Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

This lamentable desolation into which the people were then fallen, was as a thick cloud which shadowed from them the sight of Gods loving countenance: and the wicked on the other side rejoiced, as if their gods had now obtained the preeminence. But the Prophet intending to scatter the darkness of such mists and clouds of errors, shows, that Gods glory shines as it were in certain and infallible marks of his divinity, which discerns him from Idols. Why so? Because the Lord foretold all things that should come to pass, to the end his people might acknowledge him a just Judge in his chastisements inflicted upon them, and yet might also above hope be assured, ⟨p. 464⟩that he would be favourable and merciful unto them.

This lamentable desolation into which the people were then falne, was as a thick cloud which shadowed from them the sight of Gods louing countenance: and the wicked on the other side reioiced, as if their gods had now obteined the preheminence. But the Prophet intending to scatter the darknes of such mists and clouds of errors, shewes, that Gods glorie shines as it were in certaine and infallible marks of his diuinitie, which discernes him from Idols. Why so? Because the Lord foretold all things that should come to passe, to the end his people might acknowledge him a iust Iudge in his chastisements inflicted vpon them, and yet might also aboue hope be assured, ⟨p. 464⟩that he would be fauorable and mercifull vnto them.

To call, is taken here two ways: either it is to be referred to Gods foreknowledge, or to the execution thereof: for as all things are governed by his providence, so doth he also know what is to come, and gives plain proofs of his prescience. But we need not stand long in discussing the signification of this word, seeing it plainly appears, that the Prophet attributes unto God both prescience, and the administration of all things. Yet I rather judge, that he refers it to the act: as if he should say; Shall there be found any among the gods of the Gentiles, that can call: that is, can publish, ordain, and raise up deliverers? May you not easily discern by this, that there is none other God but me? And thus he derides the Idols, to whom men attributed such power causelessly.