Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

¹Isaiah continues forth the matter which he began to hand in the latter end of the former Chapter. For he shows that God hath not promised deliverance to his people in vain; because he had before ordained and decreed the means how to bring it to pass, according to his own purpose. When there is question made touching our deliverance out of any danger, we forthwith inquire by what means it may be effected; and also the reason of it. Now albeit God had rather hold us in suspense, and so to conceal from us the means he hath already in his hand: notwithstanding in this place he applies himself to the weakness of their minds, and is contented to name the party under whose conduct he purposeth to bring them home into their Country. For in regard their faith was to be sharply assailed by divers temptations of other kinds; he was willing here to prevent this particular doubt, that so other troubles which befell them, might not utterly crush them. To give the more efficacy then unto his word, he turns him to Cyrus, saying; I have chosen thee to be my King. I vvill take thee by the hand, and vvill subdue nations before thee; so as they shall make passage for thee, and shall willingly yield themselves vassals unto thee. For this turning of his speech to Cyrus, was much more effectual, then if the Lord had spoken only to his people.

¹ISaiah continues forth the matter which he beganne to hande in the latter end of the former Chapter. For hee shewes that God hath not promised deliuerāce to his people in vaine; because hee had before ordained and decreed the meanes how to bring it to passe, according to his owne purpose. When there is question made touching our deliuerance out of anie danger, we forthwith inquire by what means it may be effected; and also the reason of it. Now albeit God had rather hold vs in suspence, and so to conceale from vs the meanes he hath already in his hand: notwithstanding in this place he applies himselfe to the weaknesse of their mindes, and is contented to name the partie vnder whose conduct he purposeth to bring them home into their Country. For in regard their faith was to be sharplie assailed by diuers temptations of other kindes; hee was willing heere to preuent this particular doubt, that so other troubles which befell them, might not vtterly crush them. To giue the more efficacie then vnto his word, he turnes him to Cyrus, saying; I haue chosen thee to be my King. I vvill take thee by the hand, and vvill subdue nations before thee; so as they shall make passage for thee, and shall willingly yeeld themselues vassals vnto thee. For this turning of his speech to Cyrus, was much more effectuall, then if the Lord had spoken onely to his people.