Isaiah 26:5

5 "For He has brought low those who dwell on high, the ¹unassailable city; ²He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He 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 "The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.

4 "Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD , we have an everlasting Rock.

5 "For He has brought low those who dwell on high, the unassailable city; He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He casts it to the dust.

6 "The foot will trample it, The feet of the afflicted, the steps of the helpless."

7 The way of the righteous is smooth; O Upright One, make the path of the righteous level.

Cross References

• 1. Isaiah 25:12
• 2. Job 40:11-13