Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

IT is wonderful to see how long the Prophet insists upon this renovation:¹ for it might seem that he had spoken fully of it before. But for as much as he could not sufficiently express the great love and affection which God bears us, nor content himself to have spoken of it, therefore it is that he redoubles and repeats one and the same thing so often.

IT is wonderfull to see how long the Prophet insists vpon this renouation:¹ for it might seeme that he had spoken fully of it before. But for as much as hee could not sufficiently expresse the great loue and affection which God beares vs, nor content himselfe to haue spoken of it, therefore it is that hee redoubles and repeates one and the same thing so often.

1. 1The first member of this verse is expounded before in vers. 12.

When he saith, they shall be comforted in Jerusalem: it may be expounded two ways. For the meaning may be, that the faithful shall be glad, when they shall see the Church restored: or, the Church being restored, that she will endeavour to comfort her children. The first exposition seems more copious: but we ought to have an eye to the Prophets meaning, and not to that which carries a fair show only. In the first place he makes §1God the author of this consolation. And hath §2he not good cause? yet notwithstanding ads in the second place, that it shall be in Jerusalem, by whom it was to be administered. You see then that this comfort is not offered nor given to the profane contemners, who care not what becomes of the Church, but to those who out of a true affection of godliness do manifest themselves to be her children.