In a world of evil and judgment, Isaiah speaks of a city where God’s people are safe (v1). God’s salvation is pictured like walls and bulwarks which keep people safe. This was and is very encouraging in such a wicked world.

The city represents the people of God, the church of Jesus Christ. It is only by being part of God’s people that we can know safety and salvation.

The main characteristic of those who belong to this secure city if righteousness through faith (v2). Faith in the Lord is the only way to access this city of salvation. It is a place of peace, which comes from an ongoing focus on the Lord (v3). In a world of trouble, it is as our gaze is diverted from the trouble around us to the Lord, that peace is sustained.

Isaiah gives a wonderful call for faith (v4). Our faith shouldn’t be coming and going, but constant and forever. It can be like this, for although we’re so weak and fragile, the Lord is the never changing Rock.

Faith is encouraged because the Lord can bring down the proud who oppose the righteous and the poor (5-6). Whereas the righteous are given a ‘level’ path to walk on (v7). This reminds us that in this world, nothing is out of the view or control of God, and He in the end judges the wicked and delivers the righteous (see verse 19).