Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The word beginning, is as much as if he had said; You ought not to compare me unto those things which heretofore have begun to be, seeing I am eternal, and without any beginning. I have little need then of your sacrifices, saith the Lord, who was before them. What good, I pray you, then can they do me? In a word, he contends, that ceremonies are nothing worth in themselves, but belong to another end. Isaiah also holds it for a thing out of question, that God can receive no increases: whence it follows, that he only contents himself with himself, seeing from all eternity he never stood in need of the worlds help.

The word beginning, is as much as if he had said; You ought not to compare mee vnto those things which heeretofore haue begunne to be, seeing I am eternall, and without any beginning. I haue little need then of your sacrifices, saith the Lord, who vvas before them. What good, I pray you, then can they do me? In a word, hee contends, that ceremonies are nothing worth in themselues, but belong to another end. Isaiah also holds it for a thing out of question, that God can receiue no increases: whence it followes, that he only contents himselfe with himselfe, seeing from all eternitie hee neuer stood in need of the worlds helpe.

¹In the next place the definition of the true worship is added. For in saying that God regards the humble, I doubt not but the Prophet here privily opposeth the humble, and contrite in spirit, to that pomp, bravery and glistering show of ceremonies, which are wont to dazzle mens eyes, and to ravish them out of themselves. The Lord testifies then, that he rather requires humble and broken hearts, which tremble at his commandment. Under which words, he notes out the inward purity of the heart, and a true hunger and thirst after righteousness: and therewithal also teacheth us how we ought to be prepared to become acceptable unto God.

¹In the next place the definition of the true worship is added. For in saying that God regardes the humble, I doubt not but the Prophet here priuilie opposeth the humble, and contrite in spirit, to that pompe, brauerie and glistering shew of ceremonies, which are wont to dazle mens eies, and to rauish them out of themselues. The Lord testifies then, that hee rather requires humble and broken hearts, which tremble at his commandement. Vnder which words, hee notes out the inward puritie of the heart, and a true hunger and thirst after righteousnesse: and therewithall also teacheth vs how wee ought to be prepared to become acceptable vnto God.