Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

His government is laid upon his shoulders.] It is utterly frivolous to think (as many do) that the Prophet alludes to the Cross of Christ. He bare his Cross upon his shoulders,¹ and thereon triumphed gloriously over the prince of the world. But seeing it is here said, That the government is laid upon his shoulders, in the same sense as it is said, that the key of the house of David is laid upon the shoulders of Eliakim, as we shall see in the 22. Chapter, we have no need to coin new inventions without a foundation. Me thinks here is rather a close opposition between the government which the redeemer should bear upon his shoulders, and the yoke which was mentioned before, verse 4. wherewith the tyrants oppressed the poor captives. This exposition agrees well, and is not subject to any cavil whatsoever. The Prophet shows then that the Messiah shall in nothing resemble those foolish kings who give themselves to lasciviousness, never taking thought for the discharge of their duties, for he shall be strong and mighty to undergo the burden imposed upon him. Thus he extols the majesty and excellency of Christ, because he shall obtain honour and authority by his own power, and shall not execute his office with his fingers ends only, but with his whole strength.

His gouernment is laid vpon his shoulders.] It is vtterlie friuolous to thinke (as many do) that the Prophet alludes to the Crosse of Christ. He bare his Crosse vpon his shoulders,¹ and thereon triumphed gloriouslie ouer ye prince of the world. But seeing it is heere said, That the gouernment is laid vpon his shoulders, in the same sense as it is said, that the key of the house of Dauid is laid vpon the shoulders of Eliakim, as we shall see in the 22. Chapter, we haue no need to coine new inuentions without a foundation. Me thinks heere is rather a close opposition betweene the gouernment which the redeemer should beare vpon his shoulders, and the yoke which was mentioned before, verse 4. wherewith the tyrants oppressed the poore captiues. This exposition agrees well, and is not subiect to any cauill whatsoeuer. The Prophet shewes then that the Messiah shall in nothing resemble those foolish kings who giue themselues to lasciuiousnes, neuer taking thought for the discharge of their duties, for he shall be strong and mightie to vndergoe the burthen imposed vpon him. Thus he extolles the maiestie and excellencie of Christ, because he shall obteine honor and authoritie by his owne power, and shall not execute his office with his fingers ends only, but with his whole strength.