Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

This prophecy is like to the complaint of the Church, Psal. 74. We see not our signs, our Prophets are not, and there is none left that can tell us how long: in which we know she laments, as one left destitute of true consolation, because she could hear no promise of comfort in her distresses. The Prophets meaning in this place then is, The Lord will not suffer you to be left destitute of Prophets which shall comfort you in your extreme adversity: for then he will raise up men to whom he will give that commission which you have so long desired, and then will he show he hath care of you.

This prophesie is like to the complaint of the Church, Psal. 74. Wee see not our signes, our Prophets are not, and there is none left that can tell vs how long: in which we know she laments, as one left destitute of true consolation, because she could heare no promise of comfort in her distresses. The Prophets meaning in this place then is, The Lord will not suffer you to be left destitute of Prophets which shall comfort you in your extreame aduersitie: for then he will raise vp men to whom he wil giue that commission which you haue so long desired, and then will he shew he hath care of you.

Now I refer this verb will say, not only to the captivity of Babylon, but to the whole time of our deliverance; which comprehends in it the kingdom of Christ until his last coming. We must add, that he will say to the Prophet•, whom he will ordain for this purpose: for in vain shall they utter their voice, unless the Lord speak not to them first, and put that into their mouths which they shall publish unto others. Thus then there is a mutual relation between God and his Prophets. But as I have said, these things are not to be wholly restrained to the captivity of Babylon; no, they have a further extent, and comprehend under them the doctrine of the Gospel, in which this power to comfort is chiefly contained: for it is the proper office thereof to refresh the afflicted,