Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The Prophet scorns this wicked king again in the person of the dead, and yet this may also be understood of the living: but it is better to refer this whole speech to the dead; unless we had rather understand it of the sepulchre, which is almost all one in effect. Now we are wont to stretch forth our neck, and to stand upon the tiptoe when any admirable or rare thing is presented to our view. So in regard it was a thing almost incredible that this king furnished with so great power should be dead, the Prophet saith, that all have cast their eyes upon him to behold him diligently, as if they could hardly believe that to be true which they saw evidently before them. They ask in the first §1place whether it be possible that he which made the world to tremble with his look only, could be so suddenly & easily brought low. Next, the Prophet shows how all his wicked §2desires and enterprises are overthrown; as also that tyrants with their cruelty are like to clouds, which pour down water or hail on a sudden as though they meant to destroy the whole world, but they are scattered and gone in an instant. And this similitude that same good old father Athanasius used,¹ when some threatened him with the fury of Julian. Now the Prophet shows that this change came from the hand of God, who by his only will can overthrow the whole world.