Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Here the Prophet not only testifies, that he will wait in patience; but also shows what his constancy is; proposing himself, with his disciples and those which remained with him, to open view. As though he should say, Although others recoil, yet Lord behold I am ready to do thee service; and I also bring those with me, whom thou hast vouchsafed to save miraculously by my labours. He shows an invincible manfulness then, and protests that he will continue in the faith and obedience of the Lord, although all should revolt.

HEere the Prophet not onely testifies, that hee will wait in patience; but also shewes what his constancie is; proposing himselfe, with his disciples and those which remained with him, to open view. As though hee should say, Although others recoile, yet Lord behold I am readie to doe thee seruice; and I also bring those with mee, whom thou hast vouchsafed to saue miraculously by my labours. Hee shewes an inuincible manfulnesse then, and protests that he will continue in the faith and obedience of the Lord, although all should reuolt.

By Children, he understands servants and ministers; following therein the usual custom as well of the Hebrew tongue as of the Latin. Now he speaks of the Disciples whom he mentioned before. Whence it appeareth, what their duty is, who would be reputed the true disciples of the Lord; to wit, that they protest with Isaiah, to be teachable, and ready to hearken, and that they be ready to obey, as soon as the Lord shall speak. The teachers also ought to bring their disciples with them, and not to send them alone before them: they ought to march in the first rank, and to show them the way by their example; as was said in the second Chapter, verse 3. otherwise they should have no authority in teaching. The Apostle in the Epistle to the Hebrews,¹ applies this place to Jesus Christ; and from thence draws an admonition, which ought to serve us as a sharp spur; to the end we should not think to follow Isaiah alone for our leader and Doctor, but Christ himself; and to be so much the more encouraged to run our course with greater alacrity.