Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Thence proceeds this shameless question of theirs, Who seeth us? for albeit they seemed in outward appearance to serve God, yet they thought themselves able not only to put the Prophets to silence by their shifts and devices, but even to overthrow the judgements of God. I grant they did not this openly, for such will always hold an outward show of profession, that they may the better deceive others thereby: but in their hearts they acknowledge no God, but that which themselves have forged in the shop of their own brain.¹ Isaiah then compares these subtle practises of the wicked, in which they so much please and flatter themselves, to dens or caves, for they think themselves to be so covered over with a veil that even God himself can neither see nor surprise them in their wickedness.

Thence proceeds this shameles question of theirs, Who seeth vs? for albeit they seemed in outward appearance to serue God, yet they thought themselues able not only to put the Prophets to silence by their shifts and deuices, but euen to ouerthrow the iudgements of God. I grant they did not this openly, for such will alwaies hold an outward shew of profession, that they may the better deceiue others thereby: but in their hearts they acknowledge no God, but that which themselues haue forged in the shop of their owne braine.¹ Isaiah then compares these subtle practises of the wicked, in which they so much please and flatter themselues, to dennes or caues, for they thinke themselues to be so couered ouer with a vaile that euen God himselfe can neither see nor surprize them in their wickednes.

1. 1Hypocrites acknowledge no God in their hearts, but what they have forged in their own brain.Hypocrites acknowledge no God in their hearts, but what they haue forged in their own braine.

Now in regard that the great ones are for the most part tainted with this vice, I think the Prophet meant specially to tax them: for they think themselves too too simple and dull witted, unless they can despise God, and reject his Law, believing no more thereof then that which likes their own humours. They dare not for shame reject Religion wholly, but are constrained whether they will or no to subject themselves to some one worship or other. But this they do only because they think it will bring them in some profit and commodity; but are never touched inwardly with any true fear of God at all.