Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Oh that thou wouldest break the heavens, and come down:¹ and that the mountains might melt at thy presence!

Oh that thou wouldest breake the heauens, and come downe:¹ and that the mountanes might melt at thy presence!

1. 1Master Calvin makes this, part of the 19. verse.Master Caluin makes this, part of the 19. verse.

OH that thou wouldest break!] The Hebrew particle, as I take it, comprehends a wish. For though it hath many significations, yet the scope of the text shows, that this agrees better to this place then any other. For the faithful here enter into a more ardent prayer; as often it falls out when in the sharpest afflictions, a set form of words, would want sufficient vehemency to express our desires. He saith, that God breaks the heavens, when he suddenly shows some memorable and rare sign of his power. And the reason of this manner of speech is not only in regard that men being in great distress, are wont to lift up their eyes to heaven, from whence they expect help; but because miracles also make way for them, by breaking the ordinary course of nature. Now it seems that God is shut up in heaven, whilst he neglects to succour us, and lets all things in the world to go at six and seven. For this cause then it is said, that he opens and breaks the heavens, when he gives us some sign of his presence at such a time as we judge him to be far remote from us. But these things are spoken according to our natural reason, as is also the clause, That thou wouldest come down: for what need is there that God should change his place? He applies himself thus to our weakness, that we might the better comprehend that which is said to us of him.