Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now Isaiah brings in God speaking, who interprets his own meaning himself. For it is not enough that the Lawgiver do command only, but that he also should add a native exposition to the laws, that they be not corrupted. Now it is not to be doubted, but that the former sharp reprehension was very ill taken: For what could one have spoken more boldly or roundly against them? They gloried in the name of Abraham, bragging in the title of his children, and proudly vaunting themselves thereof. For which cause the Prophet thus arms himself with the authority of God against them. As if he should say, Know you, that you have not so much to do with me, as with God himself. Next he shows what it is that God respects, and what his meaning is in demanding sacrifices of them: namely, not that he doth so much esteem of the sacrificing of brute beasts; but that they should serve, as outward props and helps of godliness. And therefore that the Jews greatly deceived themselves, who put their chiefest holiness in such outward ceremonies. For they thought they had discharged their duties very well, when they sacrificed and offered their offerings: and when the Prophets required any thing more of them, then they complained as if they had been over hardly dealt withal. But the Lord tells them that he abhors and rejects their offerings. Now it may seem that this is too strict a course: for were they not the things which God himself had instituted and commanded? But we must note that as touching the commandments of God some ought to be obeyed simply, and others for another end: as for example; The law commands, §1first, that we serve and honour God: §2secondly, that we seek our neighbours profit.¹ These things are of themselves pleasing §1unto God, and are absolutely required of us. But it is otherwise in regard of ceremonies, ²for §2they are exercises which are not simply required in respect of themselves,³ but for another end. And the like we may say of fasting. For the Kingdom of God stands not in abstinence from meats and drinks: fasting therefore hath respect to an higher end.