Definition: And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Isaiah 2:17. It’s a pretty profound message about humanity and God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, this verse says: “When God looks down on us, when we become proud and selfish, He will lift us up and make us humble. He will focus His attention entirely on Him.” Let’s unpack that a little further: "Loftiness of man shall be bowed down..." – This means we'll start to recognize our own importance and pride. We might feel like we deserve the best, or that we’re better than everyone else. "...and the haughtiness of men shall be made low..." – “Haughtyness” refers to a feeling of superiority, arrogance, and self-importance. It's about thinking you’re above everyone else. "...and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day." – This is the big takeaway. “That day” refers to a future time – a specific point in time when God will finally intervene and work through us. But He will be the one who gets all the glory and focus. What does this mean for us today? It’s a message about humility, recognizing our dependence on God, and being open to receiving His blessings. It encourages us to: Be grateful: Focusing on what we don't have helps us appreciate what God has given us. Let go of pride: Recognizing that we are created in God’s image and that we are part of a larger plan. Trust Him: It’s a reminder that He is in control and will ultimately bring about good things for us, even when we struggle. In short, Isaiah 2:17 encourages us to humble ourselves before God and recognize that He is the ultimate focus of His care. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you a related story or example from the Bible?