A17640:701
Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah
A commentary upon the prophecy of Isaiah. By Mr. John Calvin. Whereunto are added four tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.A commentary vpon the prophecie of Isaiah. By Mr. Iohn Caluin. Whereunto are added foure tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston, 1609
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The mighty God. 1] Ell is one of the names of God, which notwithstanding is derived from might or power, so as sometimes it is added in stead of an epithet. But here we may perceive it is a proper name, because Isaiah contents not himself therewith, but hath added the epithet Gibbor, which signifies strong. And truly if Christ were not God, it were ill done to rejoice in him; for it is written, Cursed is he that trusteth in man, Jere. 17.5. The majesty of God then must of necessity shine in him; that in him we may place our confidence, because we can not rest upon any creature without high sacrilege. He is called the Mighty God then, for the same reason that he was heretofore called Immanuel, Chap. 7.14. For if in Christ we only find flesh, ⟨p. 106⟩and the nature of man, our rejoicing should be frivolous and perverse, and the stay of our hope should be grounded amiss, and without any steadfastness.2 But if so be he show himself to be a God to us; yea a mighty God, then may we boldly and securely repose our confidence in him. There is also very great reason why the Prophet calls him the Mighty and Strong: for we have to fight against the devil, death, and sin; enemies that are far too mighty and strong for us to deal withal, who would quickly master us, if we were not clothed with the invincible strength of Christ. By this epithet then we are taught that Christ is strong enough to uphold our salvation, to the end we should desire none but him:3 for he is God, and will show himself strong for us. This application is the key of this place, and of others like unto it; to wit, that we distinguish between the incomprehensible essence of Christ, and that power by which he manifesteth himself unto us.
The mightie God. 1] El is one of the names of God, which notwithstanding is deriued from might or power, so as sometimes it is added in stead of an epithite. But here we may perceiue it is a proper name, because Isaiah contents not himselfe therewith, but hath added the epithite Gibbor, which signifies strong. And truly if Christ were not God, it were ill done to reioyce in him; for it is written, Cursed is he that trusteth in man,