Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The two particles Chi, and Im, stand often for a double affirmation; but they are put here for expositives: we may also translate, For if, but I willingly retain that which is clearest. Well, the Prophet gives a reason why the Church which resembles a restless pavilion, is notwithstanding steadier then Cities well founded: to wit, because her Lord the Almighty is in the mid•es of her, for so she shall not be shaken, as is said Psal. 46.5. Separate God from the Church once, and she will fall of her self though no man put his least finger to it. For whereof doth she consist, but of a sort of poor▪ weak and frail creatures, yea, the frailest of all others. But when God dwells in the midst of us, then he sustains and bears up this feeble and weak nature, and is to us as a strong rampart, deep trenches; yea, even as walls and rivers which compass in a City round about. Now the Prophet had respect to the situation of Jerusalem, which had nought else but a little river, ¹nothing so large and boisterous rivers as Babylon and other Cities had. For they were commanded before Chap. 8.6. to content themselves with the only power of God, & not to covet after these great floods; as if he should say, We shall surely be invincible if God be resident amongst us, because his defence will be a shield and buckler of proof.