Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 8. For it is a day of the Lords vengeance, and the year of recompense for the judgement of Zion.

Vers. 8. For it is a day of the Lords vengeance, and the yeere of recompence for the iudgement of Zion.

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 §2due season.

THis verse must be ioyned to the former; for it containes the end why the Lord corrected the Idumeans so seuerely, namely, because he meant now to maintaine and reuenge the quarrell of his people. For had he not added this reason, that which hee spake before, might haue seemed not onely darke, but improper. For it would be but a flitting and vncertaine knowledge of things, vnlesse