Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

That I should know.] Somewhat must be supplied here (which we also have done) that is, to minister or publish. Under the word To know he comprehends that wisdom and dexterity which a Pastor of the word ought to have that means to preach the word faithfully and fruitfully. As if he should say; I have been well instructed in Gods school, and therefore I have attained sufficient skill to speak a word in due season, for their comforts that are laden with the burden of their sins.

That I should know.] Somewhat must be supplied heere (which wee also haue done) that is, to minister or publish. Vnder the word To know he comprehends that wisdome and dexteritie which a Pastor of the word ought to haue that meanes to preach the word faithfully and fruitfully. As if he should say; I haue been vvell instructed in Gods schoole, and therefore I haue attained sufficient skill to speake a vvord in due season, for their comforts that are loden with the burthen of their sinnes.

He calls them weary, who were broken with many afflictions,¹ as we have seen before. I give strength to him that is weary. And Christ speaks thus, Mat. 11.28. Come unto me all you that are weary and laden. Thus he means then that God hath instructed and taught them, that he might be fitted to comfort the afflicted with apt and fit words: so as the broken hearts might be healed by the sense and feeling of Gods mercy in Christ. Hence we gather, that the Ministers of the word ought chiefly to extend their care over such as are in distress,² and to comfort those that are oppressed, and in a manner overwhelmed with the weight of their calamities: and then to teach them wherein the true rest of the soul consists: as we have showed, Chap. 29 18.12. Moreover, here we see what every one of us ought especially to search after in the holy Scriptures; namely,³