Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Because the wicked do trouble the consciences of the weak by casting out the foam of their rage, as if God had not the power to hold their fierceness and fury short; the Prophet prevents this betimes, and exhorts the faithful to know, that they are justly afflicted by a secret judgement of God, although the wicked overflow into all dissolution. So then he shows that which we touched erewhile, namely, that the Assyrians shall mind nothing less then to serve God, and to be executioners of his vengeance: but we shall see by and by to what end they did it. For some might object thus: Object. Thou art the Ambassador of God, why doest thou menace us with the Assyrians? As if belike this furious beast would yield obedience to the commandment of God. Ans. To this he answereth, that God is such a wonderful workman, that he knoweth how to draw those to do him service who think nothing at all thereon, or which otherwise would not obey him. Although (saith he) that their endeavours and counsels tend wholly to another end, yet nothing shall hinder God, that even by them he should not execute and fulfil that which he hath ordained. For many might reply: What a preposterous course is this? Will God subject his chosen people to profane nations? There is no equity at all in it, that our estate (be we sinners as we are, in the highest degree) should be made worse then the condition of thieves, who by their wickedness and impiety had deserved a most severe punishment. The Prophet declareth then that the Assyrians should have their turn also, and should be justly punished in their time: and yet ought no man to think it strange if they afflict, pill, devour, & massacre others, seeing they should not want their recompense.