Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

¹Having discoursed of the redemption to come, he now descends to speak of Christ, under whose leading, the people were delivered from the captivity of Babylon, as in old time they were out of Egypt. Now it was needful the former prophecy should be confirmed with this present doctrine: for they would hardly have bin drawn to expect this redemption from the Lord, had he not set Christ Jesus before their eyes, in whom all Gods promises are Yea, and Amen,² 2. Cor. 1.20. who only also is able to cheer up and refresh the fainting spirits: for we are no less to look for temporal salvation from him, then that which is eternal. Add, that the Prophets are wont in speaking of the restoration of the Church ever to mention Christ, not only because he is the minister thereof, §1but also because our adoption is grounded §2upon him. The Jews who have any spark of ⟨p. 513⟩sound judgement do confess, that this place is to be understood of Christ only. But all have not kept the order which we have noted. For the Prophet speaks not of Christ at the first brunt, but useth this preface, for without it the people could look for no redemption, in regard their reconciliation with God depended thereupon. Now that it might have the greater efficacy, he brings in Christ himself speaking, not only to the Jews, but to the nations beyond the seas, and to the strangers far remote from the common wealth of Israel, who are specified here under this word isles, as we have showed in another place.