Isaiah Chapter 2: Whose Breath is in his Nostrils

This inspiring chapter consists of two distinct sections: verses 1-4 and verses 5-22. Herein we have a description of the peace that Jesus brings and also an indictment of the sinful ways of mankind. Left to our own devices, without the purifying influence of God’s Word and our reciprocating obedience, we settle into vain pursuits and ultimately become failures.

Verses 1-4 are a description of the peace that Jesus brings. Jesus has come and gone, and He is with us although the world still wages war. The peace brought by Jesus to mankind will one day rule forever, after judgment day. The description of weapons being transformed into farming tools paints the picture of a people moving away from conflict and towards peace. This is what Jesus offers us in our lives today: peace in the midst of a turbulent world. Obey Him and be baptized to receive salvation.

Verses 5-22 paint a different sort of picture. In this passage we have a description of the corruption of God’s people and the consideration that despite their great possessions, they are in an utterly hopeless state: “Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, From the terror of the LORD And the glory of His majesty.”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭2:10‬ 

Man’s pride and the wondrous sights of the Earth cannot even begin to stand up to the glory of Almighty God! We see this all too easily in verses 12-18 while verses 19-21 describe the lengths to which sinful and corrupted man will be forced to flee in the presence of God’s power. God’s power and might are absolute: noting on Earth can challenge Him. What will happen happen on judgment day, “The Day of the Lord?”

“The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, And the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.”‭‭ Isaiah 2:11

Finally this impressive chapter ends with another indictment of the ways of man that would endeavor to live without God: “Sever yourselves from such a man, Whose breath is in his nostrils; For of what account is he?” Isaiah ‭2:22‬ ‭

The phrase, “whose breath is in his nostrils,” is a descriptive reference to the man that lives his life based on the physical and the temporary. A man or woman, any one of us, that seeks a life without Him in it, is living a futile life. Our minds and hearts need to be on God. Our actions need to emulate those of our Savior Jesus to the very best of our ability!