I am comparing two verses in our chapter. Nearly in sequence, at least in the same paragraph. And as the Lesson title suggests, they focus on different Cities.

Watch …

“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 bulwarks.” Isaiah 26:1

“For he (the Lord) bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty CITY, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.” Isaiah 26:5

A strong City!

And then a lofty (proud) City!

One will be saved, enjoy God’s Salvation perennially.

The other, destroyed!

The first City … humble and trusting God for protection, for all her needs apparently.

The second … self-sufficient and atheistic (at least in practice) … slated for a downfall!

The first City … clearly Jerusalem.

The second City … unnamed. For a reason, too. It can represent any city on earth … who forgets God Almighty! Who trusts herself instead of the Hand of Omnipotence!

We all know God judges individuals.

But groups? Even Cities?

Yes!

Think of Babylon, Sodom, Nineveh, and many others.

Could … some day … Washington, New York and Atlanta be added to the list?

Nahum 3:1 thunders: “Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery; the prey departeth not.”

Wow!

The “point” of all this today?

Pray for your City!

Ask God to leave in it “fifty” righteous men!

Or at least enough “salt” and “light” to retard the growth of sinful putrification and darkness!

Abraham prayed (intensely) for a City.

So should we.

And then, we who are saved, shall one day live in a “Holy City!”

Praise the Lord!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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