Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Let us know then, that whatsoever was said unto the Jews in this behalf, Use. is also said unto us at this day. For howsoever we be but a poor handful of people, and seem to be near our utter ruin, yet the Church cannot perish, but shall grow and increase to a great multitude, because it is the planting of God: vers. 21. which we must not esteem of by outward appearances, nor by the force or multitudes of men.

Let vs know then, that whatsoeuer was said vnto the Iewes in this behalfe, Vse. is also said vnto vs at this day. For howsoeuer we be but a poore handfull of people, and seeme to bee neere our vtter ruine, yet the Church cannot perish, but shall grow and increase to a great multitude, because it is the planting of God: vers. 21. which we must not esteeme of by outward appearances, nor by the force or multitudes of men.

I the Lord.] Now the Prophet shows to what end all his former speeches have tended, namely, that we should not resemble God unto men, whose counsels and endeavours easily vanish and come to nothing. If they would take upon them to alter the state of the world or of a kingdom; alas, they could do nothing: but the Lord can change all these things in a moment. He speaks not then of an ordinary government, but of a rare and admirable work, whereby the Lord will deliver and multiply his Church.

I the Lord.] Now the Prophet shews to what end all his former speeches haue tended, namely, that we should not resemble God vnto men, whose counsels and indeuors easilie vanish and come to nothing. If they would take vpon them to alter the state of the world or of a kingdome; alas, they could doe nothing: but the Lord can change all these things in a moment. He speakes not then of an ordinary gouernment, but of a rare and admirable worke, whereby the Lord will deliuer and multiply his Church.