Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

IN as much as this sentence comes in between the threatenings and the consolation, it seems he should only speak to the elect, and not to all the people indifferently: ⟨p. 234⟩unless we will say that he describes that scattering whereby the Jews were divided as it were into many nations. But because this should be too strict and harsh, I expound it simply, that some hope is left to the other forlorn nations.¹ And truly this prophecy doth indeed properly belong to Christ, through whom it is no marvel if the Gentiles have some part of the promise of salvation. The Prophet hath already used this similitude, Chapter 17.6. but there he only mentioned the church of the Jews, telling them that a small remnant should still remain of the holy seed, lest the faithful might think the Church utterly rooted out. For as when an olive tree is shaken there will always be some left here and there, and likewise grapes upon the vine, so should there remain an after gathering as it were of the faithful in that great destruction wherewith the Church should be oppressed. But in this place he extends this promise unto other parts of the world, according as they should partake in the same grace, by the means of Christ. Yet he therewithal adds a menace or threatening, as if he should say, the earth shall be left bare of her Inhabitants, even as trees and vines are of their fruit.