Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The Prophet refutes the false opinion which men conceived of Gods service, in regard they thought that sacrifices and external ceremonies availed very much of themselves. For this is the state of the question, namely, that God contents not himself §1with bare and naked ceremonies; that §2he holds them vain and idle disguisings, when men think to satisfy him with them.

THe Prophet refutes the false opinion which men conceiued of Gods seruice, in regard they thought that sacrifices and externall ceremonies auailed very much of themselues. For this is the state of the question, namely, that God contents not himselfe §1with bare and naked ceremonies; that §2he holds them vaine and idle disguisings, when men thinke to satisfie him with them.

Where he saith, that he hath made all things; it must not only be referred to the Temple, but to whatsoever was there offered unto God. Now he speaks expressly of his making of them, to teach men that he hath no need of this external service. As in Psal. 50.10. he protests that all beasts are his creatures, and by right belong to him: and yet (forsooth) the Jews would needs pacify him by sacrificing of them. But see here the disease which is rooted in the hearts of the superstitious sort, namely, that they transform God into what Image they list, though himself hath ordained an outward worship; not for his own profit, but for ours,¹ that so we might be exercised therein, according to the reach of our capacities.

Where he saith, that he hath made all things; it must not onely be referred to the Temple, but to whatsoeuer was there offered vnto God. Now hee speakes expresly of his making of them, to teach men that he hath no need of this externall seruice. As in