Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

He confirms the former doctrine,¹ that he might the better awaken and rouse up the peoples minds, which were drenched in grief & anguish: for it was necessary this should be added to the former, as a spur to quicken them up, and to make way for this doctrine, that it might the more easily enter into their amazed and insensible hearts. He speaks to the Church, as to one astonished and in a slumber, and bids her arise to gather new forces, and to resume her soul afresh. Which he repeats twice, and not without cause: for it is very hard to awaken, and to cause such to take heart again unto them, that are smitten; nay, laid flat upon all four with the feeling of Gods wrath.

HEe confirmes the former doctrine,¹ that he might the better awaken and rowze vp the peoples mindes, which were drenched in griefe & anguish: for it was necessarie this should be added to the former, as a spurre to quicken them vp, and to make way for this doctrine, that it might the more easily enter into their amazed and insensible hearts. He speakes to the Church, as to one astonished and in a slumber, and bids her arise to gather new forces, and to resume her soule afresh. Which hee repeates twice, and not without cause: for it is very hard to awaken, and to cause such to take heart againe vnto them, that are smitten; nay, laid flat vpon all foure with the feeling of Gods wrath.

1. 1A confirmation of the former doctrine.

Put on thy strength.] As if he should say; Thou hast hitherto wallowed thy self in dust and ashes, as one forlorn, by reason of thy anguishes: but now arise, and fit thy self to receive that happy estate into which the Lord is purposed to set thee. He opposeth strength then to faintheartedness, with which we are usually cumbered, when things grow desperate; and the beautiful or glorious garments, to filthiness and nastiness.