Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

WE have said a little before that the Prophet goes on still with the same matter which he began in the end of the former chapter. For he admonisheth the Jews, that how great riches soever they possess; yet notwithstanding they shall not be able by any means whatsoever to hinder the wrath of God (being once inflamed against them) to consume all their preparations. Whence it appears, that they too much overshoot themselves, who, to put far away from them all fears, do heap & gather together weapons, power, strength of war, counsels, great store of victuals, and such like. The particle demonstrative Hinneh, which we have translated, Behold, or Lo, is not put here for the more certainty of the matter; but to set forth the shortness of the time, as if Isaiah should even set the thing it self before the eyes of the wicked. For it often comes to pass, that those who dare not openly contemn the judgements of God, do yet notwithstanding reject them, as if they touched them never a whit; or else as if they were far off from them. What is that to us, say they? or, if afflictions come, wherefore should we make our selves miserable before the time? when the calamity comes upon us, will it not then be time enough to think upon it? Because then the wicked dig themselves such hiding places, and securely take their ease in despising the judgements of God, the Prophet doth the more nearly press them home, to the end they should not imagine that the hand of God should be far off; also that all their stays, which they promised to themselves, should be but in vain. To this appertains that where he calls God, the Lord God of hosts, that so his Majesty might the more daunt their sleepy and benumbed consciences. For God hath no need of titles: but it is necessary that our blockishness and drowsiness should be awakened by the sense and feeling of his glory. Now the Prophet in the first place threatens, that the Jews shall be stripped of all abundance of victuals, so as they shall be forced to die for want. And by and by he will add the same thing as touching their succours of war, and all helps of politic order and government.