Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

BY this we may better discern that the Prophet speaks of the captivity to come,¹ and of the redemption that was to ensue. Wherein he as well provided for the good of the people of his own time, as for theirs that were to succeed: that so, albeit those ⟨p. 505⟩which then lived, made no right use thereof, yet at least those that survived them, being hereby admonished, might amend. For it often falls out that the word moves not such as are present: nay, they having heard it, go their ways and contemn it: but their successors on the contrary, receive it with more reverence.

BY this wee may better discerne that the Prophet speaks of the captiuitie to come,¹ and of the redemption that was to insue. Wherein he as well prouided for the good of the people of his owne time, as for theirs that were to succeede: that so, albeit those ⟨p. 505⟩which then liued, made no right vse thereof, yet at least those that suruiued them, being heereby admonished, might amend. For it often fals out that the word moues not such as are present: nay, they hauing heard it, goe their waies and contemne it: but their successors on the contrary, receiue it with more reuerence.

1. 1God spake plainly, but we are dull of hearing.

Where he bids them behold: some think the Prophet so propounds the event of the thing, as if he should say; God never said any thing, but the truth thereof hath manifested it self. But I expound this word behold, or See, thus; Seeing the Lord hath spoken: it is thy duty to think well of that he hath uttered, and to give diligent attention thereto. Whence we may gather, that our dullness is the cause why we suffer that which proceeds out of Gods mouth, to fall to the ground; and that many do therefore cover themselves with the veil of ignorance in vain. For the Lord speaks distinctly enough, uttering to every mans capacity, as much as is needful for them to know; if the auditors were but as attentive as they ought, and did advisedly consider what is said.