Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 26

This section is often called the Little Apocalypse. It is given this name because it has similarities to the book of Revelation.

In these chapters, Isaiah moves from his present time into a vision of the future. The language is broad and universal. Because of this, it is difficult to connect the events to one specific historical situation.

These chapters are not meant to provide a detailed timeline of future events. They are not a historical blueprint. Instead, Isaiah uses vivid images to describe a dramatic future world that is both similar to and different from the present.

The vision includes elements of both the old age and the new age. For example, the people of Zion are described as righteous (new), yet they still wait for their full redemption (old). This pattern fits with the New Testament teaching that the future age has already begun but has not yet fully arrived (2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 1:4).

Peter wrote that believers were already living in the last days (1 Peter 1:12; 2 Peter 3:3). At the same time, he said that the final day of the Lord is still future (2 Peter 3:10). These passages show that the present age and the future age overlap.

This part of the Little Apocalypse (see study note on Isaiah 24:1–27:13) is a song of praise and a prayer for salvation.

The new community of God’s people is likened to the citizens of a city, securely held together by the Lord. They are righteous, faithful, peaceful, and trusting.

• The city refers to Zion, the eternal city of God, where the Lord is present to protect and bless his people (see Isaiah 1:8, 27; see also Psalm 46). Zion stands in direct contrast with the "fortified towns" of the nations (Isaiah 25:2; 26:5), which are helpless and reduced to "a heap of rubble."

• The walls of God's salvation protectively enclose his people. No one can harm them again.

Open access is given to all who, like God and his Messiah, are righteous and faithful. The citizens of true Zion are committed to the Lord.

A perfect peace, marked by harmony, quietness, and confidence, is a benefit of the new creation.

Proud and arrogant people often praise themselves (see Isaiah 2:11–12), but God humbles them.

Justice finally occurs when the needy walk all over the ruins of the city where the proud have perished.

The godly pray for the end of oppression and the full establishment of God’s kingdom. Isaiah encouraged the godly to persevere as they wait for their final vindication and the resurrection of the body.

God will do what is right for those who follow his path, even if they suffer a bit longer (see Proverbs 24:16). One day, they will find peace and honesty (see Proverbs 2:8–9; 15:19).

• we wait for You (see Isaiah 26:3–4): Waiting means trusting in the Lord and hoping for his redemption.

• People demonstrate their commitment to God by obeying his laws; just saying it is not enough.

longs for You … seeks You: Compare Psalm 63:1.

God has shown kindness to those who do wrong. Even though they deserve judgment (see also Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9), he has been patient and forgiving and has blessed them. However, one day, time will run out.

• A raised fist shows anger and a threat of judgment (see also Isaiah 19:16).

• Fire was often an image for God’s judgment.

This verse is a confident expression of thanks for God’s blessings. In Isaiah’s time, during King Hezekiah’s prosperous reign, the borders of the nation of Israel were extended, and people gave glory to God for his great deeds.

While waiting for God's salvation (Isaiah 26:1), the faithful were in distress and longed for justice. They prayed under the weight of God's discipline. During Hezekiah's time, Judah was in distress when Sennacherib attacked and destroyed the entire nation except for Jerusalem.

The image of a pregnant woman in childbirth shows the nation's pain when Assyrian King Sennacherib attacked in 701 BC (see Isaiah 37:3).

Only God can give salvation and bring life (see Isaiah 59:9–15).

Your dead will live: There is hope for the remnant. Some hold the minimal interpretation that this means the people would be restored to the land after the exile in Babylon (see Ezekiel 37:11–12) or that the Lord would preserve Jerusalem (see Isaiah 29:4, 6–8).

More likely, it refers to the resurrection of the body from the grave (see Isaiah 25:7–8). The Old Testament says little about the resurrection, but this text anticipates more detailed discussion in the New Testament (see 1 Corinthians 15:12–58).

God will punish the wicked, so the faithful should go home and avoid trouble.

The wicked hold power now, but their oppressive rule will end on the day of the Lord's wrath. On that day, he will punish them for their sins.