Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

In the mean while, these words are to be well weighed; to wit, that God accomplisheth that in effect, which he threatened in words. ⟨p. 391⟩For those say somewhat (I grant) but not all, who expound simply thus; God hath performed that which the Prophet pronounced of me. Because Hezekias doth not thus barely affirm, that he felt the effect of the word, but setting before his eyes the power of God, he puts an end to all his complaints and cries. Thus David in the 39. Psalm saith; I held my peace, Lord, because thou diddest it. If the fear of Gods power restrains us not, we will never cease murmuring: and therefore Job ¹considering that he had to do with God, saith; I will lay my hand upon my mouth: I will make humble supplication to my Judge: Job 9.15. Hezekias then puts himself to silence, for he saw it was but vain for him to stand disputing the case with God. And thus he confesseth, that he was but as a dead man, because the Lord made him feel how forcible his threatenings were. By reason whereof, this good King concludes, that he profits himself nothing at all with replies, because discourses to and fro have no place in this behalf. I grant that these words proceeded indeed from despair: for in feeling God his enemy, he shuts up the gate against the passage of his prayers. But it is no new nor strange thing; for such words (which turn us from prayer) now and then to escape us in extreme griefs; provided that on the contrary, we cleave close to the prop of prayer; yea, although the sense of the flesh do oversway us so far for a time, as to persuade us that all is but in vain.

In the meane while, these words are to be well weighed; to wit, that God accomplisheth that in effect, which hee threatned in words. ⟨p. 391⟩For those say somewhat (I grant) but not all, who expound simply thus; God hath performed that which the Prophet pronounced of me. Because Hezekias doth not thus barely affirme, that he felt the effect of the word, but setting before his eies the power of God, hee puts an end to all his complaints and cries. Thus Dauid in the 39. Psalme saith; I held my peace, Lord, because thou diddest it. If the feare of Gods power restraines vs not, wee will neuer cease murmuring: and therefore Iob