression in the ancient Near East. It signifies a posture of extreme humiliation, defeat, and destitution, indicating a complete loss of status, power, and comfort. For a city, it means being reduced to the lowest possible state, stripped of its dignity and brought to utter despair, unable to stand or rule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And her gates shall lament and mourn":** This phrase employs striking personification, attributing profound human emotions and actions (lamenting, mourning) to inanimate objects (the city's gates). It powerfully conveys the depth and pervasiveness of the impending sorrow. Gates, typically vibrant centers of life, commerce, and justice, will instead echo with cries of grief, symbolizing the utter collapse of public life and the pervasive nature of the city's desolation. The use of two synonymous verbs ("lament" and "mourn") intensifies the imagery, emphasizing the overwhelming and universal nature of the city's grief.
* **"and she [being] desolate":** This clause directly refers to Jerusalem (the "she"), emphasizing its state of utter emptiness and ruin. The term "desolate" (H5352, _nâqâh'_) implies being stripped bare, emptied, or laid waste. It highlights the complete removal of its inhabitants, its wealth, its glory, and its very essence, leaving it barren and void. This state of desolation is presented as the direct and inevitable consequence of the judgments previously detailed in the chapter, a city abandoned by its people and its divine protector.
* **"shall sit upon the ground":** This is a powerful and universally understood ancient Near Eastern idiom for profound grief, defeat, and humiliation. It signifies a complete loss of status, power, and comfort, being reduced to the lowest possible state. It is a posture of utter despair and surrender, underscoring the severity of Jerusalem's downfall and the complete stripping away of its former dignity and pride. This image vividly portrays the city as a defeated, humiliated figure, stripped of all strength and majesty.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 3:26 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of judgment and desolation. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the city's "gates" are depicted as actively "lamenting and mourning," attributing profound human emotions and actions to inanimate objects. This device vividly communicates the overwhelming and pervasive nature of the sorrow that will engulf Jerusalem, suggesting that even its very infrastructure will grieve its ruin. **Imagery** is also central, painting a stark and vivid picture of desolation: the mournful gates, the emptied city, and the humiliating posture of "sitting upon the ground." This visual language evokes strong emotional responses, allowing the audience to grasp the depth of the impending catastrophe. Furthermore, **Hyperbole** is present in the intensity of the mourning, emphasizing the extreme nature of the judgment. While not literal, the idea that gates themselves would express grief underscores the unprecedented level of despair. Finally, there is an element of **Metonymy**, where "her gates" stand in for the entire city and its people, signifying that the judgment will affect every aspect of Jerusalem's existence and its inhabitants, from its public life to its very foundations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 3:26 stands as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering justice and the inevitable consequences of covenant disobedience. It underscores that God, in His holiness and righteousness, cannot tolerate unrepentant sin and rebellion, especially from His chosen people. The desolation described is not arbitrary but a direct and righteous response to Judah's deep moral corruption, pervasive social injustice, and spiritual apostasy. This prophecy serves as a stark reminder that divine privilege does not exempt from accountability; rather, it intensifies it. The lamentation and humiliation are the painful fruit of a people who have forsaken their covenant obligations and pursued pride and self-reliance instead of God's righteous ways. Ultimately, it reveals a God who, though patient and merciful, will bring about judgment to uphold His righteous character and to call His people back to Himself, even through severe chastening that strips away all false security and pride.

* [Lamentations 2:10](/lamentations/2-10 "Lamentations 2:10 - Elders of Zion Sit on the Ground")
* [Jeremiah 14:2](/jeremiah/14-2 "Jeremiah 14:2 - Judah's Gates Languish")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Isaiah's prophecy was specifically directed at ancient Judah, its underlying principles resonate powerfully across all generations and contexts. This verse serves as a sober reminder that persistent sin, pride, and societal injustice inevitably lead to devastating consequences, both for individuals and for communities. It challenges us to examine the spiritual health of our own "gates"—our public institutions, our cultural values, the integrity of our families, and the very fabric of our society. Are they vibrant centers of righteousness, justice, and compassion, or are they beginning to "lament and mourn" due to moral decay and a departure from God's standards? The image of "sitting upon the ground" is a profound call to humility, urging us to recognize our utter dependence on God and to shun the arrogance and self-sufficiency that so often precede a fall. This prophecy is not merely a historical account of judgment but a timeless warning intended to provoke introspection, genuine repentance, and a renewed commitment to living in accordance with God's righteous ways, lest we, too, experience a form of spiritual or societal desolation. It prompts us to consider where we might be building on sand rather than on the solid rock of God's truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our contemporary society, or even our own spiritual lives, exhibit signs of the "desolation" described in Isaiah 3:26, such as a loss of joy, purpose, or moral clarity?**
* **How can we, as individuals and communities of faith, actively work to prevent our "gates" (our spheres of influence, our public witness) from lamenting and mourning, and instead ensure they are places of life, justice, and righteousness?**
* **What specific areas of pride, injustice, or spiritual apathy in our lives or communities might be leading us to a posture of "sitting upon the ground," and what steps can we take toward genuine repentance and restoration in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why are "gates" personified as lamenting in this verse?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cities, gates were far more than simple entrances. They were the nerve centers of urban life—places where justice was administered, commerce thrived, public announcements were made, and social life unfolded. They also represented the city's strength, security, and prosperity. By personifying the gates as "lamenting and mourning," Isaiah conveys the utter collapse of all civic functions and the pervasive nature of the sorrow. It signifies that the very essence of public life, order, and prosperity has ceased, replaced by an overwhelming and universal grief that permeates every part of the city, even its inanimate structures. This powerful imagery emphasizes the totality of the impending judgment and the complete cessation of what once made Jerusalem vibrant and secure.

**What does "sitting upon the ground" signify in this context?**

Answer: "Sitting upon the ground" was a widely understood and powerful cultural idiom in the ancient world, particularly in the Near East. It symbolized extreme grief, profound humiliation, utter defeat, and destitution. It was a posture adopted by mourners, captives, and those who had lost everything, signifying a complete stripping away of status, power, and comfort. For a city like Jerusalem, once glorious and proud, to be described as "sitting upon the ground" means it has been reduced to the lowest possible state, stripped of its dignity and brought to utter despair. This imagery is echoed in other biblical laments, such as when Job's friends sat with him on the ground in mourning ([Job 2:13](/job/2-13 "Job 2:13 - Job's Friends Sit in Mourning")), or in the profound sorrow depicted in [Lamentations 2:10](/lamentations/2-10 "Lamentations 2:10 - Elders of Zion Sit on the Ground"), where the elders of Zion sit on the ground in silence, reflecting the city's abject state.

**Is this prophecy only about ancient Jerusalem, or does it have broader relevance?**

Answer: While Isaiah 3:26 is historically specific to the impending judgment upon ancient Jerusalem and Judah due to their unfaithfulness and sin, its underlying theological and moral principles possess profound and enduring relevance. The verse serves as a timeless testament to God's unchanging character of justice, His demand for righteousness, and the inevitable consequences of persistent rebellion against His ways. It illustrates that moral decay, social injustice, and spiritual apostasy—whether in an individual life, a community, or a nation—will ultimately lead to a form of "desolation" or judgment. Thus, the prophecy functions as a universal warning and a call to repentance, reminding all people that God holds them accountable for their actions and that true flourishing comes only through obedience to His divine order. The patterns of sin and their consequences, as seen in Jerusalem, are applicable to all who turn away from God's truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desolate gates and the humiliated city of Jerusalem in Isaiah 3:26 find their ultimate theological fulfillment and reversal in Jesus Christ. The judgment pronounced upon Jerusalem for its sin foreshadows the universal judgment that humanity, in its deep sinfulness, rightly deserves. Humanity, apart from God, is spiritually desolate, "sitting upon the ground" in the shame and defeat of its rebellion against a holy God. However, Jesus, the Son of God, willingly entered into this state of human desolation. He became the ultimate "man of sorrows" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Man of Sorrows")), bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and its consequent judgment on the cross. He was stripped of His dignity, humiliated, and brought low, effectively "sitting upon the ground" of human sin and suffering, so that we might be lifted up and reconciled to God.

Furthermore, Jesus Himself lamented over Jerusalem, weeping over its impending destruction because it did not recognize the time of its visitation ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")), thus embodying the very sorrow and lamentation that Isaiah prophesied. Yet, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ transforms the desolation. He offers not judgment for those who believe, but abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")), and His victory over sin and death means that those who trust in Him are no longer condemned to "sit upon the ground" in despair. Instead, they are raised to new life and given a place in the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, where the "gates" are never shut ([Revelation 21:25](/revelation/21-25 "Revelation 21:25 - Gates Always Open")), signifying open, eternal access to God's presence, and where "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). Thus, the lamenting gates of Isaiah 3 are ultimately replaced by the welcoming, glorious gates of Christ's eternal kingdom, a testament to His redemptive power.

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

Lamentations 2:10

¶ The elders of the daughter of Zion sit upon the ground, [and] keep silence: they have cast up dust upon their heads; they have girded themselves with sackcloth: the virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground.

Jeremiah 14:2

Judah mourneth, and the gates thereof languish; they are black unto the ground; and the cry of Jerusalem is gone up.

Lamentations 1:4

The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she [is] in bitterness.

Job 2:13

So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that [his] grief was very great.

Job 2:8

And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.

Luke 19:44

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Ezekiel 26:16

Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at [every] moment, and be astonished at thee.