Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 9. O Zion that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the hie mountain: O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength: lift it up, be not afraid: say unto the Cities of Judah, Behold your God.

Vers. 9. O Zion that bringest good tidings, get thee vp into the hie mountaine: O Ierusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift vp thy voice with strength: lift it vp, be not afraid: say vnto the Cities of Iudah, Behold your God.

HE goes on still with the same argument. The Lord promised before that he would send Prophets which should publish the promises to comfort this desolate and sorrowful people: now he commands that this consolation be spread further, because he means that his grace shall be shed forth upon the whole land of Judea. He gave hope of these joyful tidings to Jerusalem and Zion before: now his purpose is, that this voice should sound forth, and ring throughout all the rest of the Cities, for which purpose he commands them to lift up the voice, and to publish it in the high mountain.

HE goes on still with the same argument. The Lord promised before that he would send Prophets which should publish the promises to comfort this desolate and sorrowfull people: now he commands that this consolation be spread further, because he meanes that his grace shall be shed forth vpon the whole land of Iudeah. He gaue hope of these ioyfull tidings to Ierusalem and Zion before: now his purpose is, that this voice should sound forth, and ring throughout all the rest of the Cities, for which purpose he commands them to lift vp the voice, and to publish it in the high mountaine.

Now howsoever it be true that by the names of Zion and Jerusalem, one and the same is to be understood, yet the repetition is diligently to be marked. For the meaning is, that this City was no way more excellent then the rest, but in regard that God had chosen it above the rest to be the seat of his Sanctuary. In the next place he saith that they publish good tidings, because the Priests and Levites were there ordained and instructed according to the rules contained in the Law, that they might be fitted to be leaders of the people, and to publish the doctrine of salvation. In the mean while this title wherewith God adorns his Church is well to be observed, to the end she may be known by some sure and infallible mark.