A17640:2043
Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah
A commentary upon the prophecy of Isaiah. By Mr. John Calvin. Whereunto are added four tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.A commentary vpon the prophecie of Isaiah. By Mr. Iohn Caluin. Whereunto are added foure tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston, 1609
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Vers. 17. A thousand as one shall flee at the rebuke of one: at the rebuke of five shall ye flee, till ye be left as a ship mast upon the top of a mountain, and as a beacon upon an hill.
Vers. 17. A thousand as one shall flee at the rebuke of one: at the rebuke of fiue shall yee flee, till yee bee left as a shippe mast vpon the toppe of a mountaine, and as a beacon vpon an hill.
Because the Jews trusted in their strength, in regard of their multitude, (which men are apt to do when they see and behold their power) the Prophet plainly tells them, that all the strength they are able to make at home, shall do them no more good, then if it were far remote from them. Why so? Because the Lord would so break and so daunt their courage, that all their forces should stand them in no stead. For to what purpose serve weapons or an host of men; yea what good can garrisons or fortresses do, when mens hearts are appalled in them with fear? Alas! all our power is but weakness, except the Lord fortify and strengthen us with the power of his holy Spirit.1 This sentence is often found in the law; to wit, that when they have forsaken the Lord, many of them shall be put to flight before a few of their enemies: Deut. 28.62. But the diversity between the Law and the Prophets,2 is this; the Prophets apply that to some particular use, which Moses delivered generally, as we have showed elsewhere.
BEcause the Iewes trusted in their strength, in regard of their multitude, (which men are apt to do when they see and behold their power) the Prophet plainly telles them, that all the strength they are able to make at home, shall doe them no more good, then if it were far remote from them. Why so? Because the Lord would so breake and so daunt their courage, that all their forces should stand them in no stead. For to what purpose serue weapons or an host of men; yea what good can garrisons or fortresses doe, when mens hearts are appalled in them with feare? Alas! all our power is but weaknesse, except the Lord fortifie and strengthen vs with the power of his holy Spirit.