A17640:4184
Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah
A commentary upon the prophecy of Isaiah. By Mr. John Calvin. Whereunto are added four tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.A commentary vpon the prophecie of Isaiah. By Mr. Iohn Caluin. Whereunto are added foure tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston, 1609
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Whether we read it polished stones here, or Parts of the river, the sense will be always one. For the Prophets meaning is that the Jews chose a service of God after their own fantasy, and turned themselves away from that rule which he had prescribed them in his law. Also, that by means hereof all the sacrifices by them devised were wicked and abominable, in regard God only ought to be heard, when there is any question touching his religion and worship. If you will turn it polished stones, then Isaiah taxeth them for the contempt of the law, wherein God had forbidden them to cut or polish any stones with hammers for the framing of his Altar. Exod. 20.25. Deut. 27.5.6. because he would have them sacrifice no where else but upon one only Altar. But in respect that it was the fashion of the Heathen to erect Temples near unto fountains and rivers, the other sense agrees well also.
Whether we reade it polished stones here, or Parts of the riuer, the sense will be alwaies one. For the Prophets meaning is that the Iewes chose a seruice of God after their owne fantasie, and turned themselues away from that rule which he had prescribed them in his law. Also, that by meanes hereof all the sacrifices by them deuised were wicked and abominable, in regard God only ought to be heard, when there is any question touching his religion and worship. If you will turne it polished stones, then Isaiah taxeth them for the contempt of the law, wherein God had forbidden them to cut or polish any stones with hammers for the framing of his Altar. Exod. 20.25. Deut. 27.5.6. because he would haue them sacrifice no where else but vpon one only Altar. But in respect that it was the fashion of the Heathen to erect Temples neere vnto fountaines and riuers, the other sense agrees well also.
These words they, they, have great weight: and it is to be understood as if the Lord gave the Jews leave to cleave to their inventions, seeing they had forsaken him, and rather turned after Idols, and forged inventions. As also the Lord by Ezekiel saith to the people, Go, and sacrifice every one of you to his Idol, seeing you vvill not obey me: