Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 25. Therefore is the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, and he hath stretched out his hand upon them, and hath smitten them that the mountains did tremble, and their carcasses were torn in the midst of the streets: and for all this his wrath is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

Vers. 25. Therefore is the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, and he hath stretched out his hand vpon them, and hath smitten them that the mountaines did tremble, and their carkases were torne in the midst of the streets: and for all this his wrath is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

IN this verse the Prophet repeats the former judgements whereof the Jews had experience already; and shows, that they be not yet at an end, but that far worse punishments are prepared for them, unless they return into the right way. I confess indeed that the time past is often changed for that which is to come, but the words of this text will best agree so; for he propounds two distinct things concerning the obstinate rebellion of this people: first, how God had already chastised their iniquities. Secondly, seeing there was no sign of repentance, that he hath yet other scourges ready to correct their wickednesses. Thirdly, he shows what these scourges are, and tells them that the Assyrians ⟨p. 61⟩shall come as soon as the Lord shall but hold up his finger, yea that they shall come at his only hissing.¹ This is the Prophets meaning. Whence we may gather, that as soon as a people hath escaped one calamity, they forget their chastisements, and never think more of the judgements of God: and although experience should also be the mistress of fools, yet they harden their hearts under the blows. Isaiah strikes at this senselessness, as if he should say, Have you so soon forgotten the calamities under which you groaned not long since? Whence came it that the dead bodies were cast here and there, but becau•e the Lord had stretched forth his hand upon you? And if God dealt with you as a Judge, what is the cause that the wounds which do yet bleed, do not work a reverent fear in you to preserve you from heaping sin upon sin thus freshly again on all sides? And to this end doth he repeat the particle Therefore, wherein he yields a reason of his speech, as if he should say, These are not afflictions that come at adventure, but are manifest signs of God his displeasure. He also saith expressly, that God was angry with his people: for had not the Jews fallen from their dignity, their condition had been more happy then that of all the nations of the world besides. When God therefore deals so sharply & severely with his chosen people, no doubt but they had grievously provoked him by their rebellions. And withal he refutes the false brag of the Jews wherewith they were wont to advance and boast themselves, as if they forsooth ought to be exempt from all corrections, because they were the peculiar people of God. Also when he saith that the mountains trembled: