Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

He speaks therefore in the name and person of all the faithful, who in appearance seemed to be rejected of God, but therewithal professing, that they were his people, and so consequently, did put their confidence in him. But had they not great cause to mourn thus, when they were in bondage under the tyranny of other rulers besides the Lord himself, who once had gathered them in under the wings of his protection? Hence therefore it follows, that if they had not been estranged from him, they had never fallen into so wretched a condition, as to be exposed to the merciless tyranny of their enemies. But it should seem by this, Object. that the government of Princes is contrary to that ⟨p. 254⟩which God himself exerciseth; notwithstanding that they rule in his name: Ans. but the Prophet speaks not of those here who bear rule for our good, but of such as are Idolaters, and enemies of the true doctrine. David himself was a King, having a divers government from that which God exerciseth, yet so, that he was Gods min•ster notwithstanding for the common good and salvation of all the people that were committed to his charge; and likewise maintained the true Religion, which these tyrants desired wholly to overthrow. The like also did justly befall the Jews, who had well deserved to be subdued under the cruelty of Infidels, seeing they refused to obey God who used them so lovingly.

He speakes therefore in the name and person of all the faithfull, who in appearance seemed to be reiected of God, but therewithall professing, that they were his people, and so consequently, did put their confidence in him. But had they not great cause to mourne thus, when they were in bondage vnder the tyrannie of other rulers besides the Lord himselfe, who once had gathered them in vnder the wings of his protection? Hence therefore it followes, that if they had not been estranged from him, they had neuer fallen into so wretched a condition, as to be exposed to the mercilesse tyrannie of their enemies. But it should seeme by this, Obiect. that the gouernement of Princes is contrarie to that ⟨p. 254⟩which God himselfe exerciseth; notwithstanding that they rule in his name: Ans. but the Prophet speakes not of those heere who beare rule for our good, but of such as are Idolaters, and enemies of the true doctrine. Dauid himselfe was a King, hauing a diuers gouernment from that which God exerciseth, yet so, that he was Gods minster notwithstanding for the common good and saluation of all the people that were cmmitted to his charge; and likewise maintained the true Religion, which these tyrants desired whollie to ouerthrow. The like also did iustlie befall the Iewes, who had well deserued to be subdued vnder the crueltie of Infidels, seeing they refused to obey God who vsed thē so louingly.