Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

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.

The word visitation is taken here for iudgement; because God also visits vs two waies:¹ in mercy and iudgement. For he reueales and manifests himselfe and his power vnto vs in them both. First, when in taking pitie vpon vs, he deliuers vs 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 himselfe vnto vs, but by his workes: and we thinke hee hath forsaken vs, vnlesse hee giues vs some signe of his presence. The Scripture applies this word visitation then to our capacitie, because when wee are pressed with afflictions, and the wicked in the meane while let loose the bridle to all dissolutions, it seemes to vs that God is farre off from vs, and that he takes no care of our matters.

1. 1In what sense this word visitation is taken generally.