Isaiah 40:6

“The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field.”

Historical Context:The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah during a time when Israel and Judah were facing political turmoil and the threat of invasion from various nations. In this particular chapter, Isaiah prophesies about the coming deliverance and restoration of God’s people.

In this verse, the voice instructs someone to cry out. This indicates that a message or proclamation is about to be made. The voice could refer to God, who often communicates through prophets in the Bible. The one who responds by asking what to cry out may be an obedient servant of God, willing to deliver the message.

“All flesh is grass”: The phrase “All flesh is grass” signifies the temporary and perishable nature of human life. Grass is here today but withers away quickly. Similarly, human existence is fleeting, and our physical lives are limited. This metaphor emphasizes the brevity and fragility of human life in contrast to the eternal nature of God.

“All the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field”: The second part of the verse compares the goodliness or beauty of all flesh to the flower of the field. Flowers bloom and display their beauty for a short period, but they fade away and eventually die. Similarly, the attractiveness, accomplishments, and achievements of human beings are temporary and fleeting.

• Contextual Connection:

Isaiah 40:6 is part of a larger passage known as the “Comfort for God’s People” section, where Isaiah delivers a message of hope and restoration to the Israelites. The verse serves to contrast the temporary nature of humanity with the enduring nature of God’s promises. It emphasizes the need for God’s people to put their trust in Him rather than in worldly things.