Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

¹Now he applies that to the peoples use, which he hath so long insisted upon before, touching the lies and superstitions of the Gentiles; wherein the ignorant deceived themselves, especially in the matters belonging to Gods worship and service. Now he writ not this so much for them of his own time, as for their sakes principally which were to succeed, and should afterward remain captives in Babylon. In which regard, they by their long abode among the Idols, were in danger to be corrupted, & declined from the true service of God, if they had not been restrained by such bridles. The Prophet therefore admonisheth them, that howsoever they should be detained seventy years in captivity, yet they should call these exhortations unto mind, thereby to sustain their hearts in their greatest temptations.

¹NOw hee applies that to the peoples vse, which he hath so long insisted vpon before, touching the lies and superstitions of the Gentiles; wherein the ignorant deceiued themselues, especially in the matters belonging to Gods worship and seruice. Now hee writ not this so much for them of his owne time, as for their sakes principally which were to succeede, and should afterward remaine captiues in Babylon. In which regard, they by their long abode among the Idols, were in danger to be corrupted, & declined from the true seruice of God, if they had not been restrained by such bridles. The Prophet therfore admonisheth them, that howsoeuer they should be detained seuenty yeeres in captiuitie, yet they should call these exhortations vnto mind, thereby to sustaine their hearts in their greatest temptations.

1. 1Application.

Thou art my servant.] He adds this as the reason why they should remember these promises; even to keep themselves from this common contagion. For it had been a thing insupportable for the elect people, whom God had enclosed within the limits of his law, thereby to separate them from others, if they confusedly and indifferently should have mingled themselves among the pollutions of the Gentiles. As if he should say; Wonder not you that the Chaldeans are so rise in their errors, neither follow their example: because I have formed thee to serve me: that is to say, I have reformed and regenerated thee, that thou mightest be heir of eternal life. Of this creation we have amply spoken heretofore; to wit, that it appertains to the renewing of the inward man. Now the Scripture is often wont to use this argument, to wit, You are called to holiness, and not to uncleanness: