Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

But howsoever he spake generally of the inhabitants of the earth before, yet he only and properly meant Gods elect. I deny not but this benefit redounds sometime to hypocrites also, to wit, that they are now and then touched with the feeling of Gods Majesty: yea and they are often restrained from breaking out even for fear of the whip. Notwithstanding because the Prophet here describes the fruits of true repentance, it must needs be that he should only mean the children of God when he speaks of the inhabitants of the earth.

But howsoeuer he spake generallie of the inhabitants of the earth before, yet he only and properlie meant Gods elect. I denie not but this benefit redounds sometime to hypocrites also, to wit, that they are now and then touched with the feeling of Gods Maiestie: yea and they are often restrained from breaking out euen for feare of the whip. Notwithstanding because the Prophet here describes the fruites of true repentance, it must needs be that he should only meane the children of God when he speakes of the inhabitants of the earth.

Now some read this verse by an interrogation thus, Shall the wicked obtain favour? or, Wherefore should the wicked obtain favour? As if the Prophet meant to say, that they were unworthy to taste of Gods mercy. But for mine own part I rather think that the wicked will never be taught to do well, albeit God should allure them thereunto by pouring out all his benefits upon them. The Prophet therefore here restrains that which he said before in general terms. And when he saith that they do wickedly in the land of uprightness, he therein further amplifies the unworthiness of this ingratitude. It was enough and too much that they had already abused Gods benefits, and made themselves more obstinate thereby: but they made their sin above measure sinful when they dealt thus wickedly in the land which God had hallowed. Now he speaks only of Judea; albeit we may also apply it to other Countries wherein God is now worshipped: But at that time Isaiah could give this title to none other, because there was no knowledge of God but in Judea. For this cause he calls Judea the land of uprightness: and thus I interpret it, because the Prophet useth the word Necochoth, which is of the feminine gender, and can no way be referred to men.