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Text -- Isaiah 26:7 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
God’s People Anticipate Vindication
26:7 The way of the righteous is level, the path of the righteous that you make is straight.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Dictionary Themes and Topics: WAY | Psalms | PATH; PATHWAY | Isaiah, The Book of | Isaiah | Integrity | ISAIAH, 1-7 | God | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes

Verse Range Notes
Maclaren , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable , Guzik

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: Isa 26:7 - -- O God, who art upright in all thy ways, and therefore a lover of uprightness, and of all upright men, dost weigh (examine) the path of the just, the c...

O God, who art upright in all thy ways, and therefore a lover of uprightness, and of all upright men, dost weigh (examine) the path of the just, the course of his actions, and, which is implied, dost approve of them, and therefore direct them to an happy issue.

JFB: Isa 26:7 - -- Rather, "is direct," that is, is directed by God to a prosperous issue, however many be their afflictions in the meantime (as in the case of the Jewis...

Rather, "is direct," that is, is directed by God to a prosperous issue, however many be their afflictions in the meantime (as in the case of the Jewish exiles); the context requires this sense (Psa 34:19; Pro 3:6; Pro 11:5), [MAURER]: thus "way" means God's dealings with the righteous (Psa 37:23).

JFB: Isa 26:7 - -- (Deu 32:4).

JFB: Isa 26:7 - -- (1Sa 2:3; Pro 5:21). Rather, "thou dost make plain and level" [MAURER], removing all obstacles (Isa 40:3-4).

(1Sa 2:3; Pro 5:21). Rather, "thou dost make plain and level" [MAURER], removing all obstacles (Isa 40:3-4).

Calvin: Isa 26:7 - -- 7.Straightnesses are the way of the righteous man He does not praise the righteousness of the godly, as some have falsely supposed, but shews that, t...

7.Straightnesses are the way of the righteous man He does not praise the righteousness of the godly, as some have falsely supposed, but shews that, through the blessing of God, they are prosperous and successful during the whole course of their life. Having only stated briefly in the beginning of the verse, that “their ways are plain and smooth,” he explains more fully in the second clause, ascribing it to the grace of God that in an open plain, as it were, the righteous proceed in their course, till they reach the goal.

Thou wilt weigh the straight path of the righteous The word weigh contains a metaphor, that God, by applying a balance, as it were, brings to an equal measure those things which in themselves were unequal. The Hebrew word ישר ( yāshār) is ambiguous, for it may refer either to God or to the path. Accordingly some render it, Thou, who art upright, will direct the path of the righteous; 160 and in other passages God is called upright. (Deu 32:4; Psa 25:8.) There would also be propriety in the allusion, that the straightness of which he spoke proceed from God, for he alone is straight or upright. But the other version appears to be more natural. 161

He promises in general, that God will take care of the righteous, so as to lead them, as it were, by his hand. When the wicked prosper and the righteous are oppressed, everything in this world appears to be moved by chance; and although Scripture frequently declares and affirms that God takes care of them, (Psa 37:5; 1Pe 5:7,) yet we can scarcely remain steadfast, but waver, when everything that happens to them is unfavourable. Yet it is true that the ways of the righteous are made plain by God’s balance, however rough and uneven they may appear to be; and not only so, but he has committed them to the guardianship of his angels, “lest they should be injured, or dash their foot against a stone.” (Psa 91:11.) But for this, they would easily fall or give way through exhaustion, and would hardly ever make way amidst so many thorns and briers, steep roads, intricate windings, and rough places, did not the Lord lead out and deliver them.

Let us therefore learn to commit ourselves to God, and to follow him as our leader, and we shall be guided in safety. Though snares and artifices, the stratagems of the devil and wicked men, and innumerable dangers, may surround us, we shall always be enabled to escape. We shall feel what the Prophet says here, that our ways, even amidst deep chasms, are made plain, so that there is no obstacle to hinder our progress. And, indeed, experience shews, that if we are not led by God’s guidance, we shall not be able to push our way through rugged roads; for so great is our weakness that we shall scarcely advance a single step without stumbling at the smallest stone that comes in our way. Satan and wicked men not only entangle and delay us by many perplexities, and not only present to us slight difficulties, but cause us to encounter sometimes high mounds and sometimes deep pits, which even the whole world would be unable to avoid.

It is therefore proper for us to acknowledge how much we need heavenly direction, and to confess with Jeremiah, “I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself; and it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” (Jer 10:23.) Let us not be puffed up with vain confidence, as if the result were placed in our own power. Let us not boast, as James warns us, that “we shall do this or that.” (Jas 4:15.) Such is the manner of rash men, who act as if they could do everything at their own pleasure; while it is not in our power, as Solomon tells us, to direct our tongue so as to give a proper answer. (Pro 16:1.) In vain, therefore, do men form plans, and deliberate, and decide about their ways, if God do not stretch out his hand. But he holds it out to the righteous, and takes peculiar care of them; for, while the providence of God extends to all, and while he supplies the wants of young ravens (Psa 147:9) and sparrows, (Mat 10:29,) and of the smallest animals, yet he has a fatherly kindness towards the godly, and delivers them out of dangers and difficulties.

TSK: Isa 26:7 - -- way : Isa 35:8; 1Ch 29:17; Job 27:5, Job 27:6; Psa 18:23-26; Pro 20:7; 2Co 1:12; Eph 2:10; 1Jo 3:7, 1Jo 3:10 most : 1Sa 2:2-4; Job 31:6 *marg. Psa 1:6...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Isa 26:7 - -- The way of the just is uprightness - The Hebrew is literally, ‘ The way to the just is uprightness;’ the word ‘ way’ prob...

The way of the just is uprightness - The Hebrew is literally, ‘ The way to the just is uprightness;’ the word ‘ way’ probably refers to God’ s way, or his dealings with the righteous. The sentiment is, that his dealings with them are just; that though they are afflicted and oppressed, yet that his ways are right, and they will yet perceive it. This is language supposed to be used by the captive Jews after they had seen the proud city of Babylon taken, and after God had come forth to restore them to their own land. The word ‘ uprightness’ in the original is in the plural number, but is often used in the sense of straightness Pro 23:31; Son 7:10; of sincerity, or uprightness Son 1:4; or of righteousness as a judge Psa 9:9; Psa 58:2; Psa 99:4.

Thou most upright - Evidently an address to God, as being most just, and as having now evinced his uprightness in the deliverance of his people. The same epithet is applied to him in Deu 32:4; Psa 25:8; 92:16.

Dost weigh the path of the just - The word used here ( פלס pâlac ) may mean to weigh as in a balance Psa 58:3; but it may also mean, and does usually, to make straight or smooth; to beat a path; to make level Psa 78:50; Pro 4:26; Pro 5:21. Here it probably means, that God had made the way smooth, or exactly level. He had removed all obstacles, and had conducted his people in a plain and leveled way (see the notes at Isa 40:3-4).

Poole: Isa 26:7 - -- Is uprightness or, most even or plain . Heb. evenness or plainness . Which is understood either, 1. Of the rectitude or goodness of his actions ...

Is uprightness or, most even or plain . Heb. evenness or plainness . Which is understood either,

1. Of the rectitude or goodness of his actions or course; or rather,

2. Of the good success of his affairs; for this suits best with the coherence. When the way of the wicked is rugged, in which they easily stumble and fall into mischief, of which he spoke, Isa 26:5,6 , the path of just men is plain and smooth, and they walk safely and comfortably in it.

Thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just: the sense of the words thus rendered is, Thou , O God, who art most upright in all thy ways, and therefore a lover of uprightness. and of all upright men, dost weigh (i.e. examine) the path of the just , the course of his actions, and, which is implied, dost approve of them, and therefore direct them to a happy issue. But the words are otherwise rendered by some late learned interpreters, to this purpose, Thou dost level or make plain (as this very word signifies, Psa 78:50 ) the path of the just exactly, Heb. with evenness , or evenly, so as to make it very even. Thus the first clause declares that it was even or plain, and this showeth whence or by whom it is made such, even by God.

Haydock: Isa 26:7 - -- In. God will remove every obstacle, at their return.

In. God will remove every obstacle, at their return.

Gill: Isa 26:7 - -- The way of the just is uprightness,.... Or, "the way for the just is uprightnesses" s, most upright; the way which is appointed for him, and which he...

The way of the just is uprightness,.... Or, "the way for the just is uprightnesses" s, most upright; the way which is appointed for him, and which he is directed to walk in, is a way of righteousness and holiness, and in which he does walk; he walks uprightly, according to the rules of the word, becoming the Gospel of Christ, and worthy of his calling: or, it is "evennesses"; a most plain and even way, in which men, though fools, shall not err, Isa 35:8 or, "the way" of the Lord "to the just is uprightnesses", or "evennesses"; most upright, or most even; there is no inequality in it, though sometimes so charged, Eze 18:25 it is entirely agreeable to justice, equity, and truth; regular and even, and suited to all his perfections of wisdom, goodness, &c. t:

thou most upright; these words are addressed to God, and contain an appellation and description of him, who is upright, just, and true, and loves upright and righteous persons; so Kimchi and Ben Melech take the word to be in the vocative case, and as an address to God; though some render them, "he is upright" u; that is, the just man is upright, whose way is uprightness; but the former sense best agrees with what follows:

dost weigh the path of the just; observe, consider, and approve of it, as being according to rule, and agreeable to his mind and will, Psa 1:6 or, "thou dost level" or "make even the path of the just" w; remove all impediments and obstructions out of it, direct his goings, order his steps, and cause him to walk in a straight way, wherein he shall not stumble, Jer 31:9 and so this is a reason given why the way of the just is even, because it is made so by the Lord himself.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Isa 26:7 The metaphor of a level/smooth road/path may refer to their morally upright manner of life (see v. 8a), but verse 7b, which attributes the smooth path...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

Maclaren: Isa 26:1-10 - --The Song Of Two Cities In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulw...

MHCC: Isa 26:5-11 - --The way of the just is evenness, a steady course of obedience and holy conversation. And it is their happiness that God makes their way plain and easy...

Matthew Henry: Isa 26:5-11 - -- Here the prophet further encourages us to trust in the Lord for ever, and to continue waiting on him; for, I. He will make humble souls that trust i...

Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 26:7 - -- The righteous, who go astray according to the judgment of the world, thus arrive at a goal from which their way appears in a very different light. ...

Constable: Isa 7:1--39:8 - --III. Israel's crisis of faith chs. 7--39 This long section of the book deals with Israel's major decision in Isa...

Constable: Isa 13:1--35:10 - --B. God's sovereignty over the nations chs. 13-35 This major section of the book emphasizes the folly of ...

Constable: Isa 24:1--27:13 - --2. Divine victory over the nations chs. 24-27 This section of the text has similarities to the p...

Constable: Isa 26:1-21 - --The future rejoicing of God's people ch. 26 This section focuses on the remnant of Israe...

Constable: Isa 26:7-19 - --A prayer 26:7-19 Isaiah moved from a hymn of praise to a prayer that has two parts: present waiting for God (vv. 7-10) and future expectation from God...

Guzik: Isa 26:1-21 - --Isaiah 26 - Judah's Kingdom of God Song A. The city of God and the city of Man. 1. (1-2) The strength of God's city. In that day this song will be...

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Introduction / Outline

JFB: Isaiah (Book Introduction) ISAIAH, son of Amoz (not Amos); contemporary of Jonah, Amos, Hosea, in Israel, but younger than they; and of Micah, in Judah. His call to a higher deg...

JFB: Isaiah (Outline) PARABLE OF JEHOVAH'S VINEYARD. (Isa. 5:1-30) SIX DISTINCT WOES AGAINST CRIMES. (Isa. 5:8-23) (Lev 25:13; Mic 2:2). The jubilee restoration of posses...

TSK: Isaiah (Book Introduction) Isaiah has, with singular propriety, been denominated the Evangelical Prophet, on account of the number and variety of his prophecies concerning the a...

TSK: Isaiah 26 (Chapter Introduction) Overview

Poole: Isaiah (Book Introduction) THE ARGUMENT THE teachers of the ancient church were of two sorts: 1. Ordinary, the priests and Levites. 2. Extraordinary, the prophets. These we...

Poole: Isaiah 26 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 26 A song of praise and confidence in God, for the blessings of righteousness, judgments on their enemies, and favour to his people: their ...

MHCC: Isaiah (Book Introduction) Isaiah prophesied in the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. He has been well called the evangelical prophet, on account of his numerous and...

MHCC: Isaiah 26 (Chapter Introduction) (Isa 26:1-4) The Divine mercies encourage to confidence in God. (Isa 26:5-11) His judgments. (Isa 26:12-19) His people exhorted to wait upon Him. (...

Matthew Henry: Isaiah (Book Introduction) An Exposition, With Practical Observations, of The Book of the Prophet Isaiah Prophet is a title that sounds very great to those that understand it, t...

Matthew Henry: Isaiah 26 (Chapter Introduction) This chapter is a song of holy joy and praise, in which the great things God had engaged, in the foregoing chapter, to do for his people against hi...

Constable: Isaiah (Book Introduction) Introduction Title and writer The title of this book of the Bible, as is true of the o...

Constable: Isaiah (Outline) Outline I. Introduction chs. 1-5 A. Israel's condition and God's solution ch. 1 ...

Constable: Isaiah Isaiah Bibliography Alexander, Joseph Addison. Commentary on the Prophecies of Isaiah. 1846, 1847. Revised ed. ...

Haydock: Isaiah (Book Introduction) THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAS. INTRODUCTION. This inspired writer is called by the Holy Ghost, (Ecclesiasticus xlviii. 25.) the great prophet; from t...

Gill: Isaiah (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH This book is called, in the New Testament, sometimes "the Book of the Words of the Prophet Esaias", Luk 3:4 sometimes only t...

Gill: Isaiah 26 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 26 This chapter contains a song of praise for the safety and prosperity of the church, and the destruction of its enemies. T...

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