Isa 26:3-4 | 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 26:3-4

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.’

The LORD Paves the Way

Those who know the experience of Isa 26:3 can encourage others to always trust in the LORD (Isa 26:4). Such a person has come to know Him as the eternal rock (Deu 32:4a). Here he is more than the LORD, the God Who is faithful to the covenant. He is “GOD the LORD”, Yah Yahweh. This is the Name of the LORD from Isaiah 12 (Isa 12:2). The first time this Name is used is in connection with the revelation of His glory, when He Himself proclaims His Name there: “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth” (Exo 34:6).

This compassionate and gracious God is for Israel and for every believer “an everlasting rock”. He is not only the faithful God of the covenant, but also the compassionate and gracious God. Whoever builds his house of life on Him remains standing as if on a rock.

Isa 26:5 gives the reason to trust the LORD and the proof of His power. He casts down every resistance, no matter how high and great. By “those who dwell on high, the unassailable city” are meant Babylon and its inhabitants (Revelation 17-18). He gives His people, the remnant, “the afflicted” and “the helpless,” the strength to stand in that victory and to set foot on the opponents cast down (Isa 26:6).

The way of the righteous has been smoothed and he can now follow a levelled path (Isa 26:7). The smoothness of the way is determined by the sincerity of the one who walks on it. He himself determines its quality and structure. And in response the LORD levels the path. He removes the bends, as it were. The righteous goes the path that the true Righteous also goes, he walks in fellowship with Him. The God of the righteous is Himself the Righteous or the Upright One.

The word “smooth” is the translation of the Hebrew word yasar which means “righteous” or “upright”. It is also used for

1. God’s words: “For the word of the LORD is upright” [yasar]” (Psa 33:4);

2. God’s judgments: “And upright [yasar] are Your judgments” (Psa 119:137);

3. God’s ways: “For all His ways are just [yasar]” (Deu 32:4).

There is also a reference in God’s Word to a book with the title: “The book of Jashar [yasar]” (Jos 10:13; 2Sam 1:18). That is a title borrowed from Him Who is the Upright One.