Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Every knee shall bow unto me.] By this he means that all nations shall bow before God; because the deliverance of the Church shall terrify the whole world. Yet withal it follows from hence, that his true worship shall also be received among all nations. For we cannot truly bow the knee before God,¹ till he hath manifested himself unto us. Men may indeed present a kind of service to the one God, whom yet they know not: there is nothing but vanity and illusions in all this. He speaks here then of that true religious service, which proceeds from such a knowledge of God, as is rooted in the depth of the heart: for where no faith is, there can be no sincere worship. True faith, as we know, stays not her self upon any uncertain or unknown thing.

Euery knee shall bow vnto mee.] By this hee meanes that all nations shall bow before God; because the deliuerance of the Church shall terrifie the whole world. Yet withall it followes from hence, that his true worshippe shall also be receiued among all nations. For we cannot truely bow the knee before God,¹ till he hath manifested himselfe vnto vs. Men may indeede present a kind of seruice to the one God, whom yet they know not: there is nothing but vanitie and illusions in all this. He speakes heere then of that true religious seruice, which proceedes from such a knowledge of God, as is rooted in the depth of the heart: for where no faith is, there can bee no sincere worshippe. True faith, as wee know, staies not her selfe vpon any vncertaine or vnknowne thing.

1. 1What it is to bow the knee to God.

He sets forth the thing signified therefore, by the sign;¹ as the Scriptures are often wont to do. Whence we gather, that God requireth the outward service of the body: for the Prophet separates not the external profession of religion, from the internal affection of the heart. It is in vain then for such inconstant spirits to brag,