Isaiah 26:7
The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.
Original Language Analysis
אֹ֥רַח
The way
H734
אֹ֥רַח
The way
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
1 of 7
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
מֵֽישָׁרִ֑ים
is uprightness
H4339
מֵֽישָׁרִ֑ים
is uprightness
Strong's:
H4339
Word #:
3 of 7
evenness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e., (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adv
Cross References
Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.Isaiah 42:16And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.1 John 3:7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.1 John 3:10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.Psalms 11:7For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.Proverbs 20:7The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.Isaiah 35:8And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.Psalms 1:6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.Job 31:6Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.
Historical Context
Ancient roads were treacherous—rocky, uneven, full of obstacles. Travelers feared ambush, wild animals, and losing their way. When a king traveled, servants went ahead to prepare the road, removing obstacles and smoothing the path. Isaiah uses this imagery to describe God's care for His people. The metaphor would later apply to John the Baptist preparing the way for Christ (Matthew 3:3). For believers facing persecution in Isaiah's time or any era, this promises that God superintends their journey, preparing and smoothing their way.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that the 'way of the just' is characterized by uprightness—how does this challenge moral relativism?
- How have you experienced God 'leveling' or 'smoothing' your path, removing obstacles you couldn't overcome yourself?
- How does knowing God is 'most upright' give confidence that He will deal justly with you?
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Analysis & Commentary
"The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just." This verse shifts from God's judgment of the proud to His care for the righteous. "The way of the just is uprightness" (אֹרַח לַצַּדִּיק מֵישָׁרִים/orach latzaddiq meisharim)—orach means way, path, road, journey through life. Tzaddiq (the just, the righteous) describes those justified by faith and living righteously. Meisharim means uprightness, equity, straightness, levelness. The righteous person's path is not crooked, twisted, or deceptive but straight, level, upright—characterized by moral integrity and ethical straightness.
"Thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just" (יָשָׁר אֹרַח צַדִּיק תְּפַלֵּס/yashar orach tzaddiq tepales)—yashar means upright, straight, right, level. Applied to God, it emphasizes His absolute moral perfection and equity. Tepales means to make level, smooth, prepare, weigh, balance. Picture a builder using a level to ensure perfect straightness, or someone carefully weighing scales to ensure justice. God doesn't merely observe the righteous path; He actively levels it, smooths it, prepares it, makes it straight. He removes obstacles, evens out rough places, and ensures the way forward. This echoes Isaiah 40:3-4—"make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low."