Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Because the wicked gave themselves too much liberty, and were too secure under Gods threatenings, it is an usual custom with the Prophets when they threaten obstinate sinners to add such lively descriptions, whereby to terrify them: even as if they should set the thing in present view before their eyes. This is the reason why the Prophet now commands the contemners of God to enter into the rocks, and holes, to hide them under the earth. Wherein he first shows them that the judgement of God is more terrible then an hundred deaths: seeing to escape the same, the grave is to be wished for. But when he forceth them thus into their holes, he doth with the greater emphasis manifest the heavy weight of the vengeance of God. Although then that by the fear of the Lord, he means the scourges wherewith God should smite this wicked people; yet notwithstanding it is not in vain that he by and by speaks of the glory of his Majesty: as if he should say, God is terrible to the wicked, according to the measure of his glory, in whose destruction he will manifest his infinite power. And moreover, although the wicked cannot be bowed nor humbled by any chastisement whatsoever, yet are they constrained to fear, when they feel Gods wrath to approach. But as touching the Elect,¹ they are taught of God to fear under his chastising hand after another sort: for being smitten with the strokes of his rods, they willingly bend themselves to bear the yoke. Isaiah then testifies, that the glory of Gods Majesty shall shine most clearly, after he hath showed himself as a just Judge. For whilst he lets men alone, it seems all is well, and men think that he hath hid himself.