Feet trample it down—This phrase suggests a reversal of power dynamics, where those who were once oppressed now have the authority to overcome their oppressors. In biblical context, this can be seen as a fulfillment of God's justice, where the humble and meek are exalted. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages, such as
Matthew 5:5, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." The act of trampling signifies victory and dominion, often used in the Bible to depict the defeat of enemies (e.g.,
Psalm 91:13).
the feet of the oppressed,
The oppressed in this context refers to those who have suffered under unjust rulers or systems. Historically, Israel faced numerous oppressors, including Egypt, Babylon, and Assyria. This phrase highlights God's concern for justice and His promise to uplift those who have been downtrodden. It echoes the themes found in the Exodus narrative, where God delivers His people from slavery. Theologically, it points to the ultimate justice that God will bring, as seen inRevelation 21:4, where He will wipe away every tear.
the steps of the poor.
The poor are often mentioned in Scripture as recipients of God's special care and attention. In ancient Israel, poverty was not only an economic condition but also a social and spiritual one. The Law provided for the protection and support of the poor (e.g.,Leviticus 19:9-10). This phrase underscores the biblical principle that God exalts the humble and brings low the proud (James 4:10). It also foreshadows the ministry of Jesus Christ, who proclaimed good news to the poor (Luke 4:18) and identified with them in His life and teachings.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book that bears his name. He prophesied during a time of great turmoil and change in Israel, offering messages of both judgment and hope.
2.
The OppressedThis term refers to those who are downtrodden or marginalized in society. In the context of Isaiah, it often refers to the Israelites who were suffering under foreign oppression or unjust leadership.
3.
The PoorIn biblical terms, the poor are not only those lacking material wealth but also those who are humble and reliant on God. They are often depicted as recipients of God's special concern and justice.
4.
The CityWhile not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of
Isaiah 26 speaks of a fortified city, symbolizing God's protection and the ultimate triumph of His people.
5.
The Day of the LordThis is a recurring theme in Isaiah, referring to a future time when God will intervene decisively in human history to establish His kingdom and bring justice.
Teaching Points
God's Justice for the OppressedThe verse highlights God's commitment to justice, promising that the oppressed and poor will ultimately triumph over their oppressors. This serves as a reminder of God's heart for justice and His promise to uplift those who are downtrodden.
The Power of HumilityThe mention of the poor and oppressed suggests that humility and reliance on God are powerful. In a world that often values power and wealth, this verse calls believers to embrace humility and trust in God's provision and justice.
Hope in God's KingdomIsaiah 26:6 points to the ultimate hope believers have in God's kingdom, where justice will prevail. This encourages Christians to live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God's future promises.
Active Participation in JusticeWhile the verse speaks of God's action, it also challenges believers to be agents of justice in their communities, advocating for the oppressed and supporting the poor.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 26:6?
2.How can we apply "the feet of the oppressed" in our daily lives?
3.What does Isaiah 26:6 teach about God's justice for the humble?
4.How does Isaiah 26:6 connect with Jesus' teachings on humility?
5.In what ways can we "trample" pride in our spiritual walk?
6.How does Isaiah 26:6 encourage us to support the marginalized today?
7.What does Isaiah 26:6 reveal about God's justice and the fate of the proud?
8.How does Isaiah 26:6 reflect the theme of humility in the Bible?
9.What historical context influenced the message of Isaiah 26:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 26?
11.What does the Bible say about societal hierarchy?
12.If Christianity is based on love, why has it been used to justify oppression, colonialism, and slavery?
13.Jeremiah 23:1-2: How can God condemn 'shepherds' who mislead the flock while, historically, many oppressive leaders seem to go unpunished?
14.(Psalm 113:7-8) Despite the claim that God 'raises the poor' and seats them 'with princes,' how do we explain the ongoing existence of poverty with little evidence of divine intervention?What Does Isaiah 26:6 Mean
Feet trample it down– Isaiah has just declared that the “lofty city” has been “brought low” (Isaiah 26:5). Verse 6 pictures what happens next: “Feet trample it down.”
– A literal scene of rubble being walked over underscores complete defeat; the proud stronghold is reduced to a sidewalk for common passersby (cf.Isaiah 25:12;Malachi 4:3).
– Behind the image stands God’s consistent pattern of toppling arrogance—“He has brought down rulers from their thrones” (Luke 1:52), making the high place “dust under His feet” (Psalm 18:27).
the feet of the oppressed– The very people who had been crushed now do the trampling. God reverses fortunes, vindicating those who suffered injustice (Exodus 3:7-8;Psalm 147:6).
– This fulfills His promise to be “a refuge for the oppressed” (Psalm 9:9) and shows that their cause was never ignored (Isaiah 41:17;James 5:4).
– The scene signals judgment on oppressors and honor for the afflicted—exactly what Isaiah earlier foretold: “You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress” (Isaiah 25:4).
the steps of the poor– “Steps” points to steady, ordinary movement; the poor now walk freely where tyrants once ruled.
– Scripture repeatedly links the poor with inheriting what the powerful lose: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5;Psalm 37:11).
– God does not merely rescue the poor; He grants them stewardship. Compare1 Samuel 2:8, where He “lifts the poor from the dust… to inherit a throne of honor.”
– The promise is literal, anticipating the coming kingdom when Christ will reign from Zion and justice will cover the earth (Isaiah 11:4-9;Revelation 5:10).
summaryIsaiah 26:6 pictures a dramatic reversal: the city that exalted itself against God is flattened so thoroughly that formerly oppressed, poverty-stricken people walk over its ruins. In one short verse the Lord highlights His unwavering justice—pulling down the proud, lifting up the lowly, and handing the ground itself to those who once had no voice.
(6)
Even the feet of the poor . . .--The downfall of the haughty city is emphasised by the fact that the instruments of its destruction are to be the very people it had oppressed. The "saints of God" are in this sense to judge the world.
Verse 6. -
The foot shall tread it down; rather,
trode it down.
The feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy;
i.e. the feet of God's people, the weak and afflicted of this world, trod down ultimately, or brought to destruction and ruin, the great world-power - not so much that they were victorious in an actual physical contest, as that they, finally triumphed through God's judgment on the world-power, which brought it to naught, and left it for his people to show their contempt by trampling upon the smoking ruins.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Feetרָ֑גֶל(rā·ḡel)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7272:A foot, a step, the pudendatrample it down—תִּרְמְסֶ֖נָּה(tir·mə·sen·nāh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7429:To tread uponthe feetרַגְלֵ֥י(raḡ·lê)Noun - fdc
Strong's 7272:A foot, a step, the pudendaof the oppressed,עָנִ֖י(‘ā·nî)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6041:Poor, afflicted, humblethe stepsפַּעֲמֵ֥י(pa·‘ă·mê)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 6471:A beat, foot, anvil, occurrenceof the poor.דַלִּֽים׃(ḏal·lîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1800:Dangling, weak, thin
Links
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 26:6 The foot shall tread it down (Isa Isi Is) 
