Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

But how incredible did these things seem when the Prophet foretold them? for the Lord was only known and praised in Judea. Their destruction is denounced, and then follows the publishing of Gods word and praises, which should sound throughout the world. Now how could these things come to pass, when the people of God were destroyed? Surely we may well conclude, that few at that time believed these prophecies. But now that these things are come to pass, is it not our duties to admire so great a miracle? The Jews were not only scattered, but almost brought to nothing; yet notwithstanding one small sparkle hath been sufficient to give light to the whole world: so as whosoever hath been truly enlightened therewith, hath made bold and constant profession of the trueth.

But how incredible did these things seeme when the Prophet foretold them? for the Lord was only knowne and praised in Iudea. Their destruction is denounced, and then followes the publishing of Gods word and praises, which should sound thorowout the world. Now how could these things come to passe, when the people of God were destroyed? Surely we may well conclude, that few at that time belieued these prophecies. But now that these things are come to passe, is it not our duties to admire so great a miracle? The Iewes were not onely scattered, but almost brought to nothing; yet notwithstanding one small sparkle hath been sufficient to giue light to the whole world: so as whosoeuer hath been truely inlightened therewith, hath made bold and constant profession of the trueth.

My bowels.] This place is diversly expounded: for some translate the word Razi, Secret, others translate, Leanness. Those who turn it, Secret, think the Prophet meant that a double secret was revealed to him; to wit, that the Lord was purposed to reward the good, and to be avenged on the wicked. For whilst men look to the outward appearance, and see the wicked have all they can wish, and the godly overwhelmed with miseries; they are troubled and doubt in themselves, whether the matters of this present life are governed by the hand of God, or whether all things are guided by Fortune. But such thoughts are nothing but the seeds of impiety; as Solomon shows,