Isaiah 26:5 - Exposition

He bringeth down ; rather, he hath brought down . The redeemed praise God for his past mercies. He brought down in his own good time all the proud and lofty ones who exalted themselves against him and oppressed his saints, making cities desolate ( Isaiah 24:10 , Isaiah 24:12 ) and giving over their inhabitants to destruction ( Isaiah 24:6 ). Them that dwell on high ; i.e. "that exalt themselves." It is net eminence, but pride, that provokes the Divine anger. The heathen judged differently (see Herod; 7.10, § 4). The lofty city (comp. Isaiah 24:10 , Isaiah 24:12 ; Isaiah 25:2 , Isaiah 25:3 ). The "world-city" (as it has been called); i.e. the idealized stronghold of the adversaries of God in this world, is intended.