The Bible verse we will be looking at tonight is one that has provided comfort for many people over the years. It is one of those statements that gives hope to the downhearted and a better mindset to those who have been distracted. But it is also a verse that has probably been taken out of context. To whom was this statement made? What were the circumstances that led Isaiah to write it? Does it apply to everyone? Should we take it as a promise? The only way to answer these questions is to study the chapter and surrounding context. When this has been done, we will understand the statement as it was intended.
- What does it say? (Isaiah 26:3)
You will guard in complete peace the one whose mind is resting because he trusts in You.1 - What does it mean?
The people who originally heard Isaiah’s message were experiencing plenty of turmoil. Because of their sin, God allowed Assyria to invade the norther kingdom and take them captive. Judah was not far behind due to their own rebellion against God. Read through the previous chapters and you will find many references to judgment against those who had sinned against God. The judgment was not only for God’s people but was also for the surrounding nations. In the midst of these pronouncements of judgment, God gave a spark of hope about the future. There was coming a time when the city gates would be opened, and God would save His people. The judgment would happen first, but, at a future time, God would deliver His people.
Before we get into the meaning of verse 3, let us consider the context of this song. Isaiah has mentioned that certain people have a resting mind, are trusting the Lord, and are guarded with complete peace. Who are these people? Does God provide peace to anyone who simply thinks about Him? No, He does not. In context, this verse is direct to those who are part of the righteous nation that keeps the truth (26:2), those who are just (26:8), and those who seek the Lord (26:9). It is not meant for the wicked (26:10-11). So, we must first understand that this song was written for righteous people who are actively practicing justice and who are seeking the Lord. For these people, Isaiah says that God does two things.
God provides peace.
This Bible verse talks about perfect peace. In the Hebrew language this is stated by saying shalom twice. In other words, God was offering not just peace but double peace or complete peace. God promised to guard the person it was given to. No matter what was happening around them, God’s peace surrounded them and protected them from losing hope.
Imagine how Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah felt as they were taken captive and marched all the way to Babylon. Despite the terrors of war, God gave them peace that overcame their thoughts and emotions. He guarded their minds with complete peace that enabled their minds to be at rest. Think of how these men responded to ungodly orders. The three calmly disobeyed the king’s order to worship the golden statue despite his threats. Daniel calmly prayed despite the threat of death in the lions’ den. God provided them peace that enabled their minds to rest despite the possibility of terrible things happening in the near future.
God rewards faith.
The Bible also describes the type of person who is given peace. We have already seen that in context, these people are those who are righteous, just, and seekers of God. But in this verse, it adds another component. God gives perfect peace to those who trust in Him. Trust is an interesting word. It describes someone relying on another person and being confident in that person’s ability to help. This is what trust is. It is more than a hope so idea. It is confidence. And in this case, it is a confidence in God’s ability to manage the situation.
For the people of Judah, this was a difficult task when you consider all of the events that had recently taken place. Isaiah wrote his messages under the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Isa. 1:1). Uzziah was good until he tried to burn incense in the temple and God struck him with leprosy (2 Chron. 26). Jotham was a good king, but the people were corrupt (2 Chron. 27). Ahaz was a wicked king who worshiped Baal and burned his children in fire (2 Chron. 28). In response to his sins, God sent Syria and Israel to defeat Judah. Many were taken captive during his reign. Hezekiah was a good king (2 Chron. 29), but even he made the unwise decision to have his children marry Ahab’s children.
During these chaotic times, God rewarded the faith of those who chose to be righteous, to seek Him, and to rely on Him. Remember how the Assyrian king Sennacherib vowed to pulverize Jerusalem. Hezekiah and the people were very concerned, but the king took all of these troubles to the Lord in prayer and God rewarded his faith. Do you remember how that story turned out? (2 Kings 19) - How does it apply?
Are you the type of person whom God wants to give peace?
Isaiah 26 is a chapter of hope for a certain group of people. They are the righteous, God-seeking, and trusting people of God. The wicked are not given God’s peace. In Isaiah 48:22, the Lord says that there is no peace for the wicked. But the righteous can receive God’s peace. Are you the type of person whom God will give peace? You must not only be relying on God but also living for Him. Are you doing that?
Are you the type of person who has received God’s peace?
Isaiah said that perfect peace is given to those who are resting in and relying on God. We have looked at several biblical examples of people who did that. Could you be added to the list? God’s resources are available for you, but you need to trust in Him. Are you doing that?
Conclusion
Now that you understand the context of this often-quoted Bible verse, you know not only the great gift of God’s perfect peace but the people for whom it is meant. What a blessing it is to be God’s people, to follow His ways, and the rest in His protective peace. This week, make the choice to be a godly person who confidently lives for God and enjoys what He provides.
Bibliography
Martin, John A., “Isaiah” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament, USA: SP Publications, 1989.
Leupold, H. C., Exposition of Isaiah, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1977, orig. 1968.
Footnotes
- The construction of this verse in Hebrew is difficult to translate. The verse begins with mind (a noun) and resting (a participle). The words in italics are provided to make sense in English. ↩︎