Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now Isaiah comforts the faithful, and threatens the wicked with their just and deserved perdition. First, he sets down the consolation which concerned the faithful, who were then in stead of a May-game to these Gallants. For we see how the wicked are not ashamed at this day to deride our simplicity, holding us no better then idiots, that in the middest of so many troubles and bitter persecutions we still hope notwithstanding, that God will turn all to the best for us. The Prophet soars up and relieves the hearts of the good with this consolation then against the insolence of the reprobate, to the end they might go on cheerfully and boldly, contemning all their flouts & mocks, and might also be assured that their hope should not be in vain. The word demonstrative Behold, is put here for the greater assurance of the matter; as if he should say, Albeit the unbelievers make no reckoning of my words, nor give any credit unto them, yet will I be as good as my promise for all that. The pronoun I, is also of great weight, for the further confirmation of the prophecy. Now for the words, first Bochan is put by way §1of an epithet with the word stone, and signifies, Of proof; and may be taken as well in the active signification, as in the passive, or for a stone upon which the whole building is to be framed and ordered as to his rule: of for a tried stone. But the first exposition seems to agree best, and the propriety of the Hebrew tongue requires that we interpret it rather in the active signification. He calls it a tried stone then, in regard of his effect, because the whole building was to be squared and fitted upon this stone, otherwise of necessity the whole house must sink.

NOw Isaiah comforts the faithfull, and threatens the wicked with their iust and deserued perdition. First, he sets downe the consolation which concerned the faithfull, who were then in stead of a May-game to these Gallants. For we see how the wicked are not ashamed at this day to deride our simplicitie, holding vs no better then idiots, that in the middest of so many troubles and bitter persecutions wee still hope notwithstanding, that God will turne all to the best for vs. The Prophet soares vp and relieues the hearts of ye good with this consolation then against the insolencie of the reprobate, to the end they might goe on cheerefullie and boldlie, contemning all their flouts & mocks, and might also be assured that their hope should not be in vaine. The word demonstratiue Behold, is put heere for the greater assurance of the matter; as if he should say, Albeit the vnbeleeuers make no reckning of my words, nor giue any credit vnto them, yet will I be as good as my promise for all that. The pronoune I, is also of great weight, for the further confirmation of the prophesie. Now for the words, first Bochan is put by way