Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The Prophet doth here sharply threaten the Princes that slept securely in their sin. For it is the common custom of such, who are drunken with their greatness, proudly to despise all danger. He shows then, that although God seem for a while to defer and wink at their doings; yet notwithstanding the time of his judgement is prescribed, and shall speedily knock at their doors ere they be aware. And because they were grown secure by reason of the victory over their enemies; as also because they were backed by the league which they had made with a most puissant nation; therefore the Prophet expressly tells them, that their destruction shall come from far.

THe Prophet doth heere sharpely threaten the Princes that slept securely in their sinne. For it is the common custome of such, who are drunken with their greatnesse, proudly to despise al danger. He shewes then, that although God seeme for a while to deferre and winke at their doings; yet notwithstanding the time of his iudgement is prescribed, and shall speedily knocke at their doores ere they be aware. And because they were growne secure by reason of the victorie ouer their enemies; as also because they were backed by the league which they had made with a most puissant nation; therefore the Prophet expresly telles them, that their destruction shall come from farre.

The word visitation is taken here for judgement; because God also visits us two ways:¹ in mercy and judgement. For he reveals and manifests himself and his power unto us in them both. First, when in taking pity upon us, he delivers us out of the dangers wherein §1we are plunged. And secondly, when he roots §2out the wicked, and contemners of his word. The two significations tend to one end; because God manifests not himself unto us, but by his works: and we think he hath forsaken us, unless he gives us some sign of his presence. The Scripture applies this word visitation then to our capacity, because when we are pressed with afflictions, and the wicked in the mean while let loose the bridle to all dissolutions, it seems to us that God is far off from us, and that he takes no care of our matters.