Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

J have not spoken in secret.] The expositors expound this place diversly. Some apply it to Jesus Christ, whereas Isaiah had no such meaning: and it stands us in hand to avoid all wrested and constrained interpretations.¹ Others refer it to the Prophet himself: but this suits as badly as the former, for this speech can agree to no man. I think then that Isaiah brings in God speaking, and blaming of the people touching their ingratitude, in that from the beginning, that is to say, since the day he began first to manifest himself to their fathers, he hath not spoken in secret, nor obscurely. Whence it follows, that the ignorance which is in them must needs be imputed to their own malice, in regard they did wittingly shut their eyes against the clear light.

J haue not spoken in secret.] The expositors expound this place diuerslie. Some applie it to Iesus Christ, whereas Isaiah had no such meaning: and it stands vs in hand to auoid all wrested and const•eined interpretations.¹ Others referre it to the Prophet himselfe: but this sutes as badly as the former, for this speech can agree to no man. I thinke then that Isaiah brings in God speaking, and blaming of the people touching their ingratitude, in that from the beginning, that is to say, since the day he began first to manifest himselfe to their fathers, he hath not spoken in secret, nor obscurely. Whence it followes, that the ignorance which is in them must needs be imputed to their owne malice, in regard they did wittinglie shut their eies against the cleare light.

1. 1Wrested expositions are to be avoided.Wrested expositions are to be auoided.

When he saith from the time, &c. It signifies, that he performed that by his power