Isaiah 26

Isaiah, Chapter 26
A song of praise to the Lord

In that day everyone in the land of Judah will sing this song
Our city is strong! We are surrounded by the walls of God's salvation!

Open the gates to all who are righteous; allow the
Faithful to enter. You will keep in perfect peace all
Who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you
Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock
He humbles the proud and brings down the arrogant city; he
Brings it down to the dust. The poor and oppressed trample it
Underfoot, and the needy walk all over it; but for those who
Are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who
Does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them

Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws. Our
Heart's desire is to glorify your name. In the night I search
For you; in the morning I earnestly seek you. For only when
You come to judge the earth will people learn what is right
Your kindness to the wicked does not make them do good. Although
Others do right, the wicked keep doing wrong and take no notice
Of the Lord's majesty. O Lord, they pay no attention to your
Upraised fist! Show them your eagerness to defend your people
Then they will be ashamed. Let your fire consume your enemies!

Lord, you will grant us peace. All we have accomplished
Is really from you. O Lord our God, others have
Ruled us, but you alone are the one we worship
Those we served before are dead and gone; their departed spirits will
Never return. You attacked them and destroyed them, and they are long
Forgotten. O Lord, you have made our nation great. Yes, you have made
Us great! You have extended our borders, and we give you the glory!

Lord, in distress we searched for you; we prayed beneath the burden
Of your discipline. Just as a pregnant woman writhes and cries
Out in pain as she gives birth, so were we in your presence
Lord. We, too, writhe in agony, but nothing comes of our suffering
We have not given salvation to the earth nor brought life
Into the world. But those who die in the Lord will live

Their bodies will rise again. Those who sleep in the earth
Will rise up and sing for joy. For your life-giving light
Will fall like dew on your people in the place of the dead

Restoration for Israel

Go home, my people, and lock your doors. Hide yourselves for a
Little while until the Lord's anger has passed. Look! The Lord is
Coming from heaven to punish the people of the earth for their sins
The earth will no longer hide those who have been
Killed; they will be brought out for all to see