A17640:1302
Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah
A commentary upon the prophecy of Isaiah. By Mr. John Calvin. Whereunto are added four tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.A commentary vpon the prophecie of Isaiah. By Mr. Iohn Caluin. Whereunto are added foure tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston, 1609
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Having threatened the Egyptians, and laid forth the cause of Gods judgements, he now comforts them, and promiseth them mercy: for he shows that all of them in a manner shall be restored, and shall recover a prosperous and flourishing estate again. For of six Cities, saith he, five shall be saved, so as one only shall perish. He had before threatened an horrible judgement to fall upon the whole kingdom, so as if any shall consider the former prophecy well, he can comprehend nothing therein but a state utterly past recovery. He promiseth then that they shall be restored by a special favour of God. So that this is to be taken as an increase of the ⟨p. 195⟩Churches restoration, or as a full measure of Gods grace after the redeemer is sent.
HAuing threatned the Egyptians, and laid forth the cause of Gods iudgements, he now comforts them, and promiseth them mercie: for he shewes that all of them in a maner shall be restored, and shall recouer a prosperous and florishing estate againe. For of sixe Cities, saith he, fiue shall be saued, so as one only shall perish. He had before threatned an horrible iudgement to fall vpon the whole kingdome, so as if any shall consider the former prophesie well, he can comprehend nothing therein but a state vtterlie past recouerie. He promiseth then that they shall be restored by a speciall fauour of God. So that this is to be taken as an increase of the ⟨p. 195⟩Churches restauration, or as a full measure of Gods grace after the redeemer is sent.
The manner of speech is somewhat obscure: but if we examine it well, there is little or no difficulty at all in the sense. For his meaning is, that the sixth part of the Cities shall only perish, and that the rest shall continue safe. The most difficulty is in the word Haheres: some read it Hacheres; that is to say, of the Sun: but they deceive themselves by taking one letter for another. Those who expound it of the Sun, think that the Prophet spake of Heliopolis: but it suits not well with the scope of the text: because he not only promiseth that five Cities shall be restored (for that had been no great matter) but saith in general, that of six towns or cities, five shall remain untouched: and doubtless there were many Cities in Egypt.