Isaiah 26

Isaiah 26:1

2. Judah’s Song to the Rock of Ages (Chap. 26)26:1-4 Back in the land, the restored remnant celebrates the life of faith and dependence. The city of God is in contrast to man’s city (Isa_24:10). The righteous nation (redeemed Israel) experiences the perfect peace that comes from leaning hard on Jehovah. Regarding verse 3 the celebrated American Baptist hymnwriter, Philip P. Bliss, used to say “I love this verse more than any other verse in the Bible, `Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.’” Moody tied v. 3 with v. 4 in the following words: “The tree of peace strikes its roots into the crevices of the Rock of Ages.” They realize at last that “in YAH, the LORD (Heb. YAHYHWH), is everlasting strength,” or “the Rock of Ages” (NKJV marg.). It was from this expression that Augustus Toplady got the idea for one of the greatest hymns in the English language, “Rock of Ages.” Seeking shelter in a cleft in a rocky crag during a violent thunderstorm, he wrote: Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Cleanse me from its guilt and power. While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyes shall close in death, When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment-throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee. 26:5, 6 Man’s proud civilization has been brought low to the point where the feet of the poor and needy trample down the lofty city. 26:7-15 Verses 7-19 seem to rehearse the prayers of the remnant when passing through the Tribulation. The Lord has smoothed the path for them and they have waited earnestly for Him to reveal Himself. Only when God acts in judgment will the wicked learn righteousness. God’s hand has been raised in readiness, but when it descends in fury they will be ashamed, and then there will be peace for Israel. The remnant has been ruled by many Gentile masters, but God is their true and only Lord. The nations that troubled Israel will not rise to trouble God’s people again. This verse does not deny the bodily resurrection of the wicked; it merely promises that the Gentile powers will never be restored. 26:16-19 But after Israel goes through travail similar to that of childbirth, which seemingly has accomplished nothing, the nation will enjoy a resurrection. Jehovah answers His people’s prayer with a definite promise of national restoration when the refreshing dew of herbs (the Holy Spirit) is poured out on the land. 26:20, 21 In the meantime, the Lord counsels the faithful remnant of His people to hide in secret chambers while He pours out His wrath on the apostate world.