Isaiah 26:9
My soul longs for You in the night; indeed, my spirit seeks You at dawn. For when Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.
My soul
The Hebrew word for "soul" is "nephesh," which often refers to the entire being of a person, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. In this context, it signifies a deep, personal longing and desire that comes from the innermost part of the prophet. This longing is not superficial but is rooted in the very essence of who Isaiah is, reflecting a profound spiritual yearning.

yearns for You
The word "yearns" conveys an intense desire or craving. In Hebrew, "avah" is used, which implies a deep-seated longing that is almost physical in its intensity. This yearning is directed towards God, indicating a relationship that is both personal and passionate. It suggests that the soul finds its ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment in communion with the Divine.

in the night
Nighttime in biblical literature often symbolizes a period of trial, reflection, or waiting. It is a time when distractions are minimized, and the soul can focus more intently on spiritual matters. This phrase suggests that even in times of darkness or uncertainty, the soul's desire for God remains steadfast and unwavering.

in my spirit
The Hebrew word "ruach" is used for "spirit," which can mean breath, wind, or spirit. It signifies the life force within a person, the part that connects with God. This indicates that the longing for God is not just emotional but is also a spiritual pursuit, involving the deepest part of one's being.

within me
This phrase emphasizes the internal nature of the longing. It is not an external or superficial desire but one that resides deep within the individual. It highlights the personal and intimate nature of the relationship with God, suggesting that true spiritual yearning comes from within and is an integral part of one's identity.

seeks You
The act of seeking implies an active pursuit, a deliberate effort to find or connect with God. In Hebrew, "shachar" is used, which can mean to seek diligently or earnestly. This suggests that the relationship with God requires intentionality and effort, reflecting a commitment to spiritual growth and understanding.

For when Your judgments
The term "judgments" refers to God's decisions or decrees, which are always just and righteous. In Hebrew, "mishpat" is used, indicating a legal decision or verdict. This highlights God's role as the ultimate judge, whose decisions are perfect and whose ways are beyond human understanding.

come upon the earth
This phrase indicates the manifestation of God's will and authority in the world. It suggests that God's judgments are not confined to the spiritual realm but have tangible effects on the earth and its inhabitants. It underscores the belief that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world.

the inhabitants of the world
This refers to all people living on the earth, emphasizing the universal scope of God's judgments. It suggests that no one is exempt from God's authority and that His decrees impact all of humanity, calling everyone to recognize His sovereignty.

learn righteousness
The Hebrew word for "righteousness" is "tsedeq," which implies justice, rightness, and ethical conduct. This phrase suggests that through experiencing God's judgments, people are taught to understand and practice righteousness. It reflects the belief that God's actions are ultimately aimed at guiding humanity towards moral and spiritual truth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
The prophet who authored the book, delivering messages from God to the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

2. Judah and Jerusalem
The primary audience of Isaiah's prophecies, representing the Southern Kingdom of Israel.

3. God's Judgments
Refers to the divine decisions and actions that bring about justice and righteousness on earth.

4. Inhabitants of the World
All people who experience and learn from God's judgments.

5. Night and Dawn
Symbolic times representing continuous seeking and longing for God, both in times of darkness and new beginnings.
Teaching Points
Longing for God
Our souls should have a deep, continuous longing for God, both in times of darkness and new beginnings. This longing is a sign of spiritual health and maturity.

Seeking God Diligently
Just as Isaiah's spirit seeks God at dawn, we should prioritize seeking God daily, making it a foundational part of our lives.

Understanding God's Judgments
God's judgments are not merely punitive but are meant to teach and lead us to righteousness. We should view them as opportunities for growth and learning.

Righteousness Through Experience
Experiencing God's judgments can lead to a deeper understanding of righteousness. We should be open to learning from the challenges and corrections God allows in our lives.

Global Impact of God's Righteousness
God's actions have a universal impact, teaching righteousness to all inhabitants of the world. We should pray for and anticipate the global recognition of God's righteousness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of "night" and "dawn" in Isaiah 26:9 reflect your personal spiritual journey and daily routine?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper longing for God in your life, similar to the longing expressed by Isaiah?

3. How do you perceive God's judgments in your life, and how can they lead you to greater righteousness?

4. What practical steps can you take to seek God more diligently each day, as Isaiah's spirit does at dawn?

5. How can you contribute to spreading the understanding of God's righteousness in your community and beyond, in light of the global impact mentioned in Isaiah 26:9?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 63:1
This verse echoes the longing for God, similar to Isaiah's expression of seeking God earnestly.

Matthew 5:6
Jesus speaks about those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, which aligns with the desire for God's judgments to teach righteousness.

Hebrews 12:11
Discusses how discipline, though painful, yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness, paralleling the learning of righteousness through God's judgments.

Lamentations 3:25
Highlights the goodness of seeking God, reinforcing the theme of longing and seeking in Isaiah 26:9.

Revelation 15:4
Speaks of all nations coming to worship God because of His righteous acts, connecting to the global impact of God's judgments.
Affliction a School of InstructionBishop Brownrig.Isaiah 26:9
Death and JudgmentT. T. Carter, M. A.Isaiah 26:9
Fast-Day SermonA. B. Evans, D. D.Isaiah 26:9
God's Judgment on American SlaveryA. T. Pierson, D. D.Isaiah 26:9
God's Judgments and Their LessonsA. T. Pierson, D. D.Isaiah 26:9
God's Judgments Best Awaken SinnersVal. Nalson.Isaiah 26:9
God's Relation to EvilA. T. Pierson, D. D.Isaiah 26:9
Instruction from the Judgment of GodB. Whichcote, D. D.Isaiah 26:9
National JudgmentsJames Parsons.Isaiah 26:9
Pestilence and PrayerA. T. Pierson, D. D.Isaiah 26:9
Seeking God EarlyR. Macculloch.Isaiah 26:9
Seeking God in the NightW.M. Statham Isaiah 26:9
The Desire of the Soul in Spiritual DarknessIsaiah 26:9
The Desire of the Soul in Spiritual DarknessCharles Haddon Spurgeon Isaiah 26:9
The Divine SovereigntyA. T. Pierson, D. D.Isaiah 26:9
The God of JudgmentA. T. Pierson, D. D.Isaiah 26:9
The Judgments of GodH. Kollock, D. D.Isaiah 26:9
The Judgments of GodT. Manningham, D. D.Isaiah 26:9
The Judgments of GodG. H. Baird, D. D.Isaiah 26:9
The Judgments of GodAlex. Harvey.Isaiah 26:9
The Religious Craving and Seeking of the Soul At NightHomilistIsaiah 26:9
The Teaching of Ordinary LifeJ. B. Mozley, D. D.Isaiah 26:9
The World a Great MonitorJ. B. Mozley, D. D.Isaiah 26:9
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
A Thirst for GodW. Clarkson Isaiah 26:8, 9
People
Isaiah
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Desire, Desired, Diligently, Early, Earnestly, Experiences, Indeed, Inhabitants, Judgments, Learn, Learned, Longs, Morning, Punishments, Righteousness, Searching, Seek, Seeks, Sought, Soul, Spirit, Within, Yea, Yearns, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 26:9

     4027   world, fallen
     4203   earth, the
     4957   night
     5580   thirst
     8115   discipleship, nature of
     8603   prayer, relationship with God
     8656   longing for God

Isaiah 26:7-9

     8158   righteousness, of believers

Isaiah 26:8-9

     5832   desire

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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