Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The Prophet means that all the munitions which animated the wicked to retain these poor captives, could not hinder the Lord from setting them at liberty. It was needful this should be added to the former. For when we see the wicked armed (in a manner) with invincible power, we then tremble, and have much a doe to apprehend Gods power, so far as to continue steadfast in our confidence. Isaiah therefore insists upon this point, signifying that neither men nor munitions can resist the Lord, when he is minded to deliver his chosen. In a word, he shows that the change shall be such, that those who were the strongest before, shall be broken to pieces, and shall gain nothing by resisting of him. This I take to be the native sense of these words; so that it is needless to stand descanting subtly upon them any longer, as some do, who expounding these things allegorically, think that mountains and hills signify Cities; herbs, the men which dwell in them. But why should we follow such sophistries, seeing the Prophet only shows that God is powerful enough to fulfil his promises, and to deliver his Church? because he can easily surmount all stumbling blocks that shall be laid before him. This sentence therefore answers to other prophecies which we have seen heretofore, where Isaiah teacheth, that Gods power is not tied to second causes, when he is determined to prevent the enemies of their purpose; but goes through with his work after a wonderful fashion,¹