Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The Prophet begins now to declare the end of this vision, and why the Lord appeared in so glorious a majesty to ordain him a Prophet again, to wit, because he was to carry an incredible embassy touching the blinding of the Jews: he is made more ⟨p. 69⟩certain then of his vocation in so odious a matter, to the end that treading all fear of man under his feet, he may obey the commandment of God, for there is nothing that so secureth the minds of the faithful, as when they know they serve God. He had also another testimony, to wit, that he was purged of God, and this was sufficient to make him undertake the hardest burden which could be imposed upon him.

THe Prophet begins now to declare the end of this vision, and why the Lord appeared in so glorious a maiestie to ordaine him a Prophet againe, to wit, because he was to carrie an incredible ambassage touching the blinding of the Iewes: he is made more ⟨p. 69⟩certaine then of his vocation in so odious a matter, to the end that treading all feare of man vnder his feete, he may obey the commandement of God, for there is nothing that so secureth the minds of the faithfull, as whē they know they serue God. He had also another testimonie, to wit, that he was purged of God, and this was sufficient to make him vndertake the hardest burthen which could be imposed vpon him.

Whom shall I send?] The Prophet brings in the Lord speaking, as if he could find no man fit to do this message. Some think that the blockishness of the Priests and Prophets is here touched, because not one amongst them was able to teach, although they were many in number. Now although this reason hath some colour, yet I had rather refer it to the certainty of the vocation of the Prophet, to wit, that the Lord called him not forth at random, but with choice. This is then a grave deliberation which the Lord takes as touching him whom he should send: not that he doubteth but these manners of speech are in regard of us, even as when he said, I will go down, and see,