Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

But two things are here to be noted, first, §2that the faithful confess they have offended, and are justly punished: Secondly, that they cease not to complain touching the weight of the blows which they received. Not by way of pleading against God; but to move him unto compassion.¹ As when a malefactor would endeavour to pacify his Judge, he lays forth all his miseries and calamities before him.

But two things are here to be noted, first, §2that the faithfull confesse they haue offended, and are iustly punished: Secondly, that they cease not to complaine touching the weight of the blowes which they receiued. Not by way of pleading against God; but to mooue him vnto compassion.¹ As when a malefactor would endeuour to pacifie his Iudge, he laies foorth all his miseries and calamities before him.

1. 1Simile.

Many vex and weary themselves here, because the Prophet speaking of the filthiness of sins; comprehends all the Jews without exception: though there were among them many of the true servants of God. But they have no reason so to do, for he speaks not here of every one in particular, but of the whole body in general, which he compares to filthy clouts; in regard it was trampled under feet, and extremely afflicted.

Many vexe and wearie themselues here, because the Prophet speaking of the filthinesse of sinnes; comprehends all the Iewes without exception: though there were among them many of the true seruants of God. But they haue no reason so to doe, for he speakes not here of euery one in particular, but of the whole bodie in generall, which hee compares to filthie cloutes; in regard it was trampled vnder feete, and extreamelie afflicted.