Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now the Prophet shows what befell the Assyrian, that we might not think the Lords words to be but wind: he testifies then that his prophecy took effect in deed; that so they might be the better persuaded he was sent of God, and had spoken nothing of his own head. But this so admirable a work must not be restrained to this one prophecy alone, but to the whole scope of his doctrine, which by this miracle was authorised, himself known to be the servant of God, and his calling ratified and confirmed. For doubtless he annexeth this notable and rare example of Gods justice as a thing then very fresh in mind, to testify to the end of the world that it was God which spake by his mouth.

NOw the Prophet shewes what befell the Assyrian, that wee might not thinke the Lords words to be but winde: he testifies then that his prophesie tooke effect in deed; that so they might be the better perswaded he was sent of God, and had spoken nothing of his owne head. But this so admirable a worke must not be restrained to this one prophesie alone, but to the whole scope of his doctrine, which by this miracle was authorised, himselfe knowne to be the seruant of God, and his calling ratified and confirmed. For doubtlesse he annexeth this notable and rare example of Gods iustice as a thing then very fresh in mind, to testifie to the end of the world that it was God which spake by his mouth.

But now where the Angel made this slaughter, it appears not. The common opinion is, that it happened whilst Jerusalem was besieged; but it might well happen also in the way, that is to say, when Sennacherib came to lay siege against Jerusalem. But I leave it as a thing in suspense, because it is of no great moment: albeit we may easily judge by the scope of the text, that this Tyrant came not so near that he could throw any of his darts against the City.

But now where the Angell made this slaughter, it appeares not. The common opinion is, that it happened whilest Ierusalem was besieged; but it might well happen also in the way, that is to say, when Sennacherib came to lay siege against Ierusalem. But I leaue it as a thing in suspence, because it is of no great moment: albeit we may easily iudge by the scope of the text, that this Tyrant came not so neere that he could throw any of his darts against the Citie.