Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

This place is somewhat obscure, as well in regard of it self, as also because of the diversities of interpretations: for it seems absurd to say that the joy was not increased, seeing he by and by adds, They rejoiced. For this cause the Jews say that the particle Lo is not negative here, as if one letter were put in stead of another, to wit Al•ph for Vau: as also that this is found in the scripture,¹ albeit very seldom: and this they publish, because they can not make the text hang together as they would.² Some refer this to Sennacherib, because his so great an army brought him no matter of joy, but rather of sorrow. Others not amiss expound it of the Church: but they give no reason for it, for they think the Prophet speaks this because the faithful are subject to many miseries and troubles through out their whole life. Others draw out a sense further from the purpose, to wit, that the Gentiles which should increase the Church, should not bring any joy to the Jews, nor to the ancient Synagogue. But I cannot approve any one of these interpretations. And therefore I expound it thus: that even as in the beginning of the Chapter the Prophet said, the benefit of this redemption should be greater then all the rest, although it seemed not so in regard of the small number of those which should return home into their country: so now also he repeats the same comparison again: or at the least, another every way like unto it: namely, that the grace of God should shine much more then it did when he multiplied the people. For if we compare the estate of the kingdom of Judah, before the captivity of Babylon, with that which followed after the return; we shall well perceive that it gained at that time more than it lost before.

THis place is somewhat obscure, as well in regard of it selfe, as also because of the diuersities of interpretations: for it seemes absurd to say that the ioy was not increased, seeing he by and by addes, They reioiced. For this cause the Iewes say that the particle Lo is not negatiue here, as if one letter were put in stead of another, to wit Al•ph for Vau: as also that this is found in the scripture,¹ albeit very seldome: and this they publish, because they can not make the text hang together as they would.