Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Isaiah shows now what remedy he gave Hezekias. Others think it was no remedy, because figs are contrary and hurtful to ulcers: and therefore they say that the King was advertised, and by this sign more fully instructed that this recovery only proceeded from the free grace of God. For example, the bow in the clouds whereby God meant to testify that the world should never perish again by the flood,¹ seemed notwithstanding to signify the clean contrary: for it appeareth only when great rains gather together, and are ready to drown the whole world. They think then that the Prophet hath of set purpose applied a remedy nothing fitting for the healing of the disease, because it might appear to all, that Hezekias was healed without the help of any salves. But seeing the Physicians of our times do use plasters of figs to ripen the Plague-sore, it may be the Lord added the salve to his promise, as he often doth in other cases: for this medicine lessens not the promise, which without the word had bin vain and unprofitable. He also had received a supernatural sign, which no doubt taught him, that it was God, and none but he who restored his life unto him, which in his conceit was lost.

ISaiah shewes now what remedie hee gaue Hezekias. Others thinke it was no remedie, because figs are contrarie and hurtfull to vlcers: and therefore they say that the King was aduertised, and by this signe more fullie instructed that this recouerie onlie proceeded from the free grace of God. For example, the bow in the cloudes whereby God meant to testifie that the world should neuer perish againe by the flood,