ישעיהו, פרק כ״ו, פסוק א׳

A future song of redemption is destined to echo throughout the land of Judah, celebrating the eternal security of Jerusalem. This song highlights a powerful contrast between physical stone structures and ultimate Divine protection. The primary approach among commentators is that this song belongs to the era of the final redemption, specifically marking the downfall of Gog [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, another perspective suggests that this prophecy already saw partial fulfillment during the reign of King Hezekiah, coinciding with the return of exiles from the Ten Tribes [מלבי״ם].

The heart of this song is a bold declaration about a mighty city. Most commentators identify this stronghold as Jerusalem, which has historically served as a fortress of strength and safety for the people. A unique interpretation reads the phrasing slightly differently, suggesting it means the "City of the Strong One." In this view, Jerusalem is defined entirely as God's city, with Him acting as the true source of all its power and bravery [אברבנאל].

The song details the city's defense systems, noting both primary walls and secondary outer ramparts. The primary walls are the high, main structures, while the secondary defenses are understood as either lower outer walls or deep protective trenches dug around the perimeter [רש״י, רד״ק, מלבי״ם, מצודת ציון]. The true defense of the city, however, relies on the promise that God will firmly establish His salvation there.

Commentators offer different views on how this Divine salvation operates. One approach explains that God will infuse His salvation directly into the physical walls and trenches. Because of this Divine presence, no enemy will ever be able to breach them or exile the people again [רש״י, מצודת דוד, שד״ל, אברבנאל]. A more figurative perspective argues that in the future, man-made fortifications will be entirely unnecessary. Instead, God's salvation itself will act as the walls and trenches wrapping around the city, fulfilling the prophetic vision that the city's very defenses will be named "Salvation" [מלבי״ם, רד״ק, שד״ל].