Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 12. For our trespasses are^* many before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our trespasses are with us, and we know our iniquities.

Vers. 12. For our trespasses are^* many before thee, and our sinnes testifie against vs: for our trespasses are with vs, and we know our iniquities.

1. *Or, multiplied.

¹HE confirms his former speech, namely, that the people did ill in accusing God of cruelty, and that they did not rather acknowledge that they received the just recompense of their sins, the heaps whereof reached up to the heavens. And in this sense it is that the Prophet saith, they were multiplied. Also this particle before thee, hath great weight: for the Prophet descends into himself, and acknowledgeth the just judgement of God, which was hidden from mens eyes. His meaning is then to note out a close opposition, which is between mens judgement & Gods, Men flatter themselves, and think not of their sins; but God who is the Judge, leaves not to condemn them for all that, neither cares he for all the vain and idle excuses, wherewith they would fain daub them over. And therefore he contents not himself simply to condemn this people; but he ads, that they had multiplied their iniquities: that is to say, they were guilty before God many ways. He acknowledgeth then that God is just, and executes the office of a good Judge, seeing among men there is not to be found so much as a drop or grain of justice or equity. And therefore it is he adds,² that it was not needful to cite any witnesses, nor to bring them from the Court of heaven, because the Jews were sufficiently convinced and condemned by the testimony of their own consciences. This manner of speech therefore ought to be well observed; for it shows that God hath no great need of proofs, seeing our sins hold us sufficiently convicted. We have no reason then to contend with God, as if he punished us wrongfully, or as if he chastised us too severely: for our own iniquities testify plainly enough against us, what we are, neither hath God need to seek out for any other witnesses.