Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

This may be taken two ways; namely,¹ either that God gives a sign; or; that he ⟨p. 672⟩marks his with some privy token, to the end they might escape safe and sound. The first exposition is most received. But some childishly descant here upon the sign of the Cross:² others refer it to the preaching of the Gospel: and both of them, as I take it, are wide from the mark. For he rather seems to allude to that which was done at the going forth and deliverance of the people: as Moses describes it in Exod. 12.12. And to that which is said in Revel. 7.4. namely, that the Lord marked all such as should be saved, when his wrath should be poured out upon the whole world: as those in Egypt escaped, whose door posts were marked with the blood of the Passover. Thus he shows that none but the elect can escape the wrath of God, upon whom this mark is stamped. In a word, the Prophet amplifies that which hath been already said, touching the fearful and horrible judgement of God, which should light upon the wicked: for it should consume all, if he marked not some. He promiseth then to reserve a small number out of this general ruin of the whole people. This I take to be the true meaning of our Prophet: according to which he said in Chap. 1.9. and 10.22. that the Lord would reserve out of this general devouring flame, a little remnant.