A17640:757
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.
Vers. 2. To keep back the poor from judgement, and to take away the judgement of the poor of my people, that widows may be their pray, and that they may spoil the fatherless.
Vers. 2. To keepe backe the poore from iudgement, and to take away the iudgement of the poore of my people, that widdowes may bee their pray, and that they may spoile the fatherlesse.
TO keep back.] Others translate, To cause them to turn from: but the true sense is, To keep back the poor from defending their quarrel: or, To make them lose their suite. This is the iniquity and oppression which he mentioned in the former verse; to wit, that they plucked from the poor that right which belonged unto them. They were defrauded that the rich might be gratified; and being utterly spoiled of their livings, they carried nothing away with them from the seat of justice, but taunts and reproaches. Now he names the poor chiefly,1 because they are lightly destitute both of money and other helps. Whereas the Judges and Magistrates then ought to have aided them before the rest, they on the contrary took the greater liberty to oppress and tread them under foot with greater ignominy. For those who have most riches, friends, credit, and favour, are not so liable to oppression; because they have weapons in their fists wherewith they may both defend and revenge themselves.2 But the Lord saith, he hath a singular respect unto the poor, which yet notwithstanding are for the most part despised: yea he so regards them, that he will not suffer the wrongs and injuries which have been done unto them to remain unpunished. For he hath not taken up, on him the title of the protector and defender of the poor for nothing. In him it is then that the poor and weak ought to seek consolation; and therefore to endure their troubles and miseries patiently, because God hath care over them, and will not suffer the harm that is done them to go unrevenged.