Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Because the riches of this so mighty a Monarchy dazzled the eyes of all, by the brightness thereof, it might be esteemed but a fabulous matter whatsoever the Prophet foretold touching the destruction of it. That is the reason why he draws the minds of the faithful unto God, that so they might know it is he alone who took in hand to root Babylon out, and that such greatness should not come to ruin at mens appetites, but by his power only. The threshing and sons of the floor, are taken for one and the same thing: for it is an usual phrase of speech among the Hebrews, who are wont to repeat one thing often.

BEcause the riches of this so mightie a Monarchie dazled the eyes of all, by the brightnes thereof, it might be esteemed but a fabulous matter whatsoeuer the Prophet foretold touching the destruction of it. That is the reason why he drawes the minds of the faithfull vnto God, that so they might know it is he alone who tooke in hand to roote Babylon out, and that such greatnes should not come to ruine at mens appetites, but by his power only. The threshing and sonnes of the floore, are taken for one and the same thing: for it is an vsuall phrase of speech among the Hebrues, who are wont to repeate one thing often.

This place is diligently to be noted, to correct a vice naturally grafted in us; namely, when we measure Gods power by our own ell. For his counsel not only far surpasseth our weak reach, but we are also ill Judges, and depravers of his works: neither can we be brought to see the greatness of them further forth then our own skill and wit stretcheth. But Gods infinite power ought always to present it self before us: and then especially when our own wit and reason is brought to the last cast:¹ as when the Church is so oppressed with tyrants, that it seems past hope of recovery, yet even then let us know that the Lord will bring them to nothing; and by treading their pride under foot, and by breaking their power, will show that it is his threshing. For y• Prophet foretold this of no mean or common person, but of the mightiest and most flourishing Monarchy of the world. By how much the more then such are exalted, so much the sooner shall their destruction come upon them, and the Lord shall send his threshers amongst them.