Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Where he saith, And of all the people there was not one with him; it is to show, that howsoever some should be raised up to bring destruction upon Edom, yet Gods work therein should be separate from theirs. For the infidel enemies never dreamed of avenging the unjust cruelties of the Idumeans. The Lord would then that his judgement should shine and be considered of in the clattering of the harness and weapons, and in these violent movings.

Where he saith, And of all the people there vvas not one vvith him; it is to shew, that howsoeuer some should be raised vp to bring destruction vpon Edom, yet Gods worke therein should be separate from theirs. For the infidell enemies neuer dreamed of auenging the vniust cruelties of the Idumeans. The Lord would then that his iudgement should shine and be considered of in the clattering of the harnesse and weapons, and in these violent moouings.

I vvill go upon them. For mine own part I willingly retain the future tense, in regard the Prophet speaks of things to come, and not yet accomplished. For the Idumeans were to be severely punished for their cruelty: though for the present, they were at their case, and in great tranquillity.

I vvill goe vpon them. For mine owne part I willingly retaine the future tence, in regard the Prophet speakes of things to come, and not yet accomplished. For the Idumeans were to bee seuerelie punished for their crueltie: though for the present, they were at their case, and in great tranquillity.

We have already in part touched the cause why the Prophet hath used the similitude of a bloody prefer, which is both a hideous and woeful sight: yet therewithal he adds, that the punishments and vengeances of God against his enemies are properly his own, as if himself had gathered them together, when he shall either consume or scatter them. Even as in Chap. 34.6. such an execution is called a solemn sacrifice: to teach us that we are no less to glorify God, when he executes his judgements, then when he manifests the tokens of his mercy. In the mean while he expresseth his singular love towards the Jews, seeing for their sakes he vouchsafeth to sprinkle himself with the blood of his enemies so far; that he useth the verb to stain, or to defile.