Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now he begins to speak of Christ plainly and without any figure. It had been sufficient to have propounded the consolation under the former similitude: and fitly did the opposition answer between the burning of the forrest, and the new restoring of it again. He therein described the twofold estate of the people: for having spoken of the calamity, he by and by adds the hope of restoration: the beginning whereof notwithstanding, must come forth of a little bud: but now he manifestly shows what this deliverance shall be, and what the condition both of Christ and his Kingdom should be also.

NOw he begins to speake of Christ plainely and without any figure. It had been sufficient to haue propounded the consolation vnder the former similitude: and fitly did the opposition answere betweene the burning of the forrest, and the new restoring of it againe. He therein described the twofold estate of the people: for hauing spoken of the calamitie, he by and by addes the hope of restauration: the beginning whereof notwithstanding, must come forth of a little bud: but now hee manifestly shewes what this deliuerance shall bee, and what the condition both of Christ and his Kingdome should be also.

Some think this should rather be referred to Hezekiah, who was a figure of Christ: but how inconsiderately we showed heretofore. For when Hezekiah was borne, the name and royal dignity of the house of David had yet vigour and strength in his successors: and besides, he was far short of this greatness, whereof he will speak by and by.

Some thinke this should rather be referred to Ezekiah, who was a figure of Christ: but how inconsiderately wee shewed heretofore. For when Ezekias was borne, the name and royall dignitie of the house of Dauid had yet vigor and strength in his successours: and besides, hee was farre short of this greatnesse, whereof he will speake by and by.