Isa 26:3 | KingComments | STEP | This chapter consists for the most part of the song that the delivered remnant will sing when it enters the millennial peace and blessing. The song is also called: the song of the two cities. In this song the contrast is painted between Jerusalem and Babylon, or Rome, under whose power she suffered. From now on it is not Babylon, but Jerusalem, which may be called “strong city”. Only redeemed people can sing a song of redemption. Angels are never found singing in the Bible – not even in the fields of Ephrathah at the birth of the Lord Jesus. The first time there is a song in the Bible it is the song of Moses, after Israel is delivered from Egypt ( ). Here, in Isaiah 26, we find another song of redemption. The whole land is called “Judah” ( ), because all the power and reign of the Jewish faithful remnant are concentrated in Judah. Jerusalem is “a strong city”, whereby that city does not derive its strength from man, but in which instead of stone walls God’s security is the strength that will serve the city for eternal protection (cf. ; ). It is a strong city because the strong God is there. Judah will sing about that. It is no longer “I”, as in the previous chapter, but “we”, together as a people. The millennial realm of peace is full of singing. The church should also be characterized by singing. The remnant of Israel, that is, the ten tribes realm that was scattered throughout the world, but is now delivered and converted to the Messiah, is “the righteous people” ( ; ). Jerusalem is presented here as a still sparsely populated city, of which the gates open to let those who come from the ends of the earth into the city ( ), just as they have opened to let in the Messiah ( ). This entry will happen under the sinning of the faithful remnant of the two tribes realm. applies to the members of the delivered nation. It describes their characteristic. They have trusted the LORD and will continue to trust Him, they will be steadfast in their trust. Therefore they have perfect peace, inner peace. What is translated as “perfect peace” is literally “peace, peace” or peace that is truly peace (cf. ). This applies at all times to those who, instead of being overwhelmed by the difficulties or giving in to the pressure of spiritual enemies and people’s opposition, put their trust in the Lord and direct their thoughts and senses to Him. The resulting peace is not obtained by appropriating it, but is given by God Himself ( ). It is the peace that marked Christ in His life on earth and of which He says: “My peace I give to you” ( ), which means: ‘The peace that is Mine I give to you.’

‏ Isaiah 26:3

Introduction

This chapter consists for the most part of the song that the delivered remnant will sing when it enters the millennial peace and blessing. The song is also called: the song of the two cities. In this song the contrast is painted between Jerusalem and Babylon, or Rome, under whose power she suffered. From now on it is not Babylon, but Jerusalem, which may be called “strong city”.

The Song of the City of Jerusalem

Only redeemed people can sing a song of redemption. Angels are never found singing in the Bible – not even in the fields of Ephrathah at the birth of the Lord Jesus. The first time there is a song in the Bible it is the song of Moses, after Israel is delivered from Egypt (Exo 15:1). Here, in Isaiah 26, we find another song of redemption.

The whole land is called “Judah” (Isa 26:1), because all the power and reign of the Jewish faithful remnant are concentrated in Judah. Jerusalem is “a strong city”, whereby that city does not derive its strength from man, but in which instead of stone walls God’s security is the strength that will serve the city for eternal protection (cf. Isa 60:18; Zec 2:5). It is a strong city because the strong God is there. Judah will sing about that. It is no longer “I”, as in the previous chapter, but “we”, together as a people. The millennial realm of peace is full of singing. The church should also be characterized by singing.

The remnant of Israel, that is, the ten tribes realm that was scattered throughout the world, but is now delivered and converted to the Messiah, is “the righteous people” (Isa 26:2; Isa 60:21). Jerusalem is presented here as a still sparsely populated city, of which the gates open to let those who come from the ends of the earth into the city (Psa 118:20), just as they have opened to let in the Messiah (Psa 24:7-10). This entry will happen under the sinning of the faithful remnant of the two tribes realm.

Isa 26:3 applies to the members of the delivered nation. It describes their characteristic. They have trusted the LORD and will continue to trust Him, they will be steadfast in their trust. Therefore they have perfect peace, inner peace. What is translated as “perfect peace” is literally “peace, peace” or peace that is truly peace (cf. Isa 57:19).

This applies at all times to those who, instead of being overwhelmed by the difficulties or giving in to the pressure of spiritual enemies and people’s opposition, put their trust in the Lord and direct their thoughts and senses to Him. The resulting peace is not obtained by appropriating it, but is given by God Himself (Phil 4:6-7). It is the peace that marked Christ in His life on earth and of which He says: “My peace I give to you” (Jn 14:27), which means: ‘The peace that is Mine I give to you.’