Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Lest hypocrites should beguile themselves with these promises, or,¹ lest they should imagine that this which is spoken touching the restoration, belonged unto them; he once again directs his speech unto them. He calls them Apostates, because they had forgotten the mountain of Zion: that is to say, had revolted from Gods pure worship. For by the mountain of holiness, he signifies the rule of holiness contained in the word ⟨p. 656⟩of the Lord. For the Temple was built by his commandment, that in it he might be called upon: with the altar also, whereupon he enjoined §1them to offer sacrifices. Thus all sacrifices §2and oblations were abominable, were §3they offered in any other place then that; or, to other gods; or otherwise then that which the law prescribed. For it is unlawful for men to do any thing in this behalf, after their own fantasies; because the Lord requires nothing but obedience, 1. Sam. 15.22. which cannot be done without faith,² neither can faith be separated from the word, Rom. 10.17. out of which it is not permitted us either to seek or ask of God.

LEst hypocrites should beguile themselues with these promises, or,¹ lest they should imagine that this which is spoken touching the restauration, belonged vnto them; hee once againe directs his speech vnto them. He calles them Apostataes, because they had forgotten the mountaine of Zion: that is to say, had reuolted from Gods pure worship. For by the mountaine of holinesse, he signifies the rule of holinesse contained in the word ⟨p. 656⟩of the Lord. For the Temple was built by his commandement, that in it he might be called vpon: with the altar also, whereupon hee inioined