Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

He (further) amplifies that sharp reprehension which he used before, and withal, adds a consolation to revive the hearts of the faithful. For as on the one side he threatens the wicked with destruction; so yet on the other side he leaves matter of consolation for the faithful, assuring them that their salvation is deer and precious to God. Now by the word mockers, he means those that were witty and malicious, who by their wily devices, thought to escape the judgements of God: for the verb Luts, from whence this word mockers is derived, signifies to cavil and to mock. Now he speaks not here to common persons; but to the Princes and Magistrates, who thought themselves wiser and more prudent then those that were under their government. But they employed this dexterity of wit, in devising how they might play mock holy day with God. It is not for nought then that the Prophet doth tauntingly accuse them, in calling them scorners. As if he should say, You think you have such deep devices in your heads, that you can circumvent the Lord; but he will not take it at your hands.

HEe (further) amplifies that sharpe reprehension which he vsed before, and withall, addes a consolation to reuiue the hearts of the faithfull. For as on the one side hee threatens the wicked with destruction; so yet on the other side he leaues matter of consolation for the faithfull, assuring thē that their saluation is deere and pretious to God. Now by the word mockers, hee meanes those that were wittie and malicious, who by their wilie deuices, thought to escape the iudgements of God: for the verbe Luts, from whence this word mockers is deriued, signifies to cauill and to mocke. Now he speakes not here to common persons; but to the Princes and Magistrates, who thought themselues wiser and more prudent then those that were vnder their gouernment. But they imployed this dexteritie of wit, in deuising how they might play mocke holy day with God. It is not for nought thē that the Prophet doth tauntingly accuse them, in calling them scorners. As if hee should say, You thinke you haue such deepe deuices in your heads, that you can circumuent the Lord; but he will not take it at your hands.