And I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse points not just to a future restoration but to a return to the fundamental integrity of leadership that marked the beginning of Israel's journey under figures like Moses and David. This isn't just about better rulers; it's about recovering a foundational, "first" quality of justice and faithfulness that characterized the ideal from the start.
And I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isaiah is addressing Jerusalem, a city that has fallen into deep corruption. He’s just lamented its spiritual harlotry, contrasting its current state with its former faithfulness and justice. Now, God promises to cleanse and restore the city, starting with its leadership.
Imagine a city drowning in corruption, where justice is a forgotten word. What does God promise to fix this?
In Isaiah 1:26, God doesn't just promise to clean up the mess; He promises to restore the very foundations of justice. He says, 'I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning.' This points to a deep desire for leaders who embody integrity and wisdom, echoing the ideals of Israel's early days under figures like Moses and Joshua. This wasn't just about changing faces in high places; it was about reinstating a standard of righteous governance that had been lost. The corruption had reached the top, with judges and counselors being part of the problem (Isaiah 1:23). God's promise signals a radical turnaround, bringing in leaders who would reflect His own character.
What happens when a city known for its sin is promised a complete identity makeover by God Himself?
The verse culminates in a powerful declaration: 'Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.' This isn't just a nickname; it's a prophetic unveiling of Jerusalem's redeemed identity. The corruption and unfaithfulness described earlier in Isaiah 1 (particularly verse 21, 'How the faithful city has become a harlot!') are contrasted with this future reality. God's restoration of righteous leadership is the catalyst for this transformation. When leaders and counselors operate with integrity, the entire city begins to reflect that character. It speaks to a future where God's people are known not for their failings, but for their faithfulness and the justice that flows from them, pointing towards the ultimate reign of Christ, the King of Righteousness.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
shaphat · Hebrew Noun
Individuals appointed to settle disputes, govern, and administer law, often acting under divine authority to reflect God's justice. In a covenantal context, they are expected to be godly leaders who maintain the moral standards of the law.
ya'ats · Hebrew Noun
Those who provide wisdom, guidance, and strategic counsel. In Scripture, true counsel is rooted in the fear of the Lord and adherence to His revealed word, distinguishing it from worldly or deceptive advice.
tsedaqah · Hebrew Noun
A state of moral rightness, conformity to God's standard, and integrity. It describes a character that is pleasing to God and a society that reflects His holiness and fairness.
emunah · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A quality of trustworthiness, stability, and adherence to truth. A faithful entity is one that keeps its covenant obligations and remains loyal to its commitments.
This prophecy speaks to a deep yearning for restored justice and faithfulness in leadership, a hope that resonates throughout Israel's history, from the ideal of Moses and David to the post-exilic reforms and ultimately pointing to the Messianic age.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Ministry Begins
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry in Judah, a time marked by political instability and spiritual decline. He confronts kings and people with God's judgment and offers a message of hope.
c. 734 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
Israel (Samaria) and Syria invade Judah, attempting to force King Ahaz into an alliance against Assyria. Isaiah advises Ahaz to trust God, not foreign powers.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, and its people are exiled. This event serves as a stark warning to Judah about the consequences of unfaithfulness.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah and besieges Jerusalem. Isaiah delivers prophecies of God's intervention and ultimate deliverance, despite the dire circumstances.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
Jerusalem and the Temple are destroyed by the Babylonians, and the Southern Kingdom of Judah is taken into exile. This fulfills many of the prophecies of judgment.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
The Persian Empire under Cyrus allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This marks the beginning of a new era for Judah.
This passage echoes Isaiah's promise of restoration, specifically mentioning that Jerusalem will be called 'The LORD is our righteousness' and will have righteous descendants, mirroring the idea of a 'city of righteousness'.
Ezekiel 43:7This verse describes God's presence in His house, promising that His 'most holy place' will no longer be defiled by the 'detestable things' of Israel, which aligns with Isaiah's vision of a purified and righteous city.
Psalm 89:14This psalm declares that righteousness and justice are the foundation of God's throne, directly supporting Isaiah's vision of Jerusalem being called the 'city of righteousness' and the 'faithful city' under God's renewed order.
Zechariah 8:3This passage describes God's return to Zion and His dwelling in Jerusalem, promising it will be known as the 'city of truth' and the 'holy mountain,' directly connecting to Isaiah's hope for a 'faithful city'.
barnesIsaiah 1:26: "And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellers as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city."
And I will restore ... - That is, I will give you such judges as the nation had in former days - in the times of Moses, Joshua, etc. Most of the charges in this chapter are against the magistrates. The calamities of the nation are traced to their unfaithfulness and corruption, Isaiah 1:17-23 . God now says that he wi…
pooleIsaiah 1:26: "And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellers as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city."
I will restore thy judges, I will give thee such princes and magistrates, as at the first, Heb. as thou hadst in the beginning ; either, 1. Of thy commonwealth, such as Moses and Joshua; or, 2. Of thy kingdom, such as David. Thy counsellors; thy princes shall have and hearken to wise and faithful counsellors, which i…
The verse points not just to a future restoration but to a return to the fundamental integrity of leadership that marked the beginning of Israel's journey under figures like Moses and David. This isn't just about better rulers; it's about recovering a foundational, "first" quality of justice and faithfulness that characterized the ideal from the start.
Isaiah is addressing Jerusalem, a city that has fallen into deep corruption. He’s just lamented its spiritual harlotry, contrasting its current state with its former faithfulness and justice. Now, God promises to cleanse and restore the city, starting with its leadership.
Isaiah is addressing Jerusalem, a city that has fallen into deep corruption. He’s just lamented its spiritual harlotry, contrasting its current state with its former faithfulness and justice. Now, God promises to cleanse and restore the city, starting with its leadership.
"And I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.”" — The verse points not just to a future restoration but to a return to the fundamental integrity of leadership that marked the beginning of Israel's journey under figures like Moses and David. This…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026