In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that God's "salvation" itself becomes the city's defenses, not just a result of them. This means true security isn't found in physical walls, but in God's active, saving presence being the ultimate protection.
In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This is a song of praise and confidence sung by God's people in a time of restoration and security. Following prophetic pronouncements of judgment against enemies and deliverance for the faithful in the preceding chapters, this chapter envisions Jerusalem, or the community of believers, protected not by physical walls, but by God's own salvation. The verse sets the stage for the community's declaration of trust in God's divine protection, which renders their city impregnable and secure.
Imagine a city with no walls, yet utterly impenetrable. How can such a place exist?
In Isaiah 26:1, the prophet declares, "We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks." This isn't about physical defenses. Instead, it's a profound declaration that God's own saving power is the ultimate protection for His people.
Why sing a song of strength about a city that might not have visible defenses?
The verse begins, 'In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah.' This points to a future hope, a time when this reality of God's salvific protection would be fully realized and celebrated.
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Understand the original words
yeshu'ah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the state of being delivered from danger, bondage, or divine judgment. Biblically, it signifies both temporal deliverance and the ultimate spiritual restoration provided by God to His people.
chomah va-chel · Hebrew Noun phrase
A general term for defense or protection; metaphorically used for God's protective grace and covenant faithfulness that guards His people from the assaults of the enemy.
This song, celebrating a 'strong city' protected by God's salvation, likely arose during or after the Babylonian exile. It reflects the profound relief and renewed faith of a people returning to rebuild Jerusalem, finding security not just in walls, but in God's unwavering presence after experiencing devastating loss and displacement.
Late 8th century BC
Isaiah prophesies during divided kingdom
Isaiah serves as a prophet in the Southern Kingdom of Judah, a period marked by political instability and the looming threat of powerful empires like Assyria.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
The Assyrian army under Sennacherib besieges Jerusalem, a pivotal event where divine intervention is credited with saving the city, foreshadowing themes of God's protection.
c. 605 BC - 539 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Kingdom of Judah is conquered by Babylon, and many of its people are exiled to Babylon. This period of suffering and displacement profoundly shaped Jewish identity and prophecy.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon
The Babylonian Empire falls to the Persians. This event marked the beginning of the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem.
Post-exilic period (after 539 BC)— this verse
Return from Exile and Rebuilding
Jews return to Jerusalem and begin the arduous process of rebuilding the city and the Temple. This era of restoration and renewed hope is a significant backdrop for prophetic pronouncements.
This passage also speaks of God's city being a place of ultimate security, where the faithful find refuge even amidst global turmoil, echoing the idea of salvation as the ultimate defense.
Zechariah 2:5This verse directly parallels Isaiah's imagery, describing Jerusalem as a city without walls, protected by God's presence as a protective 'wall of fire' around it.
Isaiah 60:18This verse paints a picture of future restoration where 'violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation and destruction within your borders. You shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise,' directly connecting salvation and praise to the city's defense.
Nehemiah 2:17-18This passage describes the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, emphasizing the strength that comes not just from the physical structure, but from God's favor and support, reflecting the 'strong city' theme.
bensonIsaiah 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."
Isaiah 26:1-2 . In that day — When God shall do such glorious works for the comfort of his people, as are described in the foregoing chapter; shall this song be sung in the land of Judah — In the church of God, often signified by the titles of Judah, Jerusalem, Zion, and the like. We have a strong city — Jerusalem, or the church, which is often compa…
cambridgeIsaiah 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."
1 . salvation will God appoint … bulwarks ] Two interpretations are possible: ( a ) “Salvation will He appoint in place of walls and moat” (see below), implying that Jerusalem has no material defences, but only the supernatural protection (“salvation”) assured by Jehovah (as Psalm 125:2 ; Zechariah 2:4-5 ). ( b ) “He appoints for salvation (her) wall…
The verse highlights that God's "salvation" itself becomes the city's defenses, not just a result of them. This means true security isn't found in physical walls, but in God's active, saving presence being the ultimate protection.
This is a song of praise and confidence sung by God's people in a time of restoration and security. Following prophetic pronouncements of judgment against enemies and deliverance for the faithful in the preceding chapters, this chapter envisions Jerusalem, or the community of believers, protected not by physical walls, but by God's own salvation. The verse sets the stage for the community's declaration of trust in God's divine protection, which renders their city impregnable and secure.
This is a song of praise and confidence sung by God's people in a time of restoration and security. Following prophetic pronouncements of judgment against enemies and deliverance for the faithful in the preceding chapters, this chapter envisions Jerusalem, or the community of believers, protected not by physical walls, but by God's own salvation. The verse sets the stage for the community's declaration of trust in God's divine protection, which renders their city impregnable and secure.
"In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
“We have a strong city;
he sets up salvation
as walls and bulwarks." — The verse highlights that God's "salvation" itself becomes the city's defenses, not just a result of them. This means true security isn't found in physical walls, but in God's active, saving presence…
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Last reviewed October 2026