Isaiah 2:13

• The cedars of Lebanon were valuable trees used to build Solomon’s Temple and palace (1 Kings 5:6) and other important buildings (Ezra 3:7). The cedars symbolized wealth and power (2 Chronicles 25:18; Psalms 92:12; 104:16), but these mighty trees were as nothing before the Lord (Isaiah 10:34; 33:9; see the boast of Sennacherib in 37:24).

• The oaks of Bashan were also an image of strength and splendor (Ezekiel 27:6). They, too, will disappoint (Isaiah 33:9; Nahum 1:4; Zechariah 11:2).

The prophet used several images of human strength to explain Isaiah 2:11–12.

The prophet warned of judgment and mocked human pride. All human systems (religious, economic, military, and social) will face God's examination and be found lacking on the Day of the Lord. This is the final day in history when God will judge the wicked once and for all (1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 20:7–15).

Sometimes, prophets used the phrase the day of the Lord (or others like it, such as that day) to describe specific times when God judged wickedness throughout history (see Isaiah 13:6, 9; Ezekiel 13:5; 30:3; Obadiah 1:15). On the Day of the Lord, only God will be honored. All human wickedness and pride will be defeated. This glorious day of God's arrival will fill wicked and arrogant people with fear (Isaiah 2:10, 19, 21).

Isaiah condemned Israel and Judah for their pride and self-importance. He warned them that only God should be honored. All attempts by humans to lift themselves up will actually result in humiliation.