Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

THE Prophet speaks here of Gods judgement in general, and so comprehends the whole kingdom of Satan. For having spoken before of the vengeance of God against tyrants and unbelievers which had shed innocent blood, he now passeth on further, and publisheth the edict it self. The word Leviathan is diversly expounded, but generally it signifies a serpent, or the whales and fishes of the sea, which are as monsters in regard of their excessive greatness. Now howsoever this description agrees to the king of Egypt, yet under this one kind he meant to comprehend all the enemies of the Church.

THE Prophet speakes heere of Gods iudgement in generall, and so comprehends the whole kingdom of Satan. For hauing spoken before of the vengeāce of God against tyrants and vnbeleeuers which had shed innocent blood, he now passeth on further, and publisheth the edict it selfe. The word Leuiathan is diuerslie expounded, but generallie it signifies a serpent, or the whales and fishes of the sea, which are as mōsters in regard of their excessiue greatnes. Now howsoeuer this description agrees to the king of Egypt, yet vnder this one kind he meant to comprehend all the enemies of the Church.

For mine own part I make no question but by way of Allegory he speaks here of Satan and his whole kingdom, describing it under the figure of some monstrous beast,¹ and therewithal also privily taxeth the subtleties wherewith he covers his deceitful baits. And thus he meant to prevent many doubts wherewith (as with mighty billows) we are at every turn tossed to and fro, whilst God §1on the one side promiseth to assist us, and yet §2Satan on the other side ceaseth not to make us feel the force of his darts and crafty conveyances: for his cunning is exceeding great to work mischief, and his wrath is wonderful hot against the poor Saints of God.

For mine owne part I make no question but by way of Allegorie he speakes here of Satan and his whole kingdome, describing it vnder the figure of some monstrous beast,