A17640:2950
Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah
A commentary upon the prophecy of Isaiah. By Mr. John Calvin. Whereunto are added four tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.A commentary vpon the prophecie of Isaiah. By Mr. Iohn Caluin. Whereunto are added foure tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston, 1609
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Behold.] We have to consider of mount Zion here, as of a place not inhabited; and of Jerusalem, as a City laid waste: for which cause Jeremiah brings her in speaking as widows and desolate women are wont to do; Behold, O Lord, how I am troubled: Lament. 1.20. The Lord here sets her out as a widow left alone. Afterwards, Isaiah will incite her to rejoice, as she who having been barren before, should now be made fruitful by the Lord, and should have many children. In this sense the Lord now shows that he will comfort Jerusalem, even at that time wherein she shall seem nothing else but a woeful spectacle of horrible ruins. Now the message is, that a widow and one that was forsaken before, should bring forth many children: or, that those who were scattered and dispersed by banishment a far off, should come towards Jerusalem in great troops.
Behold.] We haue to consider of mount Zion here, as of a place not inhabited; and of Ierusalem, as a Citie laid waste: for which cause Ieremiah brings her in speaking as widowes and desolate women are wont to doe; Behold, O Lord, how I am troubled: Lament. 1.20. The Lord heere sets her out as a widow left alone. Afterwards, Isaiah will incite her to reioice, as she who hauing been barren before, should now bee made fruitfull by the Lord, and should haue many children. In this sense the Lord now shewes that hee will comfort Ierusalem, euen at that time wherein shee shall seeme nothing else but a wofull spectacle of horrible ruines. Now the message is, that a widow and one that was forsaken before, should bring forth many children: or, that those who were scattered and dispersed by banishment a far off, should come towards Ierusalem in great troopes.
This waste therefore must be opposed to the restoration performed by Cyrus, where it is said, Behold, they come. And by the word first, is understood, not only the eternity of God, but also the antiquity of the prophecy. Afterwards, Isaiah adds how God teacheth the faithful touching things to come; to wit, by the labours and ministry of his Prophets.