Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Here the Prophet shows one special touching the contempt of God. For when hypocrites are generally admonished, it toucheth them little or nothing at all: the Prophets therefore unto their general doctrines add particular applications;¹ touching in a special manner the conversation or those with whom they had to do, and so always aimed at some certain mark, or end. For his adversaries might thus cavil and say, Wherefore doest thou accuse us of so great an impiety, as if we meant to reject the word of the Lord?

HEre the Prophet shewes one speciall touching the contempt of God. For when hypocrites are generallie admonished, it toucheth them little or nothing at all: the Prophets therefore vnto their generall doctrines adde particular applications;¹ touching in a speciall maner the conuersation or those with whom they had to doe, and so alwaies aimed at some certaine marke, or end. For his aduersaries might thus cauill and say, Wherefore doest thou accuse vs of so great an impietie, as if we meant to reiect the word of the Lord?

1. 1The prophets are wont to descend from general doctrines to particular applications.The prophets are wont to descend from generall doctrines to particular applicatio•s.

This particular therefore is alleged to press upon their consciences, and to cut off all occasions of vain cavillations. As if he should say, Did not the Lord tell you that in rest and silence should be your confidence? Why staid you not upon this counsel of God? To what purpose have you kept such fiskings to and fro? Thus the Prophet convinced them with such forcible arguments, that without extreme impudency they were unable any way to excuse themselves: or if they did, yet he went away with the victory, as they say.