Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

This verse must be joined to the former; for it contains the end why the Lord corrected the Idumeans so severely, namely, because he meant now to maintain and revenge the quarrel of his people. For had he not added this reason, that which he spake before, might have seemed not only dark, but improper. For it would be but a flitting and uncertain knowledge of things, unless §1in the consideration of Gods punishing of §2the wicked, we did also therein see, that he manifests the continual care and love which he hath to his chosen, in the preservation of them.¹ Now that which is here said of the Idumeans, ought to be applied to all the enemies of the Church; for under this one particular, our Prophet comprehended them all: and for this cause are we to cheer up and refresh our hearts with this consolation in time of adversity, and to sustain the injuries which are done us, which God shall revenge himself. For is he called the avenger, think you, for nought? See Psal. 94.1. It is not our Prophets meaning then alone to say, that God hath power sufficient to punish the wicked when he thinks good, but also that he §1reigns in heaven, to revenge all wrongs in §2