Isaiah 26:10
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.
Though grace is shown to the wicked
The Hebrew word for "grace" here is "חֵן" (chen), which conveys favor or kindness. This phrase highlights the divine benevolence extended even to those who are morally corrupt. Historically, God's grace has been evident throughout the Old Testament, as seen in His patience and mercy towards Israel despite their repeated disobedience. This grace is a testament to God's character, emphasizing His desire for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha) are those who live in opposition to God's laws, yet God’s grace is still offered to them, illustrating His boundless love and the hope for transformation.

they do not learn righteousness
The Hebrew word for "learn" is "לָמַד" (lamad), which implies gaining knowledge or being instructed. Despite the grace shown, the wicked fail to "learn" or internalize "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq), which refers to living in accordance with God's standards. This failure to learn suggests a hardness of heart and a refusal to be transformed by divine kindness. In a broader scriptural context, this reflects the human tendency to resist God's call to holiness, as seen in the repeated cycles of sin and redemption in Israel's history.

in the land of uprightness
The "land of uprightness" (אֶרֶץ נְכֹחוֹת, eretz nekhochot) symbolizes a place where God's laws and righteousness are known and practiced. This could be a reference to Israel, the land given to God's chosen people, where His statutes were to be upheld. Despite being in such a land, the wicked continue in their ways, highlighting the contrast between their actions and the environment intended for godliness. This serves as a reminder that proximity to righteousness does not guarantee righteous living; it requires a willing heart.

they go on doing evil
The phrase "go on doing evil" underscores the persistence in sin despite the opportunities for repentance. The Hebrew verb "עָשָׂה" (asah) means to do or make, indicating a deliberate choice to continue in wrongdoing. This persistence is a sobering reminder of the human propensity to choose sin over righteousness, even when surrounded by God's truth and grace. It echoes the biblical narrative of humanity's struggle with sin, as seen in the accounts of the judges and kings of Israel.

and do not regard the majesty of the LORD
The word "regard" (רָאָה, ra'ah) means to see or consider. The "majesty" (גֵּאוּת, ge'ut) of the LORD refers to His supreme power and glory. This phrase highlights the spiritual blindness and disregard for God's sovereignty among the wicked. Despite witnessing His grace and being in a land of righteousness, they fail to acknowledge His greatness. This lack of regard is a central theme in the prophetic literature, where the call to recognize and honor God's majesty is a recurring exhortation. It serves as a call to believers to live in awe and reverence of God, recognizing His rightful place as Lord over all creation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book that bears his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah and spoke of both judgment and hope.

2. The Wicked
This term refers to those who live in opposition to God's laws and righteousness. In this context, it highlights those who fail to respond to God's grace.

3. The Land of Uprightness
Symbolically represents a place or state where God's laws and righteousness are known and practiced. It contrasts with the behavior of the wicked.

4. The Majesty of the LORD
Refers to God's supreme authority, holiness, and glory, which the wicked fail to acknowledge or respect.
Teaching Points
The Nature of Grace
God's grace is extended even to the wicked, demonstrating His love and desire for all to come to repentance. However, grace requires a response.

The Hardness of Heart
The wicked's failure to learn righteousness despite grace shows the danger of a hardened heart. We must remain open to God's correction and guidance.

Living in the Land of Uprightness
As believers, we are called to live righteously and reflect God's character, even when surrounded by those who do not.

Acknowledging God's Majesty
Recognizing and respecting God's majesty is crucial for a life of faith. It involves worship, obedience, and reverence.

The Consequences of Ignoring Grace
Ignoring God's grace leads to continued sin and separation from God. We must be vigilant in our walk with Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Isaiah 26:10 challenge our understanding of God's grace towards those who are not living righteously?

2. In what ways can we guard against developing a hardened heart like the wicked described in this verse?

3. How can we actively live in the "land of uprightness" in our daily lives, especially in environments that do not honor God?

4. What are some practical ways to acknowledge and respect the majesty of the LORD in our personal and communal worship?

5. How do the warnings in Isaiah 26:10 and Hebrews 10:26-27 encourage us to respond to God's grace in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 2:4
This verse discusses God's kindness and patience, which are meant to lead people to repentance. It connects to Isaiah 26:10 by highlighting the purpose of God's grace.

Psalm 10:4
This psalm describes the wicked as those who do not seek God or acknowledge Him, similar to the behavior described in Isaiah 26:10.

Hebrews 10:26-27
These verses warn against continuing in sin after receiving knowledge of the truth, paralleling the idea of the wicked not learning righteousness despite grace.
Guilty InsensibilityW. Clarkson Isaiah 26:10
A City the Emblem of SecurityR. H. Davies.Isaiah 26:1-10
A Song of SalvationG. Clayton.Isaiah 26:1-10
Our Strong CityA. Maclaren, D. D.Isaiah 26:1-10
Periods of RestorationW. Reading, M. A.Isaiah 26:1-10
Salvation, I.EProf. S. R. Driver, D. D.Isaiah 26:1-10
Saving HealthJ. M. Gibson, D. D.Isaiah 26:1-10
The Church not in DangerJ. C. Cronin.Isaiah 26:1-10
The City of SalvationA. Fletcher, D. D.Isaiah 26:1-10
The Saving Arm of God a Sure Defences to the Church of Christ Against All Her EnemiesJ. Young.Isaiah 26:1-10
The Song of SalvationR. H. Davies.Isaiah 26:1-10
The Triumph of GoodnessC. A. Dickinson.Isaiah 26:1-10
The Walls and Bulwarks of a CityJ. C. Cronin.Isaiah 26:1-10
Three Elements in ProphecyC. A. Dickinson.Isaiah 26:1-10
The Vision of Future GloryE. Johnson Isaiah 26:1-13
Insensibility of the WickedJ. Benson, D. D.Isaiah 26:10-11
Man's Wickedness Provokes God's WrathIsaiah 26:10-11
People
Isaiah
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Behold, Beholdeth, Deal, Dealeth, Deals, Evil, Evil-doer, Excellency, Favor, Favour, Findeth, Glory, Grace, Kind, Learn, Learned, Majesty, Perceive, Perversely, Regard, Righteousness, Shewed, Shewn, Showed, Shown, Straightforwardness, Though, Unjustly, Upright, Uprightness, Wicked, Wrongdoing, Wrongfully, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 26:10

     1090   God, majesty of
     6667   grace, in OT
     8710   atheism

Isaiah 26:10-11

     5350   injustice, hated by God

Library
Our Strong City
'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. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.'--ISAIAH xxvi 1-2. What day is 'that day'? The answer carries us back a couple of chapters, to the great picture drawn by the prophet of a world-wide judgment, which is followed by a burst of song from the ransomed people of Jehovah, like Miriam's chant by the shores of the Red Sea.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Song of Two Cities
'In that day shall this song he sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. 2. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. 3. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee. A. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength: 5. For He bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, He layeth it low; He layeth it low,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Inhabitant of the Rock
'Thou wilt keep him In perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.'--ISAIAH xxvi. 3-4. There is an obvious parallel between these verses and the two preceding ones. The safety which was there set forth as the result of dwelling in the strong city is here presented as the consequence of trust. The emblem of the fortified place passes into that of the Rock of Ages. There is the further resemblance
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Desire of the Soul in Spiritual Darkness
"Tis midnight on the mountains' brown, The cold round moon shines deeply down; Blue roll the waters, blue the sky Spreads like an ocean hung on high, Bespangled with those isles of light, So wildly, spiritually bright; Who ever gazed upon them shining, And turning to earth without repining, Nor wish'd for wings to flee away, And mix with their eternal ray." Even with the most irreligious person, a man farthest from spiritual thought, it seems that there is some power in the grandeur and stillness
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

The Song of a City, and the Pearl of Peace
This song of a city may, however, belong to us as much as to the men of Judah, and we may throw into it a deeper sense of which they were not aware. We were once unguarded from spiritual evil, and we spent our days in constant fear; but the Lord has found for us a city of defence, a castle of refuge. We have a burgess-ship in the new Jerusalem which is the mother of us all; and within that strong city we dwell securely. Let us sing this morning, "We have a strong city." The man that hath come into
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

O, this is Blessing, this is Rest --
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed in Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." -- Isaiah 26:3. O, this is blessing, this is rest -- Unto Thine arms, O Lord, I flee: I hide me in Thy faithful breast, And pour out all my soul to Thee. There is a host dissuading me, -- But, all their voices far above, I hear Thy words -- "O taste and see The comfort of a Savior's love." And, hushing every adverse sound, Songs of defence my soul surround, As if all saints encamped about One trusting
Miss A. L. Waring—Hymns and Meditations

Sleeping and Waking
C. P. C. Is. xxvi. 19 We slept--a sleep of death, and yet of dreams, Fair dreams that pass, and sad dreams that abide, Where yearneth to the sound of distant streams The soul unsatisfied. We woke--but oh for speech of that fair land Wherein the soul awaketh, to declare The wonders that no heart can understand, That hath not entered there. For there the light that is not sun nor moon, That glows as morning, and as eve is sweet, And hath the glory of eternal noon, Doth guide the joyful feet. And
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

From his Return from Russia to his Last Journey.
1853-1858. John Yeardley had scarcely returned to England before war was declared with Russia. The confirmation he received from this lamentable event, that his journey had been made at the opportune time, filled his heart with gratitude. The work he had been able to do had been small, but he had the satisfaction of knowing that it had been accomplished at the only juncture in which it would have been practicable. The year 1853, he writes, closed with many mercies to a poor unworthy servant. I consider
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

I Fear, I Say, Greatly for Thee, Lest...
39. I fear, I say, greatly for thee, lest, when thou boastest that thou wilt follow the Lamb wheresoever He shall have gone, thou be unable by reason of swelling pride to follow Him through strait ways. It is good for thee, O virgin soul, that thus, as thou art a virgin, thus altogether keeping in thy heart that thou hast been born again, keeping in thy flesh that thou hast been born, thou yet conceive of the fear of the Lord, and give birth to the spirit of salvation. [2142] "Fear," indeed, "there
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Pleading
We shall consider our text, then, as one of the productions of a great master in spiritual matters, and we will study it, praying all the while that God will help us to pray after the like fashion. In our text we have the soul of a successful pleader under four aspects: we view, first, the soul confessing: "I am poor and needy." You have next, the soul pleading, for he makes a plea out of his poor condition, and adds, "Make haste unto me, O God!" You see, thirdly, a soul in it's urgency, for he cries,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me Free from the Law of Sin and Death. "
Rom. viii. 2.--"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." You know there are two principal things in the preceding verse,--the privilege of a Christian, and the property or character of a Christian. He is one that never enters into condemnation; He that believeth shall not perish, John iii. 15. And then he is one that walks not after the flesh, though he be in the flesh, but in a more elevate way above men, after the guiding and leading
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness Matthew 5:6 We are now come to the fourth step of blessedness: Blessed are they that hunger'. The words fall into two parts: a duty implied; a promise annexed. A duty implied: Blessed are they that hunger'. Spiritual hunger is a blessed hunger. What is meant by hunger? Hunger is put for desire (Isaiah 26:9). Spiritual hunger is the rational appetite whereby the soul pants after that which it apprehends most suitable and proportional
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Out of Sectarian Confusion
I was still a Methodist. The Methodist did not license women to preach; but when the preachers found out that God was using me in the salvation of souls and that I was not especially interested in building up any certain denomination, I had an abundance of calls. God had already begun talking to my brother Jeremiah about the sin of division, and he was beginning to see the evils of sectarianism. The winter after I was healed, he had attended the Jacksonville, Illinois, holiness convention, and had
Mary Cole—Trials and Triumphs of Faith

His Journey to South Russia.
1853. The call which John Yeardley had received to visit the German colonies in South Russia, and which had lain for a long time dormant, now revived. A friend who had watched with regret his unsuccessful attempts on former journeys to enter that jealous country, and who augured from the political changes which had taken place that permission might probably now be obtained, brought the subject again under his notice. The admonition was timely and effectual. After carefully pondering the matter--with,
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

Of the Last Resurrection.
1. For invincible perseverance in our calling, it is necessary to be animated with the blessed hope of our Savior's final advent. 2. The perfect happiness reserved for the elect at the final resurrection unknown to philosophers. 3. The truth and necessity of this doctrine of a final resurrection. To confirm our belief in it we have, 1. The example of Christ; and, 2. The omnipotence of God. There is an inseparable connection between us and our risen Savior. The bodies of the elect must be conformed
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
"Sept. 30 [1869].--From Yorkshire L50.--Received also One Thousand Pounds to-day for the Lord's work in China. About this donation it is especially to be noticed, that for months it had been my earnest desire to do more than ever for Mission Work in China, and I had already taken steps to carry out this desire, when this donation of One Thousand Pounds came to hand. This precious answer to prayer for means should be a particular encouragement to all who are engaged in the Lord's work, and who may
George Müller—Answers to Prayer

The Love of the Holy Spirit in Us.
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not."--Matt. xxvii. 37. The Scripture teaches not only that the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and with Him Love, but also that He sheds abroad that Love in our hearts. This shedding abroad does not refer to the coming of the Holy Spirit's Person, for a person can not be shed abroad. He comes, takes possession, and dwells in us; but that which is shed abroad
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

"But if the Spirit of Him that Raised up Jesus from the Dead Dwell in You, He that Raised up Christ from the Dead, Shall Also
Rom. viii. 11.--"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." As there is a twofold death,--the death of the soul, and the death of the body--so there is a double resurrection, the resurrection of the soul from the power of sin, and the resurrection of the body from the grave. As the first death is that which is spiritual, then that which is bodily, so
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Love
The rule of obedience being the moral law, comprehended in the Ten Commandments, the next question is: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? The sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.' Deut 6: 5. The duty called for is love, yea, the strength of love, with all
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Another Shorter Evening Prayer.
O eternal God and heavenly Father, if I were not taught and assured by the promises of thy gospel, and the examples of Peter, Mary Magdalene, the publican, the prodigal child, and many other penitent sinners, that thou art so full of compassion, and so ready to forgive the greatest sinners, who are heaviest laden with sin, at what time soever they return unto thee with penitent hearts, lamenting their sins, and imploring thy grace, I should despair for mine own sins, and be utterly discouraged from
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Iranian Conquest
Drawn by Boudier, from the engraving in Coste and Flandin. The vignette, drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a statuette in terra-cotta, found in Southern Russia, represents a young Scythian. The Iranian religions--Cyrus in Lydia and at Babylon: Cambyses in Egypt --Darius and the organisation of the empire. The Median empire is the least known of all those which held sway for a time over the destinies of a portion of Western Asia. The reason of this is not to be ascribed to the shortness of its duration:
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9

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