Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

To my beloved.] It is certain that he meaneth God; as if he should say, I will make a song on Gods behalf, by which he complains of the ingratitude of the people: because there was much more vehemency in it to bring God in speaking. But some may ask wherefore Isaiah calls him his beloved. Some do answer; it was because he was of the kindred of Christ. And the trueth is indeed, that he descended from David: but this seems to be constrained. It shall be more plain and agreeable, if according to the sentence of S. John, we say,¹ that the Church is committed to the friend of the bridegroom: and that we put the Prophets in this number. For no doubt but this title is fitting for them, seeing the charge of the ancient people was committed unto them, to the end they might be maintained under their head. It is no marvel then, if they were jealous and displeased, when the people turned away their hearts from him. Isaiah then puts himself in the person of the bridegroom; and as one grieved and perplexed in regard of the Church committed to his charge, he complains that she hath broken the covenant of wedlock:² and withal laments and bewails her disloyalty and ingratitude.

To my beloued.] It is certaine that he meaneth God; as if he should say, I will make a song on Gods behalfe, by which hee complaines of the ingratitude of the people: because there was much more vehemencie in it to bring God in speaking. But some may aske wherefore Isaiah calles him his beloued. Some doe answer; it was because hee was of the kindred of Christ. And the trueth is indeede, that hee descended from Dauid: but this seemes to bee constrained. It shall be more plaine and agreeable, if according to the sentence of S. Iohn, we say,¹ that the Church is committed to the friend of the bridegrome: and that we put the Prophets in this number. For no doubt but this title is fitting for them, seeing the charge of the auncient people was committed vnto them, to the ende they might be maintained vnder their head. It is no meruaile then, if they were iealous and displeased, when the people turned away their hearts from him. Isaiah then puts himselfe in the person of the bridegrome; and as one grieued and perplexed in regard of the Church committed to his charge, hee complaines that she hath broken the couenant of wedlocke: