John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 5:15

"And the mean man is bowed down, and the great man is humbled, and the eyes of the lofty are humbled:" — Isaiah 5:15 (ASV)

And the mighty man shall be bowed down. This may be called the summing up, for it points out the end and result of those chastisements: that all may be cast down, and that the Lord alone may be exalted. We have previously encountered a similar statement (Isaiah 2:11, 17), and on that occasion, we explained the Prophet’s meaning, which is that he shows the design of the chastisements God inflicts on us.

Adversity is so hateful to us that we can perceive nothing good in it. When he speaks of punishments, we detest and abhor them because we do not perceive God's justice. But the prophets remind us of another consideration: as long as people continue in their sins heedlessly, God's justice is in some degree smothered and never shines as brightly as when He punishes our sins. This fruit is indeed very great and ought to be preferred to the salvation of all people, for the glory of God, which shines in His righteousness, ought to be more highly esteemed than anything else.

Therefore, there is no reason why we should so greatly dread the chastisements God inflicts upon us; instead, we ought to embrace with reverence what the prophets declare concerning them. In this way, however, the Prophet has severely chastised arrogant hypocrites, who become more insolent when they are not punished, as if he had said, “Do you imagine that, when God has endured you so long, you will at last be able to tread him under your feet? Assuredly he will arise, and will be exalted in your destruction.”

As the Prophet has employed, first, the word אדם (adam) and next איש (ish), it is supposed that this denotes both the noble and the lowly; as if he had said, “Not only will the common people perish, but likewise those who are eminent for riches, honor, and high rank.” I cheerfully adopt this opinion, for איש (ish) is derived from strength and אדם (adam) from earth. But if anyone prefers a more simple interpretation, I leave it to his judgment. However this may be, the Prophet includes all men, both the highest and the lowest.