A Song of Salvation

What of God's people?  Thrilled to have Jehovah's favor and protection, they raise their voices in song:  "In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: 'We have a strong city. He sets salvation itself for walls and rampart.  Open the gates, you men, that the righteous nation that is keeping faithful conduct may enter.' " (Isaiah 26:1, 20)  While these words no doubt had fulfillment in ancient times, they also have a clear fulfillment today.  Jehovah's  "righteous nation," spiritual Israel, is endowed with a strong city like organization.  What a cause for rejoicing for song!

What kind of people come into this "city"?  The song gives the answer:  "The inclination that is well supported you [God] will safeguard in continuous peace, because it is in you that one is made to trust.  Trust in Jehovah, you people, for all times, for in Jah Jehovah is the Rock of times indefinite."  (Isaiah 26:3, 4)  "The inclination" Jehovah supports is the desire to obey his righteous principles and to trust in him, not in the floundering commercial, political, and religious systems of the world.  "Jah Jehovah" is the only reliable Rock of security.  Those having full confidence in Jehovah receive his protection and enjoy "continuous peace." -Proverbs 3:5, 6; Philippians 4:6, 7.

What a contrast to what happens to the enemies of God's people!  "He has laid low those inhabiting the height, the elevated town.  He abases it, he abases it to the earth; he brings in touch with the dust.  The foot will trample it down, the feet of the afflicted one, the steps of the lowly ones."  (Isaiah 36:5, 6) Again, Isaiah may be here referring to an "elevated town" in Moab, or he may mean some other city, such as Babylon, which is certainly elevated in haughtiness.  whatever the case, Jehovah has turned  the tables on "the elevated town," and his  'lowly and afflicted ones"  trample it.  Today this prophecy aptly fits Babylon the Great, particularly Christendom.  In 1919 this "elevated town" was forced to release  Jehovah's people-a humiliating fall-and they, in turn, have taken to trampling upon their old captor.  (Revelation 14:8)  How? By publicly announcing  Jehovah's coming vengeance upon her. -Revelation 8:7-12; 9:14-19.

Next time: Desiring Righteousness and Jehovah's  "Memorial"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000