Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The Scripture therefore is wont to say,¹ that God awakes, and puts on strength, when he manifests some testimonies of his presence and power: for without this, we esteem him either idle or asleep. Now when the Prophet calls it the arm of the Lord which was then hid; he sets it here before them, as if it were present, that they might conclude; surely our enemies could not afflict us thus cruelly, if that the Lord had not withdrawn his arm, and helping hand from us. We have showed you the cause of this delay in Chap. 50.1. namely, for their revolt from God.

The Scripture therefore is wont to say,¹ that God awakes, and puts on strength, when he manifests some testimonies of his presence and power: for without this, we esteeme him either idle or asleep. Now when the Prophet calles it the arme of the Lord which was then hid; he sets it heere before them, as if it were present, that they might conclude; surely our enemies could not afflict vs thus cruelly, if that the Lord had not withdrawne his arme, and helping hand from vs. We haue shewed you the cause of this delay in Chap. 50.1. namely, for their reuolt from God.

1. 1In what sense God is said to wake, &c.

By the days: of old he shows, that they ought to remember all the wonderful works which God had in former time wrought for their salvation. For howsoever he seems to sit still as one utterly careless of us, yet is he the same God still, who of old hath governed his Church, and therefore can never now reject or abandon those whom he hath received into his protection.

By the daies: of old hee shewes, that they ought to remember all the wonderfull works which God had in former time wrought for their saluation. For howsoeuer he seemes to sit still as one vtterly carelesse of vs, yet is he the same God still, who of old hath gouerned his Church, and therefore can neuer now reiect or abandon those whom he hath receiued into his protection.