Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

He turns his speech to the Assyrians, in whose person he also speaks to all the enemies of the Church.¹ For having promised her such stability, as shall never be shaken, he taxeth now the fond confidence wherewith the wicked are puffed up; as if they were so well rooted, that it were unpossible ever to displant them. Be it then that for a time they built their hopes upon their riches, as upon a strong City, and that the same was as an high wall unto them in their imagination: whilst they were so besotted therewith, yet Isaiah prophecies their sudden destruction to be at hand, because Gods hand upheld them not. Now he goes on with the similitude which he used in the 21. verse, where he compared the Church to a very strong place, well environed with goodly rivers: by reason whereof, the enemy could not approach unto her. Now he compares the estate of the wicked to ships: signifying thereby their tottering foundation; notwithstanding they played the bugbears, and were carried with such fury and rage, as it seemed they would bear down all before them with a breath. Although they had furnished themselves then both with great ships and galleys to join in one the regions, which lay far distant one from another, and so meant to make themselves Lords of sea and land: yet should they feel that all was but vapours and smoke. The Lord would turn over their ships, break down their masts, and cut off their Cables, and sink all into the bottom of the sea. Let us not altogether then stand wondering and gazing at the strength, violence, or audaciousness of our enemies; but let us look up unto the Lord, & wait for that day wherein he will tumble their fury and violence upon their own heads.