Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

But in the next place he shows what these watchmen are; to wit, those that are mindful of the Lord: that is, such as have his name in an honourable estimation. The Angels also may be put in the number of these watchmen, for we know that is their office: Psal. 91.11. But in regard they watch willingly and cheerfully for the salvation of the Church, Heb. 1.14. and have no need of being quickened up by exhortations, the Prophet directs his speech to other watchmen.

But in the next place he shewes what these watchmen are; to wit, those that are mindfull of the Lord: that is, such as haue his name in an honourable estimation. The Angels also may bee put in the number of these vvatchmen, for we know that is their office: Psal. 91.11. But in regard they watch willinglie and cheerefully for the saluation of the Church, Heb. 1.14. and haue no neede of being quickened vp by exhortations, the Prophet directs his speech to other watchmen.

The verb which he useth is somewhat ambiguous. For sometimes it signifies Remember, and sometimes To call to mind: either of both expositions suit not ill. But me thinks the Prophet meant simply to say; that these watchmen should be Ministers of God, to celebrate his name. Some translate; Those ⟨p. 633⟩which publish or preach the Lord. But this is too constrained, and breaks off the Prophets sentence: for such expositors keep not themselves to the similitude of watchmen of a City, which the Prophet here useth. Albeit indeed his meaning was to teach without any figure; that the Church shall be freed from all dangers, in regard she hath God for the protector of her salvation.