Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

In regard then that these changes were near, it was needful the Jews should be advertised of it aforehand, that when they saw them come to pass, these things might be called to mind, that therein they might behold the providence of God, and so gather increase of faith. Neither is it to be doubted but the Jews were carried with divers distractions of mind to and fro, in seeing the world so shaken on all sides, and therefore sought by all means they might, to avoid these waves and tempests. For it is our desire always to be in such a place of safety, as we may be free from all danger of gunshot, as they say. Some of them peradventure then might seek some other place of abode, the better to provide for their own affairs: but when the mischief should press them on every side, this might make them tarry at home; and admonished them that they could find no better or safer habitation then in the company of the faithful.

In regard then that these changes were neere, it was needfull the Iewes should be aduertised of it aforehand, that when they saw them come to passe, these things might be called to minde, that therein they might behold the prouidence of God, and so gather increase of faith. Neither is it to be doubted but the Iewes were carried with diuers distractions of minde to and fro, in seeing the world so shaken on all sides, and therefore sought by all meanes they might, to auoid these waues and tempests. For it is our desire alwaies to be in such a place of safetie, as we may be free from all danger of gunshot, as they say. Some of them peraduenture then might seeke some other place of aboad, the better to prouide for their owne affaires: but when the mischiefe should presse them on euerie side, this might make them tarry at home; and admonished them that they could finde no better or safer habitation then in the companie of the faithfull.

By this example also many might be advertised, who for fear of dangers, separated themselves from the Church; thinking they could find none greater out of it. The Jews then might be solicited with such thoughts: for we have seen in the eight Chapter, that they had restless minds. Seeing then they were thus in doubt, that they ran to strangers for succour; they might easily be out of heart. And therefore as I take it, this is the principal reason why Isaiah thus denounceth the ruin of the Dumeans; namely, that the Jews might willingly put themselves under Gods protection, and above all things might recommend the safety of the Church unto him.