Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

They also diversly interpret this place: for some think the Prophet threatens the Jews, and that in such sort, as if he called divers nations to the feast: which phrase of speech is often found in other places; because it is said, that the Lord feeds the wicked far against the day of slaughter. They think then that the Gentiles are called to the banquet, the Jews being made their pray: as if the Lord should say; I have prepared a goodly banquet for the Gentiles; to wit, the Romans shall sack and spoil the Jews. But as I think, this sense cannot stand, neither shall there need any long refutation, when I shall have acquainted you with the true meaning. Others expound it, as if Isaiah should speak of Gods wrath thus; The Lord will make a feast to all people, he will make them drink the cup of his wrath, till they be drunken therewith. But the Prophet meant nothing less: for he goes on still to set forth the grace of God, which should be manifested at the coming of Christ. Using the very same similitude with that in the 22. Psalm, vers. 26. where David describes the Kingdom of Christ, saying; that the poor as well as the rich, shall partake of this banquet, and shall eat their fill: by which, he signifies that no nation shall be exempt from having part in this benefit. At the first,¹ it seemed that the Lord only feasted the Jews, because they alone were his adopted people, and entertained at this banquet as those of his own household: but now