Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The word cry, signifies, that this promise of grace shall be clear and evident; it shall sound so in their ears, that all shall understand: for if the Prophets should mutter or ⟨p. 401⟩whisper only, the assurance of this consolation might seem doubtful or weak: but all doubting is taken away, seeing it is to be delivered freely and with a loud voice.

The word crie, signifies, that this promise of grace shall be cleare and euident; it shall sound so in their eares, that all shall vnderstand: for if the Prophets should mutter or ⟨p. 401⟩whisper onely, the assurance of this consolation might seeme doubtfull or weake: but all doubting is taken away, seeing it is to be deliuered freely and with a loud voice.

¹That her warfare is ended.] This is that acceptable tidings; to wit, that God hath put an and to the afflictions of his people. Some take the word Tsebaab, which we have translated Warfare, simply for the time: as if he should say; Her time is accomplished. Others think that the time of visitation is here noted, but unfitly; because this word properly signifies among the Hebrews, a set and appointed time to finish and end some business or work in. But this similitude is doubtless taken from soldiers that have liberty to return home from war; for he saith, the end and issue of their afflictions are at hand: as if he should say; God will not always suffer the rod of the wicked to rest upon the lot of the godly, but keep a measure in humbling of them. He therefore compares the time of their captivity in Babylon, to a long warfare, which being ended, the soldiers that want employment, are sent home to their houses, to live there in peace and quiet.

¹That her vvarfare is ended.] This is that acceptable tidings; to wit, that God hath put an and to the afflictions of his people. Some take the word Tsebaab, which we haue translated Warfare, simply for the time: as if hee should say; Her time is accomplished. Others thinke that the time of visitation is here noted, but vnfitly; because this word properly signifies among the Hebrewes, a set and appointed time to finish and end some businesse or worke in. But this similitude is doubtlesse taken from souldiers that haue libertie to returne home from war; for he saith, the end and issue of their afflictions are at hand: as if hee should say; God will not alwaies suffer the rod of the wicked to rest vpon the lot of the godlie, but keep a measure in humbling of them. He therefore compares the time of their captiuitie in Babylon, to a long warfare, which being ended, the souldiers that vvant imploiment, are sent home to their houses, to liue there in peace and quiet.