◄ Isaiah 26 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
A Song of Salvation 1In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; salvation is established as its walls and ramparts. 2Open the gates so a righteous nation may enter— one that remains faithful. 3You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. 4Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal. 5For He has humbled those who dwell on high; He lays the lofty city low. He brings it down to the ground; He casts it into the dust. 6Feet trample it down— the feet of the oppressed, the steps of the poor. 7The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright. 8Yes, we wait for You, O LORD; we walk in the path of Your judgments. Your name and renown are the desire of our souls. 9My soul longs for You in the night; indeed, my spirit seeks You at dawn.a For when Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness. 10Though grace is shown to the wicked man, he does not learn righteousness. In the land of righteousness he acts unjustly and fails to see the majesty of the LORD. 11O LORD, Your hand is upraised, but they do not see it. They will see Your zeal for Your people and be put to shame. The fire set for Your enemies will consume them! 12O LORD, You will establish peace for us. For all that we have accomplished, You have done for us. 13O LORD our God, other lords besides You have ruled over us, but Your name alone do we confess. 14The dead will not live; the departed spirits will not rise. Therefore You have punished and destroyed them; You have wiped out all memory of them. 15You have enlarged the nation, O LORD; You have enlarged the nation. You have gained glory for Yourself; You have extended all the borders of the land. 16O LORD, they sought You in their distress; when You disciplined them, they poured out a quiet prayer. 17As a woman with child about to give birth writhes and cries out in pain, so were we in Your presence, O LORD. 18We were with child; we writhed in pain; but we gave birth to wind. We have given no salvation to the earth, nor brought any life into the world. 19Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead. 20Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed. 21For behold, the LORD is coming out of His dwelling to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth will reveal her bloodshed and will no longer conceal her slain. Footnotes: 9 a Or my spirit within me seeks You. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Isaiah 26 Summary A Song of Salvation Verses 1–4 – Salvation’s Song and Perfect Peace Judah bursts into a victory anthem: the LORD Himself is their walls. Gates swing open for a people who stay true, and minds fixed on Him enjoy “perfect peace.” The Rock eternal invites unending trust. Verses 5–6 – The Fall of the Lofty City Prideful powers are flattened to dust. Once-towering streets become paths for the poor to tread, showing God’s passion for the humble. Verses 7–9 – The Straight Path and the Longing Heart God levels the way for the upright. His people chase His judgments, yearning for Him day and night, sure that His discipline teaches the world what is right. Verses 10–11 – Blindness of the Wicked Grace reaches the wicked, yet they stay blind. Even with God’s hand raised high, they ignore Him until His fire exposes their folly. Verses 12–15 – The LORD Our Peace and Expansion All achievements are traced back to God. Foreign rulers once held sway, but only His name lasts. He enlarges His people and gains honor as borders stretch. Verses 16–18 – Birth Pains Without Result Under pressure Judah has cried out like a woman in labor, yet produced only “wind.” Self-effort could not deliver the world. Verse 19 – Resurrection Hope In sharp contrast, God promises the dead will rise, calling sleepers in the dust to awaken and sing. Verses 20–21 – Shelter During Wrath Until judgment passes, God tells His people to shut the door behind them. He is stepping out to punish evil, and the earth itself will expose hidden bloodshed. Isaiah 26 is a heartfelt song of trust, peace, and resurrection from the nation of Judah. It is a chapter that celebrates the fortitude of God's city and the tranquility that comes from steadfast faith. Prophet Isaiah masterfully intertwines themes of God's judgment and mercy, the hope of resurrection, and the longing for righteousness and salvation. Historical Setting • Isaiah ministered in Judah roughly 740–680 BC, facing the Assyrian threat (2 Kings 18–19). • Chapters 24–27 form a “songbook” placed after worldwide judgment scenes; chapter 26 gives the remnant a preview of life after God topples enemy empires. • Archaeology confirms that Hezekiah strengthened Jerusalem’s walls and built the Siloam Tunnel; the “strong city” image would resonate with citizens who had just watched God repel Assyria in 701 BC (cf. Isaiah 37:36). Literary Flow 1. Anthem of deliverance (vv. 1–6). 2. Personal testimony of the faithful (vv. 7–11). 3. National reflection on past bondage and present expansion (vv. 12–15). 4. Confession of human weakness (vv. 16–18). 5. Promise of resurrection (v. 19). 6. Call to hide until judgment finishes (vv. 20–21). Key Themes • Trust: “Trust in the LORD forever” (v. 4) echoes Proverbs 3:5–6. • Peace: The Hebrew phrase “shalom, shalom” (v. 3) intensifies the idea—total well-being. • Humility vs. Pride: The “lofty city” mirrors Babel (Genesis 11) and every empire that refuses God. • Resurrection: One of the clearest Old-Testament statements of bodily rising (v. 19). • Divine Judgment and Protection: As in the Passover (Exodus 12:22), God’s people shut the door while wrath sweeps by. Word Study Highlights • “Perfect peace” (shalom, shalom) – doubled for emphasis; found also in Isaiah 57:19. • “Rock eternal” (tsur olamim) – same rock language in Deuteronomy 32:4; Paul links it to Christ in 1 Corinthians 10:4. • “Lofty city” – Hebrew can mean a fortress on high; contrasts with God’s “strong city.” Strong City vs. Lofty City The “strong city” (v. 1) is God-built, founded on salvation. The “lofty city” (v. 5) is man-made, soon trampled. Revelation 21:10–27 echoes this swap: earthly Babylon falls; the New Jerusalem descends. Connections Across Scripture • Psalm 118:19–21 – open gates of righteousness. • Philippians 4:6–7 – God’s peace guarding hearts echoes v. 3. • Daniel 12:2 – multitudes who sleep will awake, paralleling v. 19. • John 11:25 – Jesus, “the resurrection,” turns Isaiah’s promise into personal invitation. • 1 Thessalonians 5:9–11 – believers not destined for wrath, matching vv. 20–21. Archaeology and Geography • Ancient city gates at Lachish and Megiddo show six-chamber designs sturdy against attack—perfect visual aids for “open the gates” (v. 2). • Dust imagery (v. 19) fits Judah’s semi-arid soil; the “dew of the morning” recalls Mount Hermon’s heavy dew (Psalm 133:3), known for reviving parched land. Messianic Foreshadowing • “Rock eternal” sets the stage for the cornerstone motif fulfilled in Jesus (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:6). • The resurrection line anticipates Christ’s empty tomb and the future rising of all who belong to Him (1 Corinthians 15:20–23). Practical Application • Fix the mind: deliberate focus on God’s character anchors peace (v. 3). • Walk the level path: daily choices that match His word keep life straight (v. 7). • Learn from discipline: hardship becomes a classroom when we seek Him (v. 9). • Admit human limits: our “labor pains” produce nothing without God (vv. 16–18). • Rest in shelter: obedience sometimes looks like staying inside and trusting Him to act (vv. 20–21). Summary Takeaway Isaiah 26 paints a future where God topples arrogant powers, guards His faithful with perfect peace, raises the dead, and brings final justice. Until that day, hearts that cling to the everlasting Rock can already sing the victory song. Connections to Additional Scriptures Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Psalm 62:6 He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Teaching Points A Song of Salvation Isaiah 26:1-2 opens with a song of praise for the strong city that God has established, symbolizing His protection and salvation for His people. In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: 'We have a strong city; He sets up salvation as walls and ramparts.' Perfect Peace Verse 3 highlights the promise of perfect peace for those who trust in God. You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. This peace is not dependent on circumstances but on a steadfast trust in the Lord. Trust in the Lord Forever Verse 4 calls believers to place their trust in God, who is an everlasting rock. Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal. The Humbling of the Proud Verses 5-6 describe how God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. For He has humbled those who dwell on high; He lays the lofty city low. The Path of the Righteous Verses 7-9 emphasize the uprightness of God's ways and the desire of the righteous to follow Him. The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright. Waiting for the Lord Verses 8-9 express a longing for God's presence and justice. Yes, in the path of Your judgments, O LORD, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our souls. Practical Applications Cultivate Trust Develop a habit of trusting God in every situation, knowing that He is your eternal rock and source of peace. Seek God's Presence Make it a priority to seek God's presence daily through prayer and meditation on His Word, allowing His peace to fill your heart. Embrace Humility Recognize the importance of humility and allow God to work in your life, bringing down any prideful attitudes. Pursue Righteousness Strive to walk in righteousness, aligning your actions with God's will and seeking His guidance in all your decisions. People 1. The Righteous Nation This refers to the people who are faithful to God and are allowed to enter the strong city mentioned in Isaiah 26:2. The Hebrew word for "righteous" is צַדִּיק (tzaddik), indicating those who live in accordance with God's laws. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) God is the central figure in this chapter, as the one who provides peace and salvation. Isaiah 26:4 states, "Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock." The Hebrew name for God here is יְהוָה (Yahweh), emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. 3. The Dead In Isaiah 26:19, there is a reference to the dead who will live again, indicating a belief in resurrection. The Hebrew term for "dead" is מֵתִים (metim), which is used to describe those who have passed away but will be revived by God's power. 4. The Wicked This group is contrasted with the righteous and is described as those who do not learn righteousness even when shown favor (Isaiah 26:10). The Hebrew word for "wicked" is רָשָׁע (rasha), referring to those who act in opposition to God's will. 5. The Inhabitants of the World Mentioned in Isaiah 26:9, this term refers to all people on earth who are subject to God's judgments. The Hebrew word for "world" is אֶרֶץ (eretz), which can mean land or earth, indicating a global scope. 6. The People of Judah While not explicitly named in this chapter, the context of Isaiah often addresses the people of Judah, who are the primary audience of Isaiah's prophecies. They are implied as the recipients of the message of hope and deliverance. Places 1. The Strong City Description: Isaiah 26:1 refers to "a strong city" where salvation is appointed as walls and ramparts. This city symbolizes a place of divine protection and security for the righteous. The Hebrew word for "city" (עִיר, 'ir) often represents a place of refuge and community. 2. The Land of Judah Description: While not explicitly named in Isaiah 26, the context of the chapter is a song sung in the land of Judah (Isaiah 26:1). Judah represents the southern kingdom of Israel, a place of God's chosen people and a symbol of His covenant relationship with them. 3. The Path of the Righteous Description: Isaiah 26:7 speaks of "the path of the righteous" being level and smooth. This is not a physical place but a metaphorical journey or state of living in alignment with God's will. The Hebrew word for "path" (מַעְגָּל, ma'gal) can also mean a track or course of life. 4. The Place of the Dead Description: In Isaiah 26:19, there is a reference to the dead rising, which implies a place of the dead or Sheol. This is a conceptual place where the dead reside, and the verse speaks to the hope of resurrection and life beyond death. Events 1. A Song of Praise for God's Salvation Isaiah 26:1 - "In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: 'We have a strong city; He sets up salvation as walls and ramparts.'" This verse introduces a song of praise that will be sung in Judah, celebrating God's provision of salvation, symbolized as protective walls and ramparts. The Hebrew word for "salvation" here is "יְשׁוּעָה" (yeshu'ah), indicating deliverance and safety. 2. The Call to Open the Gates Isaiah 26:2 - "Open the gates that a righteous nation may enter—one that remains faithful." The gates are to be opened for a righteous nation, emphasizing faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "righteous" is "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik), which denotes justice and moral integrity. 3. Perfect Peace for the Trusting Mind Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You." This verse promises perfect peace to those whose minds are steadfast and who trust in God. The Hebrew word for "peace" is "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), which encompasses completeness and well-being. 4. Trust in the LORD Forever Isaiah 26:4 - "Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal." A call to trust in the LORD, who is described as an eternal Rock, symbolizing stability and strength. The Hebrew word for "Rock" is "צוּר" (tsur), often used metaphorically for God as a refuge. 5. The Humbling of the Proud Isaiah 26:5-6 - "For He has humbled those who dwell on high; He lays the lofty city low; He levels it to the ground and casts it into the dust. Feet trample it down—the feet of the oppressed, the steps of the poor." God humbles the proud and lofty, bringing down their cities, allowing the oppressed and poor to trample them. This reflects God's justice and care for the humble. 6. The Path of the Righteous Isaiah 26:7 - "The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright." The righteous have a level path, made straight by God. The Hebrew word for "level" is "מֵישָׁרִים" (meysharim), indicating fairness and equity. 7. Yearning for God in the Night Isaiah 26:8-9 - "Yes, in the path of Your judgments, O LORD, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our souls. My soul longs for You in the night; indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently." A deep yearning for God and His judgments, expressing a desire for His presence and righteousness. 8. God's Righteousness and the Wicked Isaiah 26:10-11 - "Though grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness they go on doing evil and do not regard the majesty of the LORD. O LORD, Your hand is lifted high, but they do not see it." Despite God's grace, the wicked fail to learn righteousness, continuing in evil and ignoring God's majesty. 9. The LORD Establishes Peace Isaiah 26:12 - "O LORD, You will establish peace for us, for all that we have accomplished You have done for us." Acknowledgment that God establishes peace and that all accomplishments are due to His work. 10. The Dead Will Live Isaiah 26:19 - "Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead." A promise of resurrection, where the dead will rise and sing. The imagery of dew suggests renewal and life. Lessons from Isaiah 26 1. Perfect Peace Comes from Trusting God Isaiah 26:3 promises, "You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You." This verse reminds us that true peace isn't found in worldly achievements or possessions but in unwavering trust in God. When we focus our minds on Him, He grants us a peace that surpasses all understanding. It's a peace that remains steady, even when life's storms rage around us. 2. The Lord is Our Everlasting Rock In Isaiah 26:4, we are encouraged to "Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal." This imagery of God as a rock signifies stability and strength. Just as a rock provides a firm foundation, God offers us a secure place to stand. When we build our lives on Him, we can withstand any challenge that comes our way. 3. Humility Precedes Honor Isaiah 26:5-6 speaks of God humbling the proud and exalting the lowly. "For He has humbled those who dwell on high, He lays the lofty city low." This is a powerful reminder that God values humility. When we humble ourselves before Him, acknowledging our need for His guidance, He lifts us up in due time. It's a divine principle that humility leads to honor. 4. Righteousness is the Path to Peace Verse 7 tells us, "The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright." Righteousness, living in accordance with God's will, paves the way for a smooth journey. When we align our actions with His Word, we find that our path becomes clearer and more direct, leading us to peace and fulfillment. 5. Yearning for God Brings Fulfillment Isaiah 26:8-9 reveals a deep longing for God: "Yes, in the path of Your judgments, O LORD, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our souls." This yearning for God and His presence is what truly satisfies our souls. When we seek Him earnestly, we find fulfillment that nothing else can provide. 6. God's Judgments Teach Us Righteousness In verse 9, we learn that "when Your judgments come upon the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness." God's judgments are not merely punitive; they are instructive. They teach us the importance of living rightly and draw us closer to His ways. Embracing His discipline leads to growth and maturity in our faith. 7. God's Grace is Sufficient Isaiah 26:10 reminds us that even when grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness. This highlights the sufficiency of God's grace for those who choose to accept it. His grace is a gift that transforms lives, but it requires a willing heart to receive and respond to it. 8. God's Power is Unmatched Verse 12 declares, "LORD, You will establish peace for us, for all that we have accomplished You have done for us." This acknowledges that any success or achievement we experience is ultimately due to God's power and provision. Recognizing His hand in our lives keeps us grounded and grateful. 9. The Dead Will Live Again Isaiah 26:19 offers a glimpse of hope: "Your dead will live; their bodies will rise." This promise of resurrection is a cornerstone of our faith, affirming that death is not the end. Through Christ's resurrection, we have the assurance of eternal life, a hope that sustains us through life's trials. 10. God is Our Refuge in Times of Trouble Finally, Isaiah 26:20-21 encourages us to "Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until His wrath has passed by." This imagery of God as a refuge reminds us that He is our safe haven in times of trouble. When we seek shelter in Him, we find protection and peace, knowing that He is in control. Topics 1. A Song of Trust in God's Protection Isaiah 26:1-4 describes a song sung in the land of Judah, celebrating God's protection and salvation. The passage emphasizes trust in the LORD as an everlasting rock. The Hebrew word for "rock" (צוּר, tsur) signifies strength and stability, highlighting God's unchanging nature. 2. The Humbling of the Proud Verses 5-6 speak of God's power to bring down the lofty city and humble the proud. The imagery of the city being laid low to the ground and trampled by the feet of the oppressed reflects God's justice and the reversal of human pride. 3. The Path of the Righteous In verses 7-9, the focus shifts to the righteous, whose path is made smooth by the LORD. The Hebrew word for "upright" (יָשָׁר, yashar) conveys the idea of moral integrity and righteousness. The passage emphasizes the desire of the righteous to seek God and His judgments. 4. The Consequences of Ignoring God's Ways Verses 10-11 highlight the futility of showing favor to the wicked, as they do not learn righteousness. The passage underscores the importance of recognizing God's majesty and the consequences of ignoring His ways. 5. The LORD's Sovereign Control Isaiah 26:12-15 acknowledges God's sovereignty in establishing peace and expanding the nation. The Hebrew root for "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) encompasses completeness, welfare, and harmony, reflecting God's comprehensive provision for His people. 6. The Futility of Idolatry Verses 16-18 describe the people's distress and the futility of their efforts without God. The imagery of childbirth without delivery symbolizes unfulfilled efforts and the emptiness of relying on idols instead of the true God. 7. The Promise of Resurrection In verse 19, there is a promise of resurrection and renewal: "Your dead will live; their bodies will rise." This verse offers hope of life beyond death, a theme that resonates with the Christian belief in the resurrection. 8. A Call to Hide from God's Wrath Verses 20-21 conclude with a call for God's people to hide until His wrath passes. The imagery of entering chambers and shutting doors reflects God's protection during times of judgment, reminiscent of the Passover in Exodus. Themes 1. Trust in the Lord Isaiah 26:3-4 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God for perfect peace: "You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal." The Hebrew word for "peace" here is "shalom," which implies completeness and well-being. 2. God's Righteousness and Justice Verses 7-9 highlight God's righteous nature and His desire for justice: "The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright. Yes, in the path of Your judgments, O LORD, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our souls." The Hebrew word "mishpat" (judgments) underscores God's fair and just decisions. 3. Judgment and Salvation Isaiah 26:10-11 contrasts the fate of the wicked with the salvation of the righteous: "Though grace is shown to the wicked man, he does not learn righteousness; in the land of righteousness he acts unjustly and fails to see the majesty of the LORD. O LORD, Your hand is lifted high, but they do not see it." The theme of divine judgment is balanced with the hope of salvation for those who are faithful. 4. Resurrection and Hope Verse 19 speaks of resurrection and hope: "Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead." This verse provides a prophetic glimpse of resurrection, using the Hebrew word "chayah" (to live) to signify life after death. 5. God as a Refuge Isaiah 26:20-21 portrays God as a refuge during times of trouble: "Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed. For behold, the LORD is coming out of His dwelling to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity." The imagery of hiding in rooms suggests God's protection and shelter. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Peace Thank God for the promise of perfect peace and ask Him to help you trust Him more deeply. Guidance in Righteousness Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance to walk in righteousness and to make decisions that honor God. Humility and Dependence Ask God to cultivate humility in your heart and to help you depend on Him in all areas of life. Longing for God's Presence Express your desire for a deeper relationship with God and ask Him to reveal His presence in your daily life. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Isaiah 26:19, how can the promise of the dead rising be reconciled with scientific principles that contradict physical resurrection? 2. In Isaiah 26:5, which specific “lofty city” is being referenced, and where is the archaeological evidence for its destruction? 3. How does Isaiah 26:14’s statement that the wicked will not rise align with broader biblical teachings on God’s justice and mercy? 4. Why does Isaiah 26:3 promise perfect peace to the righteous when other passages show devout believers enduring great suffering? 5. Does Isaiah 26:21’s depiction of divine wrath against the earth conflict with the New Testament emphasis on a loving God? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Isaiah's description of the 'strong city' resonate with you? 2. What does it mean to have "perfect peace" as described in verse 3? How can you apply this to your life? 3. How does the theme of resurrection provide hope for believers, according to verses 19-21? 4. Why is longing for God's judgments a recurring theme in this chapter? 5. How do you interpret the interaction between the 'wicked' and the 'righteous' as depicted in Isaiah 26? 6. How does Isaiah 26 inspire you to trust more deeply in God? 7. In what ways can the promise of God's peace influence your present day living? 8. How can you use the lessons from Isaiah 26 to navigate through a time of personal turmoil? 9. How does Isaiah's vision of God's wrath and mercy challenge your understanding of God? 10. How does the theme of resurrection in Isaiah 26 compare to the New Testament teachings? 11. How can you identify with the people of Judah’s yearning for God's judgment and righteousness? 12. What does Isaiah 26 teach us about God's view on pride and humility? 13. How can the notion of God's city provide comfort in contemporary society characterized by chaos and injustice? 14. How does Isaiah 26 shape your understanding of life after death? 15. How can you apply the teachings on God's judgment and mercy to your interactions with others? 16. How does the juxtaposition of turmoil and peace in Isaiah 26 relate to your personal experiences? 17. How does the promise of God's punishment for earth's sins influence your attitude towards sin and righteousness? 18. How can the song of Judah serve as a model for your personal prayers and praises? 19. How can Isaiah's depiction of God's strength and security challenge societal norms of power and safety? 20. How can the teachings of Isaiah 26 inspire a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life in contemporary society? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions