Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

THE LXII. CHAPTER.

Vers. 1. For Zions sake I will not hold my tongue, and for Jerusalems sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof break forth as the light, and the salvation thereof as a burning lamp.

Vers. 1. For Zions sake I will not hold my tongue, and for Ierusalems sake I will not rest, vntill the righteousnesse thereof breake forth as the light, and the saluation thereof as a burning lampe.

¹IN regard that this sorrowful exile approached near, which should in a manner utterly extinguish the name of this people, it was needful for the faithful to be confirmed and heartened with many words, that in sure and steadfast confidence, they might be supported with these promises, under the heavy burden of the Cross. In this verse the Prophet discharging that office which was committed unto him, plainly protests, that he vvill no §1way be idle in the performance of his duty; §2neither vvill he cease to speak, till he hath cheered up the hearts of the faithful in the hope of their salvation to come, that they might know and be persuaded that God would deliver his Church. For himself (good man) might be discouraged in beholding the peoples incredulity, and might be driven to forsake all, in regard he knew things would grow every day worse and worse. Add also, that he well foresaw this horrible vengeance to be at hand. But as one utterly neglecting all these incumbrances, he notwithstanding vows a constant perseverance in his course: to signify unto all, that neither the common calamity, nor yet the peoples diffidence, should be able to hinder God from the performance of his promises, when the appointed time thereof was come. Now it was needful that these things should be often repeated unto them, because the perversity of our mind is such, that we presently forget Gods promises.