A17640:1782
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.
Vers. 7. Hath he smitten him as he smote those that smote him? or is he slain according to the slaughter of those that were slain by him?
Vers. 7. Hath he smitten him as he smote those that smote him? or is he slaine according to the slaughter of those that were slaine by him?
HE confirms the former sentence, to wit, that they might see sure and evident signs of Gods love and goodness even in his chastisements: for he is wont so to correct his people that whilst he beats them down with his left hand, he sustains them with his right. This verse is diversly expounded: some interpret it thus, Have I smitten Israel, as his enemies have smitten him? The Assyrians showed them no mercy, but vexed them with all rigour, but I have moderated my wrath, and have not smitten them for their ruin: whereby I have well showed that I was not their enemy. And yet me thinks the other exposition pleaseth me better, which also is the most received, to wit, that a difference is here put between the faithful and the wicked:1 for the Lord punisheth them both indifferently; but yet after a divers manner. For in punishing the reprobate he gives way to his anger, because he means to root them out in regard they be vessels of his wrath ordained to destruction, as those that have no taste nor feeling at all of his goodness: but when he corrects his children, he moderates his anger, and aims at a contrary mark, for he thereby means to work their amendment, and to draw them to himself, that so in the end they may have a better & a more permanent estate.
HE confirmes the former sentence, to wit, that they might see sure and euident signes of Gods loue and goodnes euen in his chastisements: for he is wont so to correct his people that whilest he beates thē downe with his left hand, he susteins them with his right. This verse is diuerslie expounded: some interpret it thus, Haue I smitten Israel, as his enemies haue smitten him? The Assyrians shewed them no mercie, but vexed them with all rigor, but I haue moderated my wrath, and haue not smitten them for their ruine: whereby I haue well shewed that I was not their enemie. And yet me thinks the other exposition pleaseth me better, which also is the most receiued, to wit, that a difference is here put betweene the faithfull and the wicked: