Isaiah 40:7
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.
ISAIAH 40:7
Building on the prior image, this verse deepens the metaphor: “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it.” The emphasis remains on human frailty under the simple wind of life, but the wind is God’s Spirit, not random fate. People endure because God’s Spirit grants life and movement; without that life, human strength is insubstantial. This verse continues to prepare the reader for the contrast with the eternal Word that endures.
The Spirit’s agency in sustaining life underscores Trinitarian-like dynamics within Isaiah’s text: God’s power (the Spirit) interacts with creation to determine its vitality. It also reinforces dependence on God rather than on human vitality. The passage points to divine sovereignty in sustaining or allowing decay, which is part of the broader biblical anthropology.
Recognize that your energy and strength are not guaranteed apart from God’s Spirit. Invite the Spirit to empower your daily routines, decisions, and relationships. When you feel depleted, pause to rely on God for renewal—prayer, scripture, and Sabbath-rest can be lifelines. In communal life, cultivate spaces where people rely on God’s Spirit for vitality rather than just human effort, celebrating small, Spirit-led moments of transformation.
Cross-References
- Job 34:14-15
- Psalm 104:29
- John 6:63
- 2 Corinthians 3:5-6