Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

For he was not sent to the Babylonians; but so speaks to them, that still his meaning is, the Jews should make their profit of it; for whose good he was principally appointed,¹ & ordained to that high and excellent calling. He hath foretold the ruin of Babel then, to the end the Jews might in patience and silence wait for their deliverance: and yet, that the greatness and power of their enemies in the mean while, might not daunt nor discourage them. But resting securely upon these promises, they might stand with invincible force against all temptations. Now in as much as the Jews were somewhat obstinate, and would not easily be brought to credit these promises: as also that Isaiah by the spirit of prophecy, well foresaw how stiff necked and rebellious they would prove, even in their captivity; he therefore reproves them thus sharply. Ezech. in Chap. 33 31. shows at large how great their incredulity was, when they murmured against God and fell off the hooks, making no more account of these promises, then of so many fables. It is not without cause then that Isaiah is so vehement: showing that they much dishonoured the Lord, in that they would not rest upon his truth.

For he was not sent to the Babylonians; but so speakes to thē, that still his meaning is, the Iewes should make their profit of it; for whose good he was principally appointed,¹ & ordained to that high and excellent calling. He hath foretold the ruine of Babel then, to the end the Iewes might in patience and silence wait for their deliuerance: and yet, that the greatnesse and power of their enemies in the meane while, might not daunt nor discourage them. But resting securely vpō these promises, they might stand with inuincible force against al temptations. Now in as much as the Iewes were somewhat obstinate, and would not easilie be brought to credit these promises: as also that Isaiah by the spirit of prophecie, wel foresaw how stiffe necked and rebellious they would proue, euen in their captiuitie; he therefore reproues them thus sharply. Ezech. in Chap. 33 31. shewes at large how great their incredulitie was, when they murmured against God and fel off the hooks, making no more account of these promises, then of so many fables. It is not without cause then that Isaiah is so vehement: shewing that they much dishonoured the Lord, in that they would not rest vpon his truth.