Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The Prophet had to deal as we know with the Jews, amongst whom the Lord had planted his Church, it was needful therefore to leave them some hope of salvation, least they should despair in the midst of so many calamities. For albeit the Lord handles hypocrites roughly because they falsely shroud themselves under the title of being his people; yet is he enforced by one means or other to provide for the good of his Saints. This promise is added therefore to put them in hope that God can not, nor will not forget his Covenant;¹ howbeit for a time he scourgeth his children sharply with the rods of men; for he never so threatens, but he leaves hope and consolation for the repentant to cheer up and refresh their hearts, and that even when it seems heaven and earth shall go together.

THe Prophet had to deale as we know with the Iewes, amongst whom the Lord had planted his Church, it was needfull therefore to leaue them some hope of saluation, least they should dispaire in the middes of so many calamities. For albeit the Lord handles hypocrits roughlie because they falsely shroude themselues vnder the title of being his people; yet is he inforced by one meanes or other to prouide for the good of his Saints. This promise is added therefore to put them in hope that God can not, nor will not forget his Couenant;¹ howbeit for a time he scourgeth his children sharplie with the rods of men; for he neuer so threatens, but he leaues hope and consolation for the repentant to cheere vp and refresh their hearts, and that euen when it seemes heauen and earth shall goe together.

1. 1God never threatens so sharply, but he still leaves hope for the penitent.God neuer threatens so sharpely, but he still leaues hope for the penitent.

And that they might the better taste this consolation which our Prophet sets before them, he raiseth up their minds to the author