Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 20. To the Law, and to the Testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Vers. 20. To the Law, and to the Testimonie, if they speake not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

This place is diversly expounded. For some take it to be a form of an oath, as if the Prophet should Swear by the law, that those were apostates, which drew others to the like apostasy with them. But I take it otherwise; namely, that we are rather brought to the Law, and to the Testimony; because the particle Lamed, shows that this is the true sense. The Testimony is conjoined with the Law; not as if they were divers things, but for the plainer understanding. As if he should say; To the Law, which contains the Testimony of Gods will toward you. Lastly, we must take the word Testimony, for an epithet; to the end we may know what the use of the Law is; namely, that God manifests himself therein, and shows what a one he will be towards us: and lastly, he there ordains all things which are needful for us to know. This then is an excellent commendation of the Law, which contains the doctrine of salvation, and the rule of a right and happy life. And this is the reason why he justly forbids us to turn from it in the least jot; as if he should say, Forsake all your superstitions, after which these run so violently. They were not content with God alone, but sought a thousand inventions: for what will satisfy him that forsakes the Lord? Christ speaks also in this sort; They have Moses and the Prophets, let them hears them: Luke 16.29. For although Abraham be brought in speaking there, yet is it a perpetual oracle which proceeds out of the mouth of God.

THis place is diuersly expounded. For some take it to be a forme of an oath, as if the Prophet should Sweare by the law, that those were apostataes, which drew others to the like apostasie with them. But I take it otherwise; namely, that we are rather brought to the Law, and to the Testimonie; because the particle Lamed, shewes that this is the true sense. The Testimony is conioyned with the Law; not as if they were diuers things, but for the plainer vnderstanding. As if hee should say; To the Law, which containes the Testimonie of Gods will toward you. Lastly, we must take the word Testimony, for an epithite; to the end wee may know what the vse of the Law is; namely, that God manifests himselfe therein, and shewes what a one he will be towards vs: and lastly, hee there ordaines all things which are needefull for vs to know. This then is an excellent commendation of the Law, which containes the doctrine of saluation, and the rule of a right and happy life. And this is the reason why hee iustly forbids vs to turne from it in the least iot; as if hee should say, Forsake all your superstitions, after which these runne so violently. They were not content with God alone, but sought a thousand inuentions: for what will satisfie him that forsakes the Lord? Christ speakes also in this sort; They haue Moses and the Prophets, let them hears them: