Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

NO doubt but it is an heavy temptation to the faithful, when they see the wicked exercise their rage against them, and in the mean while, that God should hold his peace: for in so doing, they imagine he hath forsaken them. The Prophet then labours to prevent this temptation, and shows, that howsoever the Lord hath been silent for a while, yet he will in the end show himself in due season, to give relief to his servants, and to punish the wrongs that have been done him. Thus by the word of coming forth, he describes the Lord reaching out his hand as it were to his children: as if the same had been hidden before, in regard they felt not his help. For that is the cause why he saith, the Lord comes forth into sight; namely, to succour his Church, and to execute his judgements upon her enemies: for in former time it seemed he had kept himself close and altogether shut up in heaven. We may also very well affirm, that Isaiah alludes to the sanctuary; which manner of speech is often met withal in the books of the Prophets.¹ As if he should say; Howsoever the profane nations despise the Ark of the covenant, being seated in a very mean place; yet from thence shall the faithful feel by good experience, how ready the power and favour of God is prest to succour them, and that he is not called upon in this holy place in vain. In the mean while, we must hold this as a sure principle; that albeit the wicked scorn the Temple, as if it were no better then some Country barn, or some such like thing; yet even from thence will the Lord come forth, when