Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

1. *Or, comfort me, &c.

The word Adon, which is put in the first place, signifies properly Lord, and is to be referred to the word that is opposite, to wit, Servant. The name Jehovah, by which the eternal essence and Majesty of God is expressed, is added consequently. After then that the Prophet Isaiah had recited some particular sins by the which he made it manifest to every one, that all things were corrupted amongst this people, minding now to use some threatenings, and to set God his judgement before them; he not only adorns the Lord with the office, and power of a Judge, but also he admonisheth them, that the children of Abraham are a peculiar people unto him; and in this sense, the mighty one of Israel, is added: although there may be here a privy and close kind of deriding, wherewith he galleth the Jews; as if he should say, that they did foolishly brag of the name of God, seeing they are such wretched ⟨p. 18⟩and wicked servants: and that they trust in his strength in vain: which strength he is forthwith ready to display against them. Having thus then begun to speak, he adds, Ah, I will comfort me. By which words he means that God will not be appeased till first he hath had his fill in chastising of them. He takes the word comfort, after the manner of men. For even as wrath is nothing else but a desire of revenge: so revenge it self also is a kind of contentment: for when any is revenged, he is glad, and satisfied. Thus the Lord saith that he will satisfy himself in chastising his enemies, as if it were a kind of recompense.