Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

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.

Moreover, we are to reject an invention of Satan, who hath endeavoured by help of profane histories to darken so manifest and admirable a judgement of God, which affirm, that part of Sennacheribs host died of the plague in the wars of Egypt, by reason whereof he was enforced to return home into his own country. But who will say that there died so many men of the pestilence in one night? This father of lies (according to his ancient custom) honours the Egyptians with this miracle, which God purposely wrought in favour of his Church. The fact it self makes it more then manifest, that Jerusalem was miraculously delivered, as from the gates of death, specially if we way the message which Isaiah brought, as we have seen before: by which he apparently testified that God wrought ⟨p. 381⟩this work rather for the Jews then for the Egyptians.

Moreouer, we are to reiect an inuention of Satan, who hath indeuored by help of prophane histories to darken so manifest and admirable a iudgement of God, which affirme, that part of Sennacheribs host died of ye plague in the warres of Egypt, by reason whereof he was inforced to returne home into his owne countrie. But who will say that there died so many men of the pestilence in one night? This father of lies (according to his ancient custome) honors the Egyptians with this miracle, which God purposely wrought in fauor of his Church. The fact it selfe makes it more then manifest, that Ierusalem was miraculouslie deliuered, as from the gates of death, speciallie if we way the message which Isaiah brought, as we haue seene before: by which he apparantlie testified that God wrought