A17640:471
Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah
A commentary upon the prophecy of Isaiah. By Mr. John Calvin. Whereunto are added four tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.A commentary vpon the prophecie of Isaiah. By Mr. Iohn Caluin. Whereunto are added foure tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston, 1609
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
We are wont to esteem of dangers according to the outward appearance of things; when the enemies are far off, or that they be hindered by other impediments to molest us; we think we are safe. Thus the people slept, as they say, on both sides, no otherwise then as if they had been out of all danger. But Isaiah declareth, that all this shall not hinder the Lord from sending the Assyrians with banners displayed to cut them in pieces. This lifting up a sign, is a figurative kind of speech, because when the banner is displayed and the Captain gives the sign, then the soldiers are wont to arm themselves and to begin the fight.
We are woont to esteeme of dangers according to the outward appearāce of things; when the enemies are farre off, or that they be hindred by other impediments to molest vs; we thinke we are safe. Thus the people slept, as they say, on both sides, no otherwis• then as if they had been out of all danger. But Isaiah declareth, that all this shall not hinder the Lord from sending the Assyrians with banners displayed to cut them in pieces. This lifting vp a signe, is a figuratiue kind of speech, because when the banner is displayed and the Captaine giues the signe, then the souldiers are wont to arme themselues and to begin the fight.
He shall hiss.] Although the change of the number be a thing much used in the Scripture, yet it is not without reason, I take it, that the Prophet of many nations makes but one people, for he shows that when God should assemble many peoples & join them to one body, that this shall be no confused multitude, but should be as an entire body, having one head which should rule and have the sovereignty over them. He rather used the word of hissing then some other that sounded more terribly, as of sounding the Trumpet, or such like; to show, that God had no need ⟨p. 62⟩of any great noise to assemble the enemies together, and that it is no hard matter for him to be revenged on them which have offended when the time appointed is come, for he can finish all things by the least sign that may be.