Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Some translate, The lambs shall feed according to their manner; others, according to their portion; but he means, according to their custom. This verse is diversly expounded: but we are to note in the first place, that it is the Prophets meaning to give consolation to the faithful which were terrified by the hearing of such fearful judgements of God: for look how much the more a man is of a good and tender conscience, so much the more feels he the present hand of God, and the more nearly is he touched to the quick with his judgements: lastly, the fear and reverence of God causeth us to be touched in good earnest with whatsoever it be that is set before us in his name; wherefore they could not have been withheld from despair in hearing so terrible threatenings, unless this consolation had bin added thereunto as a sweet sauce to give them occasion to relish and take a sweet taste in the mercy of God. And this is a thing much used in the Prophets, to wit, still to have an eye always to the faithful, to furnish them with comfort. Although then saith Isaiah it seems God is minded to destroy all this people, yet notwithstanding he will show himself a faithful shepherd toward his lambs, and will feed them as he was wont to do; mark that for one point.

SOme translate, The lambs shall feede according to their maner; others, according to their portion; but he meanes, according to their custome. This verse is diuersly expounded: but we are to note in the first place, that it is the Prophets meaning to giue consolation to the faithfull which were terrified by the hearing of such fearefull iudgements of God: for looke how much the more a man is of a good and tender conscience, so much the more feeles he the present hand of God, and the more neerely is he touched to the quick with his iudgements: lastly, the feare and reuerence of God causeth vs to be touched in good earnest with whatsoeuer it be that is set before vs in his name; wherefore they could not haue bene withheld from dispaire in hearing so terrible threatnings, vnlesse this consolation had bin added thereunto as a sweet sauce to giue them occasion to relish and take a sweet taste in the mercie of God. And this is a thing much vsed in the Prophets, to wit, still to haue an eye alwayes to the faithfull, to furnish them with comfort. Although then saith Isaiah it seemes God is minded to destroy all this people, yet notwithstanding he will shew himselfe a faithfull shepheard toward his lambs, and will feed them as he was wont to doe; marke that for one point.