Isaiah 26:5 kjv
For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.
Isaiah 26:5 nkjv
For He brings down those who dwell on high, The lofty city; He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He brings it down to the dust.
Isaiah 26:5 niv
He humbles those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low; he levels it to the ground and casts it down to the dust.
Isaiah 26:5 esv
For he has humbled the inhabitants of the height, the lofty city. He lays it low, lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust.
Isaiah 26:5 nlt
He humbles the proud
and brings down the arrogant city.
He brings it down to the dust.
Isaiah 26 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 2:2 | Nations will stream to it; many peoples will come... | Nations coming to worship God's mountain |
| Isaiah 56:7 | ...my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. | Gentile inclusion in temple worship |
| Jeremiah 3:17 | ...Jerusalem shall be called the throne of the LORD. | Jerusalem as center of God's rule |
| Zechariah 8:22 | Many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD... | Future pilgrimage to Jerusalem |
| Matthew 21:13 | ...but you have made it a den of robbers. | Temple's misuse contrasted with its purpose |
| Mark 11:17 | ...a house of prayer for all the nations. | Jesus quoting Isaiah concerning temple |
| John 12:32 | ...I will draw all people to myself. | Christ drawing all to Him |
| Acts 10:34-35 | God shows no favoritism... welcomes whoever fears him... | Universal access to God |
| Romans 15:10 | Rejoice, Gentiles, with his people. | Gentile rejoicing with Israel |
| Ephesians 2:21-22 | ...built together into a dwelling place for God. | Church as God's dwelling |
| Ephesians 2:19 | ...fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household. | Belonging to God's household |
| Revelation 21:24 | The nations will walk by its light... | Nations in the new Jerusalem |
| Revelation 21:3 | ...They will be his people, and God himself will be with them. | God dwelling with His people |
| Psalm 68:29 | Kings will bring gifts to your temple... | Kings bringing offerings to God |
| Psalm 48:12-13 | Walk around Zion, count its towers... | Observing Jerusalem's beauty and strength |
| Isaiah 26:1-2 | We have this strong city; salvation is its wall and rampart. | Contrast with invaders’ inability to breach |
| Isaiah 11:10 | ...nations will resort to him, and his resting place will be glorious. | Gentiles seeking the Messiah |
| Psalm 96:7-8 | Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name... | Bringing tribute and worship |
| Isaiah 49:22-23 | Nations will see your light... Kings will be your attendants. | Gentile nations ministering to God's people |
| Isaiah 60:10 | Foreigners will rebuild your walls... | Gentiles participating in restoration |
| Acts 11:15 | The Holy Spirit came on them as he had first come on us. | God extending salvation to Gentiles |
| 1 Corinthians 3:16 | ...you are the temple of God. | Believers as the temple |
Isaiah 26 verses
Isaiah 26 5 Meaning
Those who are far off will come and build in the LORD's temple, a place for worship and restoration.
Isaiah 26 5 Context
Chapter 26 of Isaiah is a prophetic song of praise and trust in the LORD, celebrating His ultimate victory and the establishment of His righteous kingdom. This verse speaks to the inclusivity of God's future plan. The immediate context (verses 1-4) focuses on God's unwavering protection for His people who trust in Him, referring to "this strong city." Verse 5 expands this to declare that "those who are afar off" will come to build in this divine city, signifying that people from all nations will contribute to God's glorious dwelling place. This represents a radical shift from exclusivity to universality in God's redemptive purposes, contrasting with the often geographically and ethnically restricted worship of the ancient world.
Isaiah 26 5 Word Analysis
- "For" (Hebrew: ki): Indicates cause or reason; explaining why there is salvation in the strong city.
- "those": Refers to people.
- "afar off": (Hebrew: re·cho·qim): Denotes those distant in location, likely referring to Gentile nations separated from Israel geographically and perhaps spiritually. It implies a previous state of otherness or distance.
- "shall come": (Hebrew: yā·ḇu·wû): Future tense, indicating a certainty and a movement towards God's city.
- "and": Connects the action of coming with building.
- "build": (Hebrew: yib·nû): To construct, erect, establish. It signifies participation and contribution.
- "in": Preposition indicating location or within.
- "the LORD's": (Hebrew: YHWH): The personal name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and ownership.
- "temple": (Hebrew: miq·dāsh): A sanctuary, a holy place, referring to God's dwelling place, often identified with Jerusalem and its temple, but also looking to a more spiritual or eschatological dwelling. This term signifies holiness and the place of divine presence.
Word Group Analysis
- "those who are afar off": This phrase signifies people from the nations, the Gentiles. In ancient Israelite understanding, "afar off" often meant excluded from God's covenant and presence, or simply geographically distant. The prophet here radically overturns this notion, seeing a future where these distant peoples will actively participate in God's work. This aligns with broader prophetic themes of universal worship.
- "shall come and build": This not only speaks of their arrival but their active involvement. They are not merely spectators but contributors to God's house. This highlights a partnership in God's kingdom, where all believers play a role in its expansion and establishment. It emphasizes that God’s building project is inclusive and ongoing.
Isaiah 26 5 Bonus Section
The Hebrew word miq·dāsh used for "temple" carries a strong sense of sacredness and holiness. It's distinct from heykāl, which more often refers to the inner sanctuary or palace-like structure of the temple. Miq·dāsh points to the sacredness of the entire complex as God's dwelling. This verse is a crucial Old Testament articulation of the eventual inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people and presence, a theme that deeply informs the mission and understanding of the early Christian church. It is a powerful counterpoint to any form of exclusivism that might have arisen within ancient Israel.
Isaiah 26 5 Commentary
Isaiah 26:5 announces a glorious future where peoples from distant lands will be incorporated into God's sanctuary. It speaks of God's grace extending beyond geographical and ethnic boundaries. This signifies that God's kingdom is universal and inclusive. Those once considered outside will be welcomed to actively participate in building His holy dwelling. This verse foreshadows the New Testament fulfillment where the church, comprising both Jews and Gentiles, becomes the spiritual temple of God, built on the foundation of apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.
Examples for practical usage
- In welcoming new members to a church, emphasizing their vital role in the community's spiritual building.
- When encouraging outreach to unreached people groups, recognizing their future place in God's expanding kingdom.
- Teaching about the universality of the Gospel, illustrating how God desires all nations to worship Him and contribute to His work.