After God commands His messengers to comfort His people and speak tenderly to them about their redemption, He sends the prophet forth with a message about the transience and frailty of humanity. People are like withering grass and their glory like wilting flowers. At their best, their absolute vulnerability is exposed by the simple breath of God. By contrast, God's word stands unaffected by anything in heaven or on earth. We can be confident of our salvation for the Lord God has given us His sure Word of promise.