John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 40:23

"that bringeth princes to nothing; that maketh the judges of the earth as vanity." — Isaiah 40:23 (ASV)

He bringeth the mighty to nothing. He proceeds in extolling the providence of God, by which he governs the whole world, but more especially mankind. A little while ago, he had begun to remark that God did not create the world so as to later allow it to be governed by chance. Instead, God undertakes its preservation and keeps it under his power and authority. And, as he deigns to look more closely at mankind, the Prophet selects this area so that through it he might extol God’s providence.

The sum of what he says is that God’s government extends far and wide, so that he directs and governs everything according to his pleasure. But he shows (a point that was also highly advantageous to know) that striking proofs of the immediate exercise of God’s power are visible even in human lives. Not satisfied with this general doctrine, he brings forward one category that should arouse our attention even more.

The governors of the earth as if they were not. Anything that happens to the undistinguished mass of common people is despised and overlooked as unworthy of observation. However, when kingdoms and monarchies, or men of high rank, fall from their elevation, it seems as if the earth has been shaken, and the Prophet skillfully uses such proofs to arouse us.

It might indeed be supposed that princes and magistrates are exempt from the common lot and are not subject to the ordinary miseries of men, for by their splendor they dazzle the eyes and understanding of all. But their luster is entirely dimmed; and therefore, the Prophet especially mentions them and declares that the Lord bringeth them to nothing.

And if the hand of God is so powerful against nobles and princes, what must we think of the common people? Will he not also treat the ordinary crowd according to his pleasure and drive them wherever he sees fit? Will he not, whenever he pleases, either give or take away from them both strength and courage?