Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

For the Prophets were as Heralds to publish the judgement and vengeance of God to the wicked, that so by all means they might endeavour, to bring all that they possibly could to repentance. And the servants of God must never put off this affection, namely, even to study how they may profit the very reprobate; if by any means it could be brought to pass. This place therefore may bring a marvellous consolation to all faithful Pastors: for when it seems to us that we speak to deaf cares, we stagger and begin to forsake all; What shall I do? I do nothing but beat the air. And yet notwithstanding, the Prophet ceaseth not, to exhort those in whom he saw no hope of amendment. An howsoever he be as a man astonished at their ruin, yet doth he not cease for all that to admonish them still. Let us note also, that although the wicked be obstinate, yet the judgements of God must be denounced against them; let them recoil, and gnaw the bit as much as they will, yet must they still be summoned before the judgement seat of God, to the end they may be left without excuse.

For the Prophets were as Heraulds to publish the iudgement and vengeance of God to the wicked, that so by all meanes they might endeuour, to bring all that they possiblie could to repentance. And the seruants of God must neuer put off this affection, namely, euen to study how they may profit the verie reprobate; if by any meanes it could bee brought to passe. This place therefore may bring a merueilous consolation to all faithfull Pastors: for when it seemes to vs that we speake to deafe cares, we stagger and begin to forsake all; What shall I doe? I doe nothing but beate the aire. And yet notwithstanding, the Prophet ceaseth not, to exhort those in whom hee saw no hope of amendment. An howsoeuer he be as a man astonished at their ruine, yet doth hee not cease for all that to admonish them stil. Let vs note also, that although the wicked bee obstinate, yet the iudgements of God must be denounced against them; let them recoyie, and gnaw the bit as much as they will, yet must they stil be summoned before the iudgement seate of God, to the end they may be left without excuse.

I take the Hebrew word Ci, for surely: for this signification agrees best, because it breaks off the exhortation which he had begun; and now speaks to God. Also when he again calls them the house of Jacob, it is added for the greater vehemency of speech, which men in a matter of great importance are wont to do: as if he should say, This holy nation which God hath chosen, is now left and forsaken.