Isaiah 26:5

5 For he has brought low the inhabitants of the height; the lofty city he lays low. He lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust.

Isaiah 26:5 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 26:5

For he bringeth down them that dwell on high, the lofty
city
That dwell on high in the high city, so the accents require the words to be rendered; and accordingly the Targum is,

``for he will bring low the inhabitants of the high and strong city;''
such that dwell in a city built on high, and in the high towers and palaces of it; or that sit on high thrones, are spiritual wickednesses in high places, and are of proud and haughty dispositions and conduct; as the pope of Rome and his cardinals; for not the city of Jerusalem is here meant, as Jerom thinks, whose destruction he supposes is foretold, as both by the Babylonians and Romans; and therefore, he observes, the word is doubled in the next clause; nor the city of Nineveh; nor Babylon, literally taken; but mystical Babylon is here meant. Jarchi interprets them that dwell on high of Tyre and Greece; but Jerom says, the Jews understand by the lofty city the city of Rome; and this seems to be the true sense; a city built upon seven hills or mountains; a city that has ruled over the kings of the earth, and whose present inhabitants are proud and haughty: he layeth it low: he layeth it low, [even] to the ground; he
bringeth it [even] to the dust;
all which expressions denote the utter destruction of it; see ( Isaiah 25:12 ) ( Revelation 18:7 Revelation 18:8 Revelation 18:21 ) .

Isaiah 26:5 In-Context

3 Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace— in peace because they trust in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.
5 For he has brought low the inhabitants of the height; the lofty city he lays low. He lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust.
6 The foot tramples it, the feet of the poor, the steps of the needy.
7 The way of the righteous is level; O Just One, you make smooth the path of the righteous.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.