Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 7. Thus saith the Lord the redeemer of Israel, and his holy one, to him that is despised^* in soul, to a nation that is abhorred, to a servant of rulers; Kings shall see and arise, and Princes shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful: and the holy one of Israel which hath chosen thee.

Vers. 7. Thus saith the Lord the redeemer of Israel, and his holy one, to him that is despised^* in soule, to a nation that is abhorred, to a seruant of rulers; Kings shall see and arise, and Princes shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithfull: and the holy one of Israel which hath chosen thee.

1. *O•, in himself.O•, in himselfe.

Isaiah goes on with the same argument, that the people might conceive a better hope in their mind, touching their estate & condition, when they should see themselves afflicted under so many tedious calamities. And the rather to confirm his saying, he calls God, who promised to perform these things, the redeemer of Israel. But may some object; Object. How can these things stand together; that God should be called the redeemer of his people, whom he suffered to be overwhelmed with miseries? For where was this redemption and sanctification become, seeing the people had just cause to complain of their poverty and calamities? I answer, Ans. that the memory of that which had fallen out long before, is here propounded and set before them, to minister unto them matter of hope and trust. For the Jews being pressed with despair, the Prophet prevents it by advertising them, that that God which in times past had delivered their fathers, is now no less almighty then he was then. Albeit then for a time, he withdraw the light of his countenance from them, to exercise and try their faith, yet he commands them not to cast away their confidence, because their certain and full redemption is in his hands: and yet they were herein to look far above the reach of humane reason. This therefore is a very excellent place: