A17640:1725
Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah
A commentary upon the prophecy of Isaiah. By Mr. John Calvin. Whereunto are added four tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.A commentary vpon the prophecie of Isaiah. By Mr. Iohn Caluin. Whereunto are added foure tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston, 1609
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
He adds, that the inhabitants of the world did not fall: for the Hebrew word Naphal, signifies to fall. Some affirm, it signifies to dwell. If we take it in the latter signification, the sense will be; That the Jews shall not dwell; that is, they shall not return into their Country; the inhabitants which enjoyed it, should not perish. But if we follow the common translation, this must be referred to the wicked on this wise; The inhabitants of the world oppress us, and yet they fall not. Why so? Because they have more then heart can wish. For when the wicked flourish, as Solomon saith, then Gods children must of necessity sigh, and be like unto women in travail with child.
He addes, that the inhabitants of the world did not fall: for the Hebrew word Naphal, signifies to fall. Some affirme, it signifies to dwel. If we take it in the latter signification, the sense wil be; That the Iewes shal not dwel; that is, they shall not returne into their Country; the inhabitants which inioyed it, should not perish. But if we follow the common translation, this must be referred to the wicked on this wise; The inhabitants of the world oppresse vs, and yet they fall not. Why so? Because they haue more then heart can wish. For when the wicked florish, as Salomon saith, then Gods children must of necessitie sigh, and be like vnto women in trauaile with child.
Yet let us not refuse even this hard condition, if we would have any place in Gods Church. It is most certain that the common lot of all men is to bear sundry and infinite calamities: and thence came the old proverb; It were best of all never to have been borne; or being borne, to die quickly. But we see that the faithful are tired with extreme miseries, and exercised therewith above all others. For God means to try their faith, to the end they may serve him,1 having renounced their lusts, and the world also. Seeing the Lord then hath such a special care of them, he will chastise them; and in the mean while, will suffer the wicked to run riot into all misorder.