Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The Prophet here elegantly shows what great difference there is between the true God and Idols:¹ for he said before, that the gods of the Babylonians should be carried upon carts, and drawn by beasts, because they were dead stocks: here he attributes a far higher propriety unto the God of Israel; to wit, that he carried his people, as the mother carries the child in the womb; which being borne, she always carries in her bosom. ²Now he calls the Jews to give ear, that they might make answer from their own experience; for they ought to be the more affected, in regard they had felt by the effects, that God had continually supported both them and their burdens. He useth a very fit opposition then, and from the former words thus concludes; Acknowledge §1and confess indeed that I am the true God, and in nothing like unto Idols, which are vain things, and dead burdens: add also, §2that in regard of my continual benefits, which I have never ceased to pour upon you from your birth, you cannot be ignorant, but must needs know the greatness of my power. For the Lord is not only powerful for himself, but extends it to all his creatures, that we might truly feel the efficacy thereof.

THe Prophet heere elegantly shewes what great difference there is betweene the true God and Idols:¹ for hee said before, that the gods of the Babylonians should be carried vpon carts, and drawne by beasts, because they were dead stockes: heere hee attributes a far higher proprietie vnto the God of Israel; to wit, that he carried his people, as the mother carries the child in the vvombe; vvhich being borne, shee alwaies carries in her bosome. ²Now hee calles the Iewes to giue eare, that they might make answer from their owne experience; for they ought to be the more affected, in regard they had felt by the effects, that God had continually supported both them and their burdens. He vseth a very fit opposition then, and from the former words thus concludes; Acknowledge §1