Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

When he saith therefore that he will be behind us as a guide, we may thereby perceive, that God will not suffer his word to be spoken to us in vain, but will so work inwardly upon our judgements and affections, that they shall be bowed to a true and willing obedience. For all of us naturally are unteachable, so that we stand in need to be wholly reformed by the work of the Spirit. And therefore the word, shall hear, is of great weight in this place.

When he saith therefore that hee will be behind vs as a guide, wee may thereby perceiue, that God will not suffer his word to be spoken to vs in vaine, but will so worke inwardly vpon our judgements and affections, that they shall bee bowed to a true and willing obedience. For all of vs naturally are vnteachable, so that we stand in need to bee wholly reformed by the worke of the Spirit. And therefore the word, shall heare, is of great weight in this place.

Now he compares God to a schoolmaster, who sets his scholars before him that he may the better teach them, and keep them in order: wherein undoubtedly, he shows the great affection and exceeding care which he hath over us, in that he contents not himself to go before us, but also to watch us at every turn with his gracious eye.¹

Now he compares God to a schoolemaster, who sets his schollers before him that hee may the better teach them, and keepe them in order: wherein vndoubtedly, hee shewes the great affection and exceeding care which he hath ouer vs, in that he contents not himselfe to goe before vs, but also to watch vs at euerie turne with his gracious eye.¹

1. 1God not only vouchsafes to teach us, but to watch and attend us with a gracious eye whither soever we go.God not onely vouchsafes to teach vs, but to watch and attend vs with a gracious eye whither soeuer we goe.