We are reminded that human power is fleeting, and we should devote our honor and trust to God who grants life and breath to all.
Isaiah declares, “Stop regarding man, whose breath of life is in his nostrils; For why should he be esteemed?” (v.22). Here, the prophet Isaiah (active in Judah around 740-686 BC) warns against placing too much confidence in human power or influence. Israel’s leaders and people had their eyes fixed on their own schemes and alliances rather than on God, and this verse serves as a direct rebuke to their misplaced trust. Their common temptation was to elevate human strength and accomplishments above the LORD’s sovereignty, forgetting that all of life and breath ultimately belong to Him.
By pointing out that humanity’s life is as delicate as breath in the nostrils, Isaiah underscores the transience of mortal strength. People—no matter how accomplished—are frail and limited when compared to the eternal Creator. In the broader context of Isaiah 2, the prophet depicts a time when human arrogance will be humbled, and God’s majesty will be displayed for all to see. Isaiah’s message anticipates the day when the LORD, not human accomplishment or valor, will be exalted among the nations.
This admonition finds a parallel in the New Testament’s call to trust the Lord rather than human wisdom (John 2:24-25). Just as Isaiah cautions against esteeming humanity too highly, Christ Himself demonstrated reliance upon the Father alone (John 5:19). When believers take heed of Isaiah’s command to “stop regarding man,” they learn to refuse exalting human ability and are drawn instead to revere and trust the true source of life.
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Isaiah 2:22 meaning
Isaiah declares, “Stop regarding man, whose breath of life is in his nostrils; For why should he be esteemed?” (v.22). Here, the prophet Isaiah (active in Judah around 740-686 BC) warns against placing too much confidence in human power or influence. Israel’s leaders and people had their eyes fixed on their own schemes and alliances rather than on God, and this verse serves as a direct rebuke to their misplaced trust. Their common temptation was to elevate human strength and accomplishments above the LORD’s sovereignty, forgetting that all of life and breath ultimately belong to Him.
By pointing out that humanity’s life is as delicate as breath in the nostrils, Isaiah underscores the transience of mortal strength. People—no matter how accomplished—are frail and limited when compared to the eternal Creator. In the broader context of Isaiah 2, the prophet depicts a time when human arrogance will be humbled, and God’s majesty will be displayed for all to see. Isaiah’s message anticipates the day when the LORD, not human accomplishment or valor, will be exalted among the nations.
This admonition finds a parallel in the New Testament’s call to trust the Lord rather than human wisdom (John 2:24-25). Just as Isaiah cautions against esteeming humanity too highly, Christ Himself demonstrated reliance upon the Father alone (John 5:19). When believers take heed of Isaiah’s command to “stop regarding man,” they learn to refuse exalting human ability and are drawn instead to revere and trust the true source of life.