John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 2:17

"And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; and Jehovah alone shall be exalted in that day." — Isaiah 2:17 (ASV)

And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down. The Prophet declares that he had his eye on men when he described the various kinds of loftiness; for God is not displeased with the steep mountains or tall cedars, which He created, but informs us that the whole evil lies in men, who vainly trust in what is high and lofty.

It may be objected that it frequently happens that wicked men are not made more humble by chastisement but, on the contrary, become more fierce and obstinate, as is evident from the case of Pharaoh, whose hardness of heart no plagues could subdue (Exodus 8:15, Exodus 9:34); and consequently, what the Prophet here threatens does not always take place.

I reply, he does not describe the effect of chastisement, as if God bent rebellious men to obey Him; but the meaning of this passage is that, although the hearts of the reprobate are not changed, yet the Lord will not cease to inflict punishment upon them until their haughtiness and presumption are brought low. For, trusting in their wealth and fortifications, they congratulate themselves, as we have said, on their safety and do not fear God.

But whatever may be the nature of their defenses, the Lord will easily subdue and lay them low. This will happen not only by one or another chastisement but by chastisements so numerous and so severe that they will eventually be beaten down and subdued, will cease to rise up against Him, and will acknowledge that they gain nothing by their insolence and presumption. The next clause, and the LORD alone shall be exalted, has been already explained.