Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

HE adds this for two causes: First, to show why the Assyrian was to be broken. For §1seeing he behaved himself cruelly and savagely towards others, it was good reason he should receive like for like. This we know is the usual course which God takes with tyrants, as our Prophet will tell us, Chap. 33. Woe to thee that spoiledst, when thou wast not spoiled, &c. Secondly, the Assyrians power §2seemed too great to be vanquished. But albeit he was every way so well fortified, that he was not only able to defend himself, but also to annoy others; yet the Prophet tells him, Gods only voice shall shake him in pieces. By this we may learn, how vain the confidence of the wicked is, who have nothing to trust unto but their outward forces; altogether despising God, as if they were not liable to the strokes of his hand. But the Lord needs no better weapons then his voice to scatter all their munitions; for he will consume them with the very beck of his countenance. Neither are we to doubt but the Prophet also meant by this means, to withdraw the ⟨p. 312⟩senses of the faithful from looking to these helps, lest they should stand to inquire how it might come to pass, but should only content themselves with Gods promise, who is of power sufficient to execute his counsels as soon as he hath spoken the word.