Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

¹The Prophet here distinguisheth (yet more clearly) hypocrites which hold a place in the Church only, from his true and lawful children. For though all will needs take unto them the title of Gods children, yet he shows that many were to be chased out of the house; & that those who proudly insulted over Gods people, should be frustrated of their hope, because it was vain & false. And we are to note well the remarkable opposition, which is here put between Gods servants, and those that falsely glory in his name. For he shows that their vain titles, their boasting, and false persuasions should stand them in no stead. These words, they shall eat and drink, signify felicity, and a prosperous estate in this present life. For it is as if he had promised to have such care over the faithful, that they should want nothing.

¹THe Prophet here distinguisheth (yet more clearely) hypocrites which hold a place in the Church only, from his true and lawfull children. For though all will needs take vnto them the title of Gods children, yet he shewes that many were to be chased out of the house; & that those who proudlie insulted ouer Gods people, should be frustrated of their hope, because it was vaine & false. And we are to note well the remarkable opposition, which is here put betweene Gods seruants, and those that falsely glorie in his name. For he shewes that their vaine titles, their boasting, and false perswasions should stand them in no stead. These words, they shal eate and drink, signifie felicitie, and a prosperous estate in this present life. For it is as if he had promised to haue such care ouer the faithfull, that they should want nothing.

1. 1Hypocrites distinguished from the faithful.Hypocrites distinguished from the faithfull.

Object. But it seems the Lord here promiseth his servants more in words, then he performs in deeds. For are they not often hungry, and thirsty, whilst the wicked overflow in all sorts of good things, and abuse them to excess and riot? I answer, Ans. that Christs kingdom is here noted out unto us under these figures: for otherwise we cannot comprehend it. For which cause the Prophets are wont to borrow similitudes from earthly kingdoms, in which when the subjects flow in wealth and in the enjoying of all blessings, there Gods liberality is to be espied; by which also we ordinarily judge of his fatherly love towards us.