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.
Ver. 1. In that day.] Before the morrow, and while the mercy was yet fresh. We are not to take day for return of thanks, but to do it forthwith.
In that same day shall this song be sung.] As an evidence and effect of their spiritual joy and security, mentioned Isaiah 25:9. "Is any man merry? let him sing psalms," Jam 5:13 and so set an edge upon his praises and thanksgivings. Thus Israel sang, Exo 15:1 Num 21:7 "Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it." Thus, in the apostles' times, Rom 15:9 and afterwards Justin, Tertullian, Athanasius, others, voce praeiverunt, they go before with voices, gave the note. Constantine and Theodosius ever sang psalms with their soldiers before they gave battle. They knew that it is a good thing to sing praises to our God; it is pleasant, and praise is comely. Psa 147:1 a
We have a strong city.] The Church is invincible; hell gates cannot demolish it, whatever become of Moab's munitions. Isa 25:12
Salvation will God appoint.] All manner of health, help, and safety. Satan cannot have so many means to foil and spoil the saints as Jesus - to whose sweet name our prophet here and elsewhere oft alludeth, as much delighted therewith - hath means to keep and hold them up.
For walls and bulwarks.] Pro muris et antemurali, for walls and rampart, or counterscarp. So Scipio was said to be fossa et vallum, the wall and trench to the Romans against Hannibal. If salvation itself cannot save Jerusalem, let her enemies triumph and take all. If her name be Jehovahshammah, as Ezekiel 48:35, "The Lord is there," let her enemies do their worst.
a Socrates, lib. vii. cap. 22.