Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

HE speaks in the present tense, to the end all should lay it the nearer to heart. Behold, the Lord brings upon you violent waters. We must note the similitudes which the Prophet useth: for the speech is much more elegant, then if he had spoken barely and nakedly without them: and it is as if he had said, Because the people are not contented with their condition, but are ever lusting after the riches and wealth of another, I will ⟨p. 89⟩show them what it is to have a mighty King. As for example, if some few people subject to a poor and obscure Prince, having mighty neighbours that were subjects to a King of great renown should say, Oh, what a goodly thing were it to be the subjects of such a puissant King, to be under the government of the Emperor, or of the King of France, who have an invincible power! Should not God have just occasion to chastise such a wicked desire? For by how much the more mighty Kings are; so much the more do they oppress their people: they will be under no control, but will do whatsoever they list: add also, that they know not the measure of their power, but according to their strength they give themselves licence to do what them liketh. The Lord reproves this unbridled desire of the Jews, that in distrusting their own strength, they looked not to the Lord; but to the riches of mighty Kings. Now this reprehension hath much more grace under these figures, then if he had spoken without them.

HE speakes in the present tence, to the end all should lay it the neerer to heart. Behold, the Lord brings vpon you violent waters. We must note the similitudes which the Prophet vseth: for the speech is much more elegant, then if he had spoken barely and nakedly without them: and it is as if hee had said, Because the people are not contented with their condition, but are euer lusting after the riches and wealth of another, I will ⟨p. 89⟩shew them what it is to haue a mightie King. As for example, if some few people subiect to a poore and obscure Prince, hauing mightie neighbours that were subiects to a King of great renowne should say, Oh, what a goodly thing were it to bee the subiects of such a puissant King, to be vnder the gouernment of the Emperor, or of ye King of France, who haue an inuincible power! Should not God haue iust occasion to chastice such a wicked desire? For by how much the more mightie Kings are; so much the more doe they oppresse their people: they will be vnder no controll, but will do whatsoeuer they list: adde also, yt they know not the measure of their power, but according to their strēgth they giue themselues licence to doe what them liketh. The Lord reprooues this vnbridled desire of the Iewes, that in distrusting their owne strength, they looked not to the Lord; but to the riches of mightie Kings. Now this reprehension hath much more grace vnder these figures, then if he had spoken without them.