A commentary vpon the prophecie of Isaiah. By Mr. Iohn Caluin. Whereunto are added foure tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.

Vers. 4. For before the child shall haue knowledge to crie My father, and my mo∣ther, hee shall take away the riches of Da∣mascus,

and the spoile of Samaria, before the King of Ashur.

HEre followes both the exposition of the obscure words of Isaiah; as also of the vi∣sion adioyned vnto it. For seeing God meant to speake briefly, it was needefull it should bee intelligible. I referre not the word child to the sonne of the Prophet, but to all those that should bee borne soone after; as I haue said heretofore.* 1.1 He threatens then, that the two kings of Israel and Samaria, shal be cut off before those children shall be of any growth. Jn the presence of the King of Ashur. That is to say, according to his desire and will. Wherein it may bee hee meetes with the ancient manner of those which triumphed: before whose chariot they vsed to carrie the spoiles of the enemies. Thus the spoiles of Damascus and Samaria shall bee borne be∣fore the King of Ashur. From hence it ap∣peares yet better that the Prophet meant [ 1] nothing else but to foretell the ruine of the [ 2] kingdome of Israel and Syria: First, for the comfort of the faithfull, and secondly, to scorne at the foolish feare of this cursed King, which could not endure that the Lord should succour him. He had not onely reie∣cted the promises; but also the signe which was offered him. This is the cause why the Prophet doth so much the more reprooue the impiety of this king, and of al the people: as if he should say, I see that thou art resol∣ued to beleeue nothing: but yet is the Lord determined to assist his chosen. For thou shalt shortly see sudden and vnexpected changes, by which God will deliuer his peo∣ple. And yet it is certaine that these things are not directed so much to the King, as to the faithfull. Whence we are to note, that the seruants of God doe not alwaies speake so that the hearers doe by and by beleeue their sayings. Isaiah speakes heer to the wic∣ked, whom he profited nothing at all. Why then doth he direct his speech vnto them? To the end hee may conuince them more and more, and to lay their infidelity in their dish: as also that the goodnes of God might be the better knowne. For who would not haue thought but such an impietie would haue shut vp the gate of all Gods mercies from them? yet notwithstanding the Lord by his goodnes ouercomes both the peruersitie of the King, and of the people. Now yee see the Prophets drift, to wit, that whilest he repro∣cheth the wicked with their pride, he shewes them notwithstanding that God is alwaies like himselfe.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Chap. 7.14.