Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

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 ⟨p. 381⟩this worke rather for the Iewes then for the Egyptians.

And lest any man should imagine this miracle came to pass by natural causes, it is expressly added, that all this multitude was slain by the stroke of an Angel. Now it is no unwonted thing for God thus to use the ministry of Angels, in procuring the safety of the faithful, for whose sakes he hath created all the armies of heaven. It also serves greatly for the confirmation of our faith, when we see there are so many thousands of them which wait for our salvation. The Lord himself is strong enough, and his truth it is which only keeps us: