Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

S. John allegeth this place to set out more plainly the obstinacy of the Jews. True it is that he recites it not word by word; but yet he explains the meaning thereof sufficiently. And therefore could they not believe (saith he) because Isaiah said, he hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their hearts. Notwithstanding this prophecy was not the cause of their unbelief, but the Lord so foretold it, because he foresaw they would be such. Now the Evangelist applies that to the Gospel which was practised under the law: and teacheth therewithal, that the Jews of his time were deprived of reason and understanding, because they were rebellious against God. Although if any should ask the first cause, we must come to the predestination of God. But because this counsel is hidden from us, we must not be curious in searching into it. For the reason of God his eternal counsel appertains not to us; but we must look to the cause which is before our eyes, to wit, their rebellion, by which they made themselves unworthy of so many and great benefits.

S. Iohn alledgeth this place to set out more plainely the obstinacie of the Iewes. True it is that he recites it not word by word; but yet he explanes the meaning thereof sufficientlie. And therefore could they not beleeue (saith he) because Isaiah said, he hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their hearts. Notwithstanding this prophesie was not ye cause of their vnbeliefe, but the Lord so foretold it, because he foresaw they would be such. Now the Euangelist applies that to the Gospell which was practised vnder the law: and teacheth therewithall, that the Iewes of his time were depriued of reason and vnderstanding, because they were rebellious against God. Although if any should aske the first cause, we must come to the predestination of God. But because this counsell is hidden frō vs, we must not be curious in searching into it. For the reason of God his eternall counsell apperteines not to vs; but we must looke to the cause which is before our eyes, to wit, their rebellion, by which they made themselues vnworthie of so many and great benefites.

S. Paul also shows from this place not once but often, that all the cause of their blindness remained in themselves,