Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

This verse contains nothing in it but the explication of the former. Now this manner of speech is taken from a similitude, the sense whereof notwithstanding may be double; to wit, either that the Lord in making this sign, will amaze the enemies in such wise, as they shall not dare to stop the passages against the people which shall return; or rather that he will set up a sign to the poor banished, to the end they should make no difficulty to take their journey home again. Besides, the use of this doctrine hath its force amongst us even at this day: for look how the standard is lifted up in the Camp, to assemble every one to his colours, and to hold himself in battle array; so also is the standard now set up before us, to the end all of us should gather our selves together thereunto; that is to say, The Gospel which the Lord hath lifted up amongst the Gentiles, and in the which Jesus Christ is preached unto us. From hence let us observe, that we cannot be gathered unto the Lord, unless we come under this ensign, and be united unto him by faith. For he will not acknowledge us for any of his sheep, if we be not gathered in from our scattering, and that all of us do assemble our selves under this banner: as himself also saith, My sheep hear my voice, and they follow me: John 10.27. There is a repetition in the word To gather: for he shows how effectual the calling of God shall be, ⟨p. 137⟩