Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Because it was an intolerable wickedness to shut the gate against the power of God which should confirm the truth of the promise under colour of honesty and modesty; the Prophet is justly offended, and sharply rebukes these wicked hypocrites. Now howsoever it were an honourable thing for them to be held for the race of David (which had been so indeed if they had walked in the steps of David) yet notwithstanding he now calls them the successors of the house of David rather by way of reproach, then otherwise. And in very deed, the ingratitude was so much the more heinous, because this favour was rejected by that house, out of which the salvation of the whole world should come. Their original therefore from whom they had so shamefully degenerated, was a great dishonour unto them. And we must observe this order here: for we ought not to begin with sharp reprehensions, but with doctrine, to the end men may be gently drawn, rather then enforced by it. Doctrine. When the bare & simple doctrine will not serve, then we must add confirmations:¹ but if they will profit by either of these, then it is needful to use greater vehemency: In this manner it is that Isaiah thundereth here,² for having offered doctrine and signs to the king without fruit, he now useth the last remedy, sharply and grievously chiding this obstinate man: and not him alone, but also all the house royal, which was defiled with this impiety.