Isaiah 26

2. Open ye the gates. A call from heaven.

the righteous nation which keepeth the truth. Characteristic of the ideal Israel: “righteous” in allegiance to God; “keeping truth,” lit., “faithfulness,” sincerity in every form.

3. Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, etc. Lit., “A [man of] fixed purpose Thou wilt guard in peace.” Decision for God and confidence in Him ensure true peace.

4 everlasting strength. Lit., “a Rock of ages,” i.e., “an everlasting Rock,” or Protector.

7. The way of the just, etc. Rather, “The way for the just is right (‘smoothness’—Delitzsch); Thou, Most Upright, dost make level the course of the just”; i.e., God makes a straightforward and prosperous course for the righteous.

9 in the night . . . early. Emblems taken from the darkness and the dawn. “In the night of affliction, and when the day begins to break.”

12 in us. Rather, “for us,” as R.V. The great works which Thou hast wrought for us assure us that Thou wilt give us peace.

14. Therefore. Rather, “For that purpose.”

15. Thou hadst removed, etc. Rather, “Thou hast extended for all the borders of the land”: a poetical description of the future increase and prosperity of the nation.

16 a prayer. Or, “whisper”; see 1 Sam. i. 13, 14.

18. We have as it were brought forth wind. This is a common metaphor for disappointment. When, instead of casting ourselves submissively upon Thy mercy, we struggled to deliver ourselves, we only aggravated our sufferings.

Neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen. Rather, as R.V. marg., “Neither have inhabitants of the world been born.”

19. Thy dead [men] shall live, etc. Rather, “Thy dead shall live; my corpse (i.e., the body of my people) shall arise.”

the dew of herbs. Some render, “a dew of lights,” light being a symbol of vitalising force. There may be an allusion to the reflection of the sun in the dews of morning.

cast out. Rather, “cast forth,” as R.V.: produce men to life.

21 her blood. That is, bloodshed; as in i. 15. See note on Psa. ix. 12; and comp. Gen. iv. 10; also Job xvi. 18. The many unjust deaths which had been occasioned by wars or oppression should now be reckoned for and avenged.