Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

¹For my thoughts.] This place is diversly expounded. Some think that mens conversation is here condemned in general, to the end they should not please themselves therein, nor flatter themselves in their vices, because there is no access unto God, unless we be emptied of this vain opinion of our own righteousness. For none will seek after the Physician, but such as feel themselves vehemently sick, and that desire both the remedy and their health. And therefore they compare this place with that in Luk. 16.15. That which is highly esteemed before men, is an abomination in the sight of God. But I think the Prophet hath another meaning. Those therefore who think that Gods affection is here distinguished from humane affections, expound it best (as I think.) For men are wont to measure God by their own ell (as they say) and because themselves are irreconcilable, and can not be pacified but with much ado: they in like manner think that God can never be appeased, after they have once offended him. But the Lord shows that he resembles them nothing at all. As if he should say, I am not a mortal man that I should be so severe, and an enemy to you for ever: no, my thoughts are far unlike yours, for though it be impossible for you to be pacified, and that it be an hard matter to bring you to be reconciled with those which have offended you, yet it is not so with me, I will not show my self so inhumane towards you. To this agrees very well that place of David,