Question 1

What does “We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls” mean?

Accepted Answer

The “strong city” is a picture of God’s people gathered under His care. Instead of thick stone walls, God Himself is their safety. His salvation is like walls and defenses around them. This reminds the people that real protection does not come from armies or buildings but from God rescuing and keeping them. It was meant to comfort those facing invasion and exile, so they would know that, in the end, God would bring them back and surround them with His saving care again.

Question 2

What does it mean that God keeps in perfect peace the mind stayed on Him?

Accepted Answer

“Perfect peace” speaks of deep, steady peace that does not depend on changing circumstances. A mind “stayed” on God is a mind fixed on Him, trusting His character and promises instead of being tossed around by fear. This verse teaches that God Himself guards the hearts of those who lean on Him. It does not mean life will be easy, but that in troubles, those who keep trusting God can know a quiet rest in their soul because they believe He is in control.

Question 3

Why does this passage speak of God bringing down the lofty city?

Accepted Answer

The “lofty city” stands for proud people and powers that lift themselves high and feel secure without God. The passage says God will bring such a city down to the dust. This shows that no human strength or proud nation can stand against Him. In the end, even the poor and needy, who seemed weak, will tread on what once looked so strong. It is a warning against pride and a comfort that God sees oppression and will act to overturn it in His time.

Question 4

What does this chapter teach about God’s judgments and righteousness?

Accepted Answer

Here, God’s judgments are not only punishments but also lessons. When His judgments are in the earth, people learn what is right. Affliction can wake people up and turn them back to God. At the same time, the passage shows that some remain stubborn: even when shown favor, the wicked “will not learn righteousness” and do wrong in a land of uprightness. So we see both sides: God uses hardship to teach and correct, yet some harden themselves, and for them, judgment ends in shame and loss.

Question 5

Why does it say that even with God’s favor the wicked will not learn righteousness?

Accepted Answer

This line shows how hard the human heart can become. God may show kindness, spare people, and give them time to turn back, but some still choose injustice. Even when they live in a place marked by God’s truth, they go on acting wrongly and refuse to see His glory. The passage uses this to explain why judgment finally comes. It is not because God has been harsh from the start, but because people have pushed away His patience and ignored both His goodness and His warnings.

Question 6

What is meant by ‘Thy dead men shall live… the earth shall cast out the dead’?

Accepted Answer

This part speaks hope into deep sorrow. God’s people felt like all their efforts had failed and that they were as good as dead among powerful enemies. Into this, God speaks of dead men living and those who dwell in dust waking and singing. The picture of dew on herbs suggests new life after a long winter. Many readers see here a glimpse of bodily resurrection, when God will raise His own from the grave, and a sure promise that death and defeat are not the final word for His people.

Question 7

Why are God’s people told to ‘enter into thy chambers’ and hide for a little moment?

Accepted Answer

This is tender language of protection. God calls His people to go into their “chambers,” like inner rooms, and shut the doors for a short time until His anger has passed. It pictures God sheltering them while He brings judgment on the earth for its sin. For the faithful, the call is to patient trust, not panic. They are to wait quietly, believing that God knows who are His, can hide them, and will bring them out again when His work of judgment is done.

Question 8

How does this passage give comfort to believers in times of trouble today?

Accepted Answer

This chapter speaks to anyone who feels surrounded by trouble, sin, or powerful wrong. It reminds us that God Himself is our strong city and that He gives perfect peace to those who lean on Him. It promises that proud evil will not stand forever and that God weighs the path of the just. Even when our efforts seem like “wind,” God can bring new life, and even death is not the end. In seasons of fear, we can take these words as an invitation to trust, wait, and rest in Him.

Question 9

What does this passage show about God’s character?

Accepted Answer

Here we see God as strong, just, and very kind. He protects His people like walls around a city, gives peace to those who trust Him, and carefully guides the path of the righteous. He also judges pride and stubborn evil, bringing down what seems unshakable. His judgments are meant to teach people what is right, yet He does not overlook ongoing rebellion. At the same time, He invites His people to hide in Him until wrath is past and promises that even the dead in dust are not forgotten.

Question 10

Why does the passage say the people’s efforts were like bringing forth wind?

Accepted Answer

The people compare themselves to a woman in labor who, after all the pain, gives birth to nothing but wind. It is a vivid way of saying, “We have tried, suffered, and struggled, but we have not brought the change we hoped for.” They had not brought deliverance in the earth or seen evil fall. This honest confession shows how weak human strength is. It sets the stage for God’s answer: He is the one who ordains peace, works in His people, and in the end raises the dead and finishes what they cannot.

Isaiah 26:1

In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.

A Song of Salvation

A Song of Salvation

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Isaiah 26:1

In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.

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A Song of Salvation

A Song of Salvation

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