Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 18. The people of thine holiness have possessed it but a little while: for our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.

Vers. 18. The people of thine holinesse haue possessed it but a little while: for our aduersaries haue troden downe thy sanctuarie.

IT is a wonder that the Prophet saith the people possessed the land but for a very little space, seeing 863. years were expired since they began to possess it, and 1400. years and more since Abraham entered into the land of Canaan. But the promise must be considered, in which it was said, that Abraham's posterity should enjoy the land, as an everlasting possession: Gen. 17.8. and 48.4. This was but a little while therefore, if it be compared with eternity. The people of God then object this short time unto him, not as accusing him of breach of promise; but to put him in mind of his covenant, and that he should rather have respect to his own goodness, then to the chastisements which they had justly deserved. And after this manner the ancient Church complains, in Ps. 102.23, 24. that her strength was abated in the way, & that her days were shortened: and therefore prays, that God would not cut her off in the midst of her days, because the fullness of time depended upon the coming of Christ.

IT is a wonder yt the Prophet saith ye people possessed the land but for a very little space, seeing 863. yeres were expired since they began to possesse it, and 1400. yeeres and more since Abraham entred into the land of Canaan. But the promise must be considered, in which it was said, that Abrahams posteritie should inioy the land, as an euerlasting possession: Gen. 17.8. and 48.4