A17640:604
Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah
A commentary upon the prophecy of Isaiah. By Mr. John Calvin. Whereunto are added four tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.A commentary vpon the prophecie of Isaiah. By Mr. Iohn Caluin. Whereunto are added foure tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston, 1609
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Vers. 4. For before the child shall have knowledge to cry My father, and my mother, he shall take away the riches of Damascus, ⟨p. 88⟩and the spoil of Samaria, before the King of Ashur.
Vers. 4. For before the child shall haue knowledge to crie My father, and my mother, hee shall take away the riches of Damascus, ⟨p. 88⟩and the spoile of Samaria, before the King of Ashur.
Here follows both the exposition of the obscure words of Isaiah; as also of the vision adjoined unto it. For seeing God meant to speak briefly, it was needful it should be intelligible. I refer not the word child to the son of the Prophet, but to all those that should be borne soon after; as I have said heretofore.1 He threatens then, that the two kings of Israel and Samaria, shall be cut off before those children shall be of any growth. In the presence of the King of Ashur. That is to say, according to his desire and will. Wherein it may be he meets with the ancient manner of those which triumphed: before whose chariot they used to carry the spoils of the enemies. Thus the spoils of Damascus and Samaria shall be borne before the King of Ashur. From hence it appears yet better that the Prophet meant §1nothing else but to foretell the ruin of the §2kingdom of Israel and Syria: First, for the comfort of the faithful, and secondly, to scorn at the foolish fear of this cursed King, which could not endure that the Lord should succour him. He had not only rejected the promises; but also the sign which was offered him. This is the cause why the Prophet doth so much the more reprove the impiety of this king, and of all the people: as if he should say, I see that thou art resolved to believe nothing: but yet is the Lord determined to assist his chosen. For thou shalt shortly see sudden and unexpected changes, by which God will deliver his people. And yet it is certain that these things are not directed so much to the King, as to the faithful. Whence we are to note, that the servants of God do not always speak so that the hearers do by and by believe their sayings. Isaiah speaks here to the wicked, whom he profited nothing at all. Why then doth he direct his speech unto them? To the end he may convince them more and more, and to lay their infidelity in their dish: as also that the goodness of God might be the better known. For who would not have thought but such an impiety would have shut up the gate of all Gods mercies from them? yet notwithstanding the Lord by his goodness overcomes both the perversity of the King, and of the people. Now ye see the Prophets drift, to wit, that whilst he reproacheth the wicked with their pride, he shows them notwithstanding that God is always like himself.