Isaiah 26:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, He declared, ‘My sheep hear my voice, and they follow me, and I give them eternal life, and no one shall snatch them from my hand’ (John 10:21, 28). Hence, the Savior of all stands as a robust and salvific city, a dwelling fortified with walls, ensuring total security, akin to well-defended cities that possess not merely a simple trench but also additional protective barriers. For those who offer praise, it is fitting to declare of our Savior’s church, ‘This city is strong and our salvation; for the gates of hell shall not overcome it,’ as proclaimed by the Savior (Matthew 10:18). It is enveloped, as though by a twin wall—the intercession of holy angels and the divine intercession from above, with God serving as its protective wall, being the power of the holy spirits, the one true Lord of all authority. It is important to recognize that Christ, who emerged from the tribe of Judah, is referred to as Judah in the Holy Scriptures, reflecting the words of James: ‘Judah, your brothers shall praise you’ (Genesis 49:8). A song is indeed raised in the land of Judah, for the church embodies the hail of Christ.

The essence of this song will declare: The city of our Savior’s stronghold. Which city is this? It is the one set upon a hill that cannot be hidden (Mt. 5), as further described: the river of aspirations brings joy to the city of God (Ps. 45:4), and also: Glorious things are said of you, O city of God (Ps. 86:2). The architect of this city is none other than the One of whom the Father declares: “He has made my city,” or more aptly, “the city of our stronghold is the Savior,” that is, Jesus. Within it, there shall be a wall established, alongside a foundation of predestination—a barrier of good deeds and a preordination of righteous faith, ensuring it is well fortified. It is insufficient to possess a wall of faith without it being reinforced by good works. This wall, along with its surrounding areas, is constructed from living stones, as stated by the prophet, laid firmly on the ground. Instead of "presthenia," as translated, Simmachus rendered it as fortifications, indicating that the very walls are encircled by stronger defenses—ramparts, ditches, and other walls, which in the context of fortification construction are referred to as towers (loriculas).

Those who aspire towards perfection and are prepared to sacrifice their lives for His name, exemplifying the path to salvation for unbelievers, are likened to the gate. Certainly, the Word of God assumed human nature for the sake of redeeming mankind, yet it is only He, who is the wall and gate of the promised city, namely Christ, who through His divine actions merits to hold the Word within Himself, and who, by adhering to the true faith, reflects His image. Thus, through the prophet, it has been declared: "I will dwell among the children of Israel, and I will be their God" (Exodus 29:45).

Yet, if we, driven by the fear of mortality, turn our faces to the wall—symbolically directing our hearts to the Savior, akin to viewing Him as a protective wall—He offers refuge to the faithful and guards them from numerous dangers. As Isaiah proclaims, “A strong city is ours; He hath given salvation instead of wall and rampart.”