Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

This was an other favour of God towards Tyre. After she was restored, she yet converted not to the Lord, but went on in her subtle dealings: for which she deserved utterly to perish. And indeed she was miserably punished when Alexander took her by force: yet notwithstanding the kingdom of Jesus Christ was set up there, as S. Luke witnesseth, Acts 21.4. This verse then must be opposed to the former: as if he should say; Yet shall the merchandise of Tyre be consecrated to the Lord. Here we have a wonderful example of Gods goodness, which shined even into this vile brothelhouse, and as you would say, even into hell. This restoration of Tyre then must be attributed to the bounty of the Lord: but this first benefit was nothing in comparison of the second, when the Lord sanctified and set it a part for himself. But will some say, Object. might that be offered unto God in sacrifice, which the Tyrians had scraped together by polling and unlawful shifts?¹ For the Lord detests such offerings; because he requires a pure conscience, and innocent hands: Psal. 24.4. Now in regard of this question, many trouble themselves about the exposition of this place, but to small purpose: Ans. for it is not the Prophets meaning that the merchandise of Tyre shall be consecrated unto God whilst she continues in her whoredoms, but notes the time to come; namely, after her repentance and conversion. She shall not then gather treasures, and heap up wealth by hook and by crook, but shall employ them in the service of God, and lay out the profit of her trading, for the comfort of the faithful in their need. Now albeit he hath used an unseemly word, it is in regard of the time: signifying that she shall forget her wicked practises, and shall change her old customs.

THis was an other fauour of God towards Tyre. After she was restored, she yet conuerted not to the Lord, but went on in her subtile dealings: for which shee deserued vtterly to perish. And indeede she was miserably punished when Alexander tooke her by force: yet notwithstanding the kingdome of Iesus Christ was set vp there, as S. Luke witnesseth, Acts 21.4. This verse then must bee opposed to the former: as if he should say; Yet shall the merchandise of Tyre be consecrated to the Lord. Here we haue a wonderfull example of Gods goodnesse, which shined euen into this vile brothelhouse, and as you would say, euen into hell. This restauration of Tyre then must be attributed to the bountie of the Lord: but this first benefit was nothing in comparison of the second, when the Lord sanctified and set it a part for himselfe. But will some say, Obiect. might that bee offered vnto God in sacrifice, which the Tyrians had scraped together by polling and vnlawfull shifts?