Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

He speaks again of the restoration,¹ which was afterwards effected by the permission of Cyrus: but we must remember what I have said often before; to wit, that these promises do stretch themselves further off: for they comprehend under them, all the time which ran out between the return, until Christs appearing. And if the readers do ponder this well, and shall seriously weigh the Prophets form of speaking, here will be found nothing superfluous nor excessive. Now Isaiah alludes to that cost and charges which Cyrus was at, in furnishing the Jews with necessaries to rebuild and adorn the Temple withal. For then was fulfilled that which he saith touching the labour of Egypt, and the merchandise of Ethiopia, which should come unto the Jews: for these two Countries were tributaries and subject to the kings of Persia. Of these tributes, the Temple of Jerusalem was restored: which restoration was but a beginning of that which was accomplished by Christ. Neither was this service of strange nations to Gods people ought else, but a forerunner of that obedience which divers Countries were afterward to yield to the Church of God, after Christ was manifested