Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Neither doth Hezekiah speak thus, as if God understand not what the wicked say, or as if he were utterly ignorant of it, but because this principle was fixed in his heart; to wit, that the Lord is near unto all such as call upon him in truth: he now therefore arms himself with prayers, and is fully resolved to withstand all distrust. And for as much as he could not attain the goal without great strife, he saith, peradventure, or, it may be. Note also that he adds here two sorts of hearing, which in part resolves this question. True it, is that at the first there seems to be some repugnancy in these words; It may be he will hear the words which he hath heard: but it is a very apt kind of speech; for Hezekias is certainly persuaded that nothing is hidden from God. He only disputes in himself, whether God would examine this miscreants blasphemies. For in regard that he often defers his punishments for a time, and seems to wink at mens impieties, it seemed that he now also took no knowledge of these blasphemies. Lastly, he takes it for granted, that all things are manifest & naked before Gods eyes: only he asks in some perplexity, whether the Lord indeed will show himself displeased with Rabshekeh's railing, by some outward sign or no; that is, not to let him escape any longer unpunished? To be short, he desires to see the execution thereof, which is then performed, when God sets those things in order again, which before were cut of frame and confused; and when he shows himself the Judge. For then we prove by experience, that he hath indeed had respect unto the welfare of his people. Thus Hezekias asks; Lord, couldest thou not hear the blasphemies of Rabshekeh, to revenge the same? or, art thou not able to show that the glory of thy name is deer and precious unto thee?

Neither doth Hezechias speake thus, as if God vnderstand not what the wicked say, or as if he were vtterly ignorant of it, but because this principle was fixed in his heart; to wit, that the Lord is neer vnto all such as call vpon him in truth: he now therefore armes himselfe with praiers, and is fully resolued to withstand all distrust. And for as much as he could not attaine the goale without great strife, he saith, peraduenture, or, it may be. Note also that he addes heere two sorts of hearing, which in part resolues this question. True it, is that at the first there seemes to be some repugnancie in these words; It may be hee will heare the words which he hath heard: but it is a very apt kind of speech; for Hezekias is certainly perswaded that nothing is hidden from God. He onely disputes in himselfe, whether God would examin this miscreants blasphemies. For in regard that he often defers his punishments for a time, and seemes to winke at mens impieties, it seemed that hee now also tooke no knowledge of these blasphemies. Lastly, he takes it for granted, that all things are manifest & naked before Gods eies: onely he askes in some perplexitie, whether the Lord indeed will shew himselfe displeased with Rabshekehs railing, by some outward signe or no; that is, not to let him escape any longer vnpunished? To be short, he desires to see the execution thereof, which is then performed, when God sets those things in order againe, which before were cut of frame and confused; and when hee shewes himselfe the Iudge. For then wee proue by experience, that he hath indeed had respect vnto the welfare of his people. Thus Hezekias askes; Lord, couldest thou not heare the blasphemies of Rabshekeh, to reuenge the same? or, art thou not able to shew that the glory of thy name is deere and precious vnto thee?