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. Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse contrasts the typical defenses of a city with God's salvation. The "walls and bulwarks" aren't physical fortifications, but the very salvation God provides, implying a divine protection that surpasses any human construction.
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. Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This prophetic song emerges in the aftermath of God's judgment upon the nations, particularly Babylon, as detailed in the preceding chapter. It envisions a future where Judah, and by extension God's people, will experience a profound and secure deliverance. This deliverance is so complete that their safety will not depend on human fortifications but on God's direct protection, transforming "salvation" itself into their ultimate defense against any foe.
Imagine a city with no stone walls, no towering ramparts, yet declared impregnable. What makes it so secure?
Isaiah presents a powerful image: "he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks." This isn't about literal fortifications. God's salvation is the defense system. It’s not a passive shield, but an active, divinely appointed protection. While earthly cities rely on brick and mortar, God's people find their ultimate security in His saving power. This shifts our focus from physical security to spiritual trust.
When Judah sang of their 'strong city,' were they only thinking of Jerusalem, or something grander?
While the immediate context likely refers to Jerusalem, the song's significance expands beyond its physical walls. Commentators suggest this speaks of the community of faith, the Church, as God's true city. This 'strong city' is built not of stone, but of righteous people who trust in God's salvation. It transcends geographical boundaries, representing all who belong to God's kingdom, past, present, and future.
Why would a song about a strong city be sung 'in that day'? What does 'that day' signify?
The phrase 'in that day' points to a future time of God's deliverance and judgment. It's a song sung not just after a specific victory, but as a recurring declaration of trust whenever God intervenes. It acknowledges past deliverances, celebrates present security in God's salvation, and anticipates future fulfillment. This song serves as a constant reminder that God's protective power is the foundation of His people's enduring strength, no matter the historical circumstances.
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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.
tsaddiyq · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
One who is in a right relationship with God, characterized by conformity to His moral standards and covenant requirements. This righteousness is fundamentally a gift from God, demonstrated by obedient faith.
emunim · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting steadfastness, fidelity, and reliability in a covenant relationship. It encompasses both God's faithfulness to His promises and the believer's enduring commitment to God.
This song, sung in a 'strong city' whose walls are salvation, echoes the hope of a people who have experienced the devastation of exile and are now anticipating or undergoing restoration. It contrasts the perceived weakness of material defenses with the absolute security found in God's direct protection.
Late 8th century BC
Isaiah prophesies during tumultuous times
Isaiah delivers prophecies in Judah, a period marked by Assyrian expansion and internal political struggles. His message often calls for repentance and trust in God's protection amidst threats of invasion and exile.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian siege of Jerusalem
The Assyrian army under Sennacherib besieges Jerusalem. The city's miraculous deliverance, attributed to God's intervention, becomes a powerful symbol of divine protection.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian deportation of Judeans
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Judean elites, including Daniel, marking the start of the Babylonian exile. This event signifies a major shift in regional power.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Babylonian forces conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile the majority of the remaining population. This marks the devastating end of the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
c. 540 BC— this verse
Prophecies of return and restoration
During the Babylonian exile, prophets like Second Isaiah offer words of hope, foretelling a future return and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its fortifications. This period anticipates a restored city protected by God's salvation.
538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile begins
Cyrus the Great of Persia issues a decree allowing exiled Judeans to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the post-exilic period.
This passage describes Zion's enduring strength and calls for its inhabitants to 'walk about Zion, go round her, number her towers; consider well her ramparts, go through her bulwarks, that you may tell it to the next generation.'
Isaiah 60:18This verse speaks of a future time when '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.'
Zechariah 2:4-5This prophecy also envisions Jerusalem's future security, stating, 'Run and tell that young man: Jerusalem will be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and animals in it. And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory in her midst.'
Romans 8:31-39This New Testament passage assures believers that no external force can separate them from God's love, echoing the theme of divine protection being a stronger defense than any physical barrier.
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 contrasts the typical defenses of a city with God's salvation. The "walls and bulwarks" aren't physical fortifications, but the very salvation God provides, implying a divine protection that surpasses any human construction.
This prophetic song emerges in the aftermath of God's judgment upon the nations, particularly Babylon, as detailed in the preceding chapter. It envisions a future where Judah, and by extension God's people, will experience a profound and secure deliverance. This deliverance is so complete that their safety will not depend on human fortifications but on God's direct protection, transforming "salvation" itself into their ultimate defense against any foe.
This prophetic song emerges in the aftermath of God's judgment upon the nations, particularly Babylon, as detailed in the preceding chapter. It envisions a future where Judah, and by extension God's people, will experience a profound and secure deliverance. This deliverance is so complete that their safety will not depend on human fortifications but on God's direct protection, transforming "salvation" itself into their ultimate defense against any foe.
"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. Open the gates,
that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in." — The verse contrasts the typical defenses of a city with God's salvation. The "walls and bulwarks" aren't physical fortifications, but the very salvation God provides, implying a divine protection tha…
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Last reviewed October 2026