Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

THE LVIII. CHAPTER.

Vers. 1. Cry aloud, spare not: lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and to the house of Jacob their sins.

Vers. 1. Cry aloud, spare not: lift vp thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgressions, and to the house of Iacob their sinnes.

¹This present Chapter was ill divided, in regard this is knit unto the former: so as if we will understand the Prophets meaning, we must read this as if there were no breaking off. Isaiah hath testified that the people should be so chastised, that yet some hope of peace remained for them. Now he confirms this doctrine, and teacheth that the Lord hath charged him to cry out of the throat,² or as we commonly say in our speech, with open throat. To what end? Forsooth, to show the people their sins. Neither speaks he only of the lifting up of the voice, but of that vehemency and severity of speech (whereof hypocrites stand especially in need) as if God thundered upon them from heaven. For they flatter themselves in their vices, if they be not roundly dealt withal, and be forced to come into the light: nay, no good is to be done upon them, unless they be laid upon with main blows.

¹THis present Chapter was ill diuided, in regard this is knit vnto the former: so as if we will vnderstand the Prophets meaning, wee must reade this as if there were no breking off. Isaiah hath testified that the people should be so chastised, that yet some hope of peace remained fot them. Now hee confirmes this doctrine, and teacheth that the Lord hath charged him to cry out of the throte,