Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Isaiah makes a Preface here, as one minding to speak something of great importance: for he calls for audience of his hearers, which men are wont to do when any excellent or matter worthy of note is to be propounded. He speaks to them that were near, which should be eye-witnesses as it were of this spectacle: also he calls those a far off, which should hear of it by report. As if he should say, Such shall be the power of God, that it shall not only be manifested to some near bordering nations, but also to those that are very far remote from them. His meaning is then, that God will make his work known by some notable and special sign of his presence. Why so? Because the wicked which before quietly reposed themselves in safety as being exempt out of all danger, should now on the sudden be surprised with fears and terrors.

ISaiah makes a Preface here, as one minding to speake something of great importance: for he calles for audience of his hearers, which men are wont to doe when any excellent or matter worthie of note is to be propounded. He speakes to them that were neere, which should be eie-witnesses as it were of this spectacle: also he calles those a farre off, which should heare of it by report. As if he should say, Such shall be the power of God, that it shall not only be manifested to some neere bordering nations, but also to those that are very farre remote from them. His meaning is then, that God will make his worke knowne by some notable and speciall signe of his presence. Why so? Because the wicked which before quietlie reposed themselues in safetie as being exempt out of all danger, should now on the sudden be surprized with feares and terrors.