Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

1. *Or, there shall be no fear.Or, there shall be no feare.

IT seems here that the Prophet contradicts himself, for hitherunto he hath spoken of the consumption of the land: but now when he saith that oxen shall feed in the places where were thorns and briars, he describes as it were a new estate. This hath caused some to apply these words to the consolation of the people. But the Prophets meaning is nothing less, because he declares that the mountains which were far remote from the places where men dwelt, and whither men went with great difficulty, should be now fit pasture for Cattle by reason of the multitude of folks which should retire thither. And because every one would flee to the mountains, which in former times were desert and inaccessible, they should not fear to be scratched with thorns, because there should be inhabitants enow to suppress them. Now this is a miserable thing, when men can no otherwise escape from death, but by running amongst the thorns and brambles. His meaning is then, that men shall seek shelter and habitation in the mountains, which were desert and uninhabited: because there shall be no room left for safety in the plain. And thus he portraits out the ruinous and pitiful estate of all the country; namely, such an horrible destruction, that the face of the land shall be utterly changed from that it was before. When the Prophet foretold these things to King Ahaz, no doubt but he contemned them. For this wicked King resting upon his forces, and upon the league with the Assyrians; stayed himself thereupon, and settled himself again upon his lees: as soon as the siege (which threatened the City) was raised and gone. But Isaiah notwithstanding ceased not constantly to discharge his duty; showing still, that there was no succour but in God; testifying to this wicked hypocrite also, that his ruin would come from that place whence he looked for safety and deliverance.