Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

1. *Hebr. Immanuel.

Having spoken of the force of the enemies, he comes now to their counsels; as if he should say, Howsoever the enemies are mighty not only in weapons and strength, but also in counsel and wisdom, yet shall they lose all their labour. This advertisement therefore was very necessary. For it often happens that we contemn our enemies, how mighty or well armed soever they be, because they want counsel, and are rather carried with blind fury, then led by reason: he advertiseth therefore that all the craft and subtleties whereby the enemies shall endeavour to snare the people of God, shall in the end turn all into smoke, and therefore that they shall bring nothing to pass, although they have all means ready, and that nothing be wanting in their power, counsels, and policies.

HAuing spoken of the force of the enemies, he comes now to their counsels; as if he should say, Howsoeuer the enemies are mightie not only in weapons and strength, but also in counsell and wisdome, yet shall they lose all their labour. This aduertisement therefore was very necessarie. For it often happens that we contemne our enemies, how mightie or well armed soeuer they be, because they want counsell, and are rather caried with blind furie, then led by reason: he aduertiseth therefore that all the craft and subtilties whereby the enemies shall indeuor to snare the people of God, shall in the end turne all into smoke, and therefore that they shall bring nothing to passe, although they haue all meanes readie, and that nothing be wanting in their power, counsels, and policies.