Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

When he calls the Lord Isaiah's God, his meaning is not as if he were peculiarly served by one man only; neither doth he hereby cut off himself from the number of the faithful: but because prayers flow from doctrines, this holy King speaks honourably of the Prophets ministry, and testifies, that he is the true servant of God. Sometimes this relation extends it self further; for all the faithful do jointly call upon God, who holds them all in the number of his people.¹ But he is called Isaiah's and Pauls God, in regard of their particular calling.

When he calles the Lord Isaiahs God, his meaning is not as if hee were peculiarly serued by one man onely; neither doth he hereby cut off himselfe from the number of the faithfull: but because praiers flow from doctrines, this holy King speakes honourably of the Prophets ministerie, and testfies, that he is the true seruant of God. Sometimes this relation extends it selfe further; for all the faithfull doe iointly call vpon God, who holds them all in the number of his people.¹ But he is called Isaiahs and Pauls God, in regard of their particular calling.

1. 1How God is said to be the God of Isaiah and Paul.

Lift up prayers.] This is the second cause for which Hezekias sent his Ambassadors unto Isaiah; to wit, that he might also enjoy the benefit of his prayers with others. In which we see, it is not the Prophets office only to comfort the afflicted, by setting the promises of life before them, but also to pray for their salvation.¹ Let not the Ministers and Preachers of the word think that they have discharged their duty then, when they have exhorted and taught those that depend upon them, unless they add prayers thereunto; for it is all our duties so to do. But Hezekias sent to the Prophet chiefly, that he might show the way unto others by his example.