A17640:1344
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.
Now in that Isaiah is commanded to loose the sackcloth, the most of the interpreters gather that the Prophet was at that time clothed with a mourning weed, in regard that he bewailed the calamity of Israel: for sackcloth was a mourning garment, as appears by that which is said in Joel, Chap. 1.13. They say then that this was done, that in bearing upon him the garments of the guilty or condemned, he might ask pardon of God: or, that it could not be that his apparel and countenance should testify gladness, because his heart was in heaviness. And indeed it was unpossible but he must needs be sore afflicted in beholding so great and horrible calamities.
Now in that Isaiah is commanded to loose the sackcloth, the most of the interpreters gather that ye Prophet was at that time clothed with a mourning weede, in regard that he bewailed the calamitie of Israel: for sackcloth was a mourning garment, as appeares by that which is said in Ioel, Chap. 1.13. They say then that this was done, that in bearing vpon him the garments of the guiltie or condemned, he might aske pardon of God: or, that it could not be that his apparell and countenance should testifie gladnes, because his heart was in heauines. And indeed it was vnpossible but he must needs be sore afflicted in beholding so great and horrible calamities.
Some think it was his ordinary apparel, in regard that the Prophets used to wear a mantle, as testifieth Zachariah 13.4. But this is too weak a conjecture; neither hath it any show of reason. It is more likely that he was clothed with sackcloth, to express his sorrow. For those of Judea were become so senseless, that they cared not a whit; neither thought they that this misery should ever be able to come near them: no nor then when their poor brethren were miserably afflicted ⟨p. 202⟩and scattered before their eyes: nay, they rather thought themselves out of all danger, and made a mock at the words of the Prophets, who threatened and foretold their ruin. This was the cause why Micah also complained,1