We may also suppose, that the Prophet spake not only to those which then lived, but likewise to such as were afterwards to survive them in the captivity, that when the calamity should befall them, they might call to mind what was foretold them, for God meant to have this prophecy renowned, that during their exile, they might know how these things fell not out by chance, and therefore were to gather consolation thence. Isaiah reprehends them sharply then, in regard that albeit they knew the truth of these prophesies by the event, yet they would not acknowledge Gods hand in them, neither would they rest upon his promises. Had he not good cause then, think you, to rebuke them thus sharply, and to condemn their obstinacy? Yes doubtless. For they resisted that hand which offered them relief, and rejected his mercy: they limited the holy one of Israel, in that §1they would not believe that it should ever be permitted them to return home into Judea. Nay, when the way was set wide open before them, very few had any heart to return into their country. Others supposed that Cyrus did but dally with them, only permitting them to go, that having gadged §2and sounded the depth of their affections, he might take occasion thereby to oppress them and deal the more severely with them, not considering that those things which the Lord had foretold must of necessity come to pass, though men and Angels should withstand the same.
Wee may also suppose, that the Prophet spake not only to those which then liued, but likewise to such as were afterwards to suruiue them in the captiuitie, that when the calamitie should befall them, they might call to minde what was foretold them, for God meant to haue this prophesie renoumed, that during their exile, they might know how these things fell not out by chance, and therfore were to gather cōsolation thence. Isaiah reprehends them sharply then, in regard that albeit they knew the truth of these prophesies by the euent, yet they would not acknowledge Gods hand in thē, neither would they rest vpō his promises. Had he not good cause then, thinke you, to rebuke them thus sharply, and to condemne their obstinacie? Yes doubtlesse. For they resisted that hand which offred them reliefe, and reiected his mercie: they limited the holy one of Israel, in that §1they would not beleeue that it should euer be permitted them to returne home into Iudeah. Nay, when the way was set wide open before them, very few had any heart to returne into their countrie. Others supposed that Cyrus did but dallie with them, only permitting them to goe, that hauing gadged §2and sounded the depth of their affections, he might take occasion therby to oppresse them and deale the more seuerely with them, not considering that those things which the Lord had foretold must of necessitie come to passe, though men and Angels should withstand the same.
