God will bring low the proud and exalt the humble.
Isaiah, who served as a prophet in the southern kingdom of Judah between 739-681 BC and delivered God’s messages to the people, proclaims a powerful image of how God humbles those who exalt themselves. In this passage, the prophet declares, “The foot will trample it, The feet of the afflicted, the steps of the helpless” (v.6). Though the verse speaks of “it” without naming a specific city in this phrase, the broader context of Isaiah 26 speaks of a lofty city brought low by the Lord. This imagery emphasizes the triumph of those who have been oppressed, with God reversing the fortunes of the proud and letting the downtrodden walk victoriously over the ruins of their oppressors. The “afflicted” and “helpless” are not depicted as physically strong in themselves; rather, they reveal the greatness of God’s justice in lifting up the lowly (Matthew 5:5).
When Isaiah writes, “The foot will trample it, The feet of the afflicted, the steps of the helpless” (v.6), he is showing how God’s power brings down arrogance, allowing people who have suffered under oppression to see a dramatic reversal. The triumph described does not belong to the afflicted in their own strength, but rather it is God acting on their behalf. Isaiah’s centuries-long ministry took place during times of national crisis and foreign invasion, yet his words still point to the boundless nature of God’s salvation. This reversal theme runs throughout Isaiah’s prophecies, especially when looking ahead to the Messiah, who would champion the cause of the poor and humble (Isaiah 61:1).
These words reflect God’s heart for justice, promising that one day He will bring down all human-instituted pride and exalt those who have been overlooked. “The foot will trample it” (v.6) vividly portrays God’s victory over every stronghold that raises itself above His righteousness. Believers can take comfort in knowing that the Lord extends His protection to the lowly and will ultimately right every wrong, a truth fulfilled in Jesus Christ’s own ministry and teachings on humility (Matthew 23:12).
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Isaiah 26:6 meaning
Isaiah, who served as a prophet in the southern kingdom of Judah between 739-681 BC and delivered God’s messages to the people, proclaims a powerful image of how God humbles those who exalt themselves. In this passage, the prophet declares, “The foot will trample it, The feet of the afflicted, the steps of the helpless” (v.6). Though the verse speaks of “it” without naming a specific city in this phrase, the broader context of Isaiah 26 speaks of a lofty city brought low by the Lord. This imagery emphasizes the triumph of those who have been oppressed, with God reversing the fortunes of the proud and letting the downtrodden walk victoriously over the ruins of their oppressors. The “afflicted” and “helpless” are not depicted as physically strong in themselves; rather, they reveal the greatness of God’s justice in lifting up the lowly (Matthew 5:5).
When Isaiah writes, “The foot will trample it, The feet of the afflicted, the steps of the helpless” (v.6), he is showing how God’s power brings down arrogance, allowing people who have suffered under oppression to see a dramatic reversal. The triumph described does not belong to the afflicted in their own strength, but rather it is God acting on their behalf. Isaiah’s centuries-long ministry took place during times of national crisis and foreign invasion, yet his words still point to the boundless nature of God’s salvation. This reversal theme runs throughout Isaiah’s prophecies, especially when looking ahead to the Messiah, who would champion the cause of the poor and humble (Isaiah 61:1).
These words reflect God’s heart for justice, promising that one day He will bring down all human-instituted pride and exalt those who have been overlooked. “The foot will trample it” (v.6) vividly portrays God’s victory over every stronghold that raises itself above His righteousness. Believers can take comfort in knowing that the Lord extends His protection to the lowly and will ultimately right every wrong, a truth fulfilled in Jesus Christ’s own ministry and teachings on humility (Matthew 23:12).