Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now as before under the fast he comprehended all ceremonies, and showed that these disguisings in which they placed their holiness, were nothing but vain and unprofitable things, so in this place he shows wherein the true observation of the Sabbath consists, to the end they should not think it to be in the outward rest from bodily labour, but in the true renouncing of our selves, that is, in abstaining from all wickedness, violence, voluptuousness, and evil thoughts.

Now as before vnder the fast he comprehended all ceremonies, and shewed that these disguisings in which they placed their holines, were nothing but vain and vnprofitable things, so in this place he shewes wherein the true obseruation of the Sabbath consists, to the end they should not thinke it to be in the outward rest from bodily labor, but in the true renouncing of our selues, that is, in abstaining from all wickednes, violence, voluptuousnes, and euill thoughts.

First, by the word foot he means their works: for the Jews durst not travail nor dress any flesh upon the Sabbath day, and yet they made no scruple at all to vex their poor neighbours, and to scorn the afflicted, notwithstanding, he comes forthwith to speak of the vvill, and words, that he might comprehend all the parts of that obedience which is due unto God.

First, by the word foote he meanes their works: for the Iewes durst not trauaile nor dresse any flesh vpon the Sabbath day, and yet they made no scruple at all to vex their poore neighbors, and to scorne the afflicted, notwithstanding, he comes forthwith to speake of the vvill, and vvords, that he might comprehend all the parts of that obediēce which is due vnto God.

The word delights ought to be referred unto God, and not to men. For there is nothing which pleaseth him better, or is more acceptable unto him then the observation of the Sabbath, and his pure worship. He carefully repeats that men do much overshoot themselves if they contemn the commandments of God, to set up their unprofitable works in the stead thereof, and also admonisheth us to suffer our selves to be governed by his only will.