Isaiah 26

1 On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: Look, a strong city! He will make our rescue its wall and outer wall.

2 Open the gates. Let the nation that preserves righteousness and truth enter.

3 It supports truth and preserves peace, because they trusted in you, Lord,

4 with confidence forever, trusting the great and eternal God,

5 who humbled and brought down those living on high. You will throw fortified cities down to the ground.

6 The feet of gentle and humble people will trample them.

7 The devout person’s path is straight, and his way is prepared.

8 The Lord’s path is judgment. We hoped in your name and in remembering you,

9 which our soul longs for. My spirit seeks you very early, God, because your decrees are light on the earth. You who live on earth, learn righteousness.

10 The ungodly person has been put down. Anyone who refuses to learn righteousness on earth cannot practice truth. Take the ungodly person away so he does not see the Lord’s glory.

11 Lord, your arm is raised, but they did not understand. When they understand, they will be ashamed. Jealousy will seize an untaught nation, and now fire will devour the adversaries.

12 Lord our God, give us peace, because you have repaid us for everything.

13 Lord our God, take possession of us. Lord, we know no one besides you; we call on your name.

14 The dead will not see life, and physicians will never raise them. You brought wrath against them, killed them, and removed every male among them.

15 Bring more harm against them, Lord—more harm against the earth’s glorious people.

16 Lord, I remembered you during affliction; your discipline came on us with a small affliction.

17 We were like a woman approaching childbirth and crying out in labor before your beloved one, because of the fear of you, Lord.

18 We conceived. We were in labor and gave birth to the spirit of your rescue, which we brought about on earth. But everyone living in the land will fall.

19 The dead will rise, and those in the tombs will be raised. Those in the earth will rejoice, because the dew from you brings them healing; but the land of the ungodly will perish.

20 Go, my people. Enter your rooms, shut your door, and hide for a short time until the Lord’s anger passes.

21 Look, the Lord is bringing wrath from his holy place against the earth’s inhabitants. The earth will reveal its blood and no longer cover those killed on it.