Isaiah 26:5

5 For he has brought down those who dwell on high, the lofty city: he lays it low, he lays it low even to the ground; he brings it even 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 You will keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on you]; because he trusts in you.

4 Trust in Yahweh forever; for in Yah, Yahweh, is an everlasting Rock.

5 For he has brought down those who dwell on high, the lofty city: he lays it low, he lays it low even to the ground; he brings it even to the dust.

6 The foot shall tread it down; even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.

7 The way of the just is uprightness: you that are upright do direct the path of the just.