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CHAP. L.
HAving prophesied against all other Nations, mentioned Ch. 25. that should drink of the cup of Gods wrath, now he cometh to Babylon, the last there spoken of under the name of Sheshak.
Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken down. He beginneth much like unto Isa. * 1.1 46. 1. where the like is said against Bel and Nebo. But here for Nebo is Mero∣dach, thought by some to be another Idol of the Babylonians; by others up∣on better ground the King of Babylon, that first founded that Monarchy, sub∣duing Assyria unto him; and whereas he was dead long before the destruction * 1.2 of Babylon, and Belshazzar reigned then, for he lived in the daies of Heze∣kiah, being called Merodach Baladan; Calvin answers well, That he being most famous for his first founding of that Monarchy, was doubtlesse much spo∣ken of even after his death, and as the Assyrians made Belus, from whom the name Bel cometh, the first founder of that Monarchy a god, so probably did the Babylonians honour Merodach still, trusting that the Empire set up by him him should never have an end. And indeed it might seem to humane reason impossible, because Babylon was so mighty a City, and all Nations subject unto it. And this made the Prophet to enter upon this Prophecy with such a Preface, Tell it amongst the Gentiles, hear this, lift up a sign.
Having briefly shewed from whence the ruine of Babylon shall come, even * 1.3 from the North, that is, the Medes and Persians, as hath been before decla∣red Isa. 13. and is further declared after in this Chapter, he prophesieth of the * 1.4 Israelites return then to their own Countrey; of which much is spoken before Chap. 30, 31, 32, 33. and specially Chap. 31. 9. where are the same words, They shall come together weeping and going, &c.
Flee out of Babylon, and be as the goats before the flock. So Isa. 48. 20. and he * 1.5 useth the similitude of he-goats, because sheep are fearfull, and therefore go behinde, but goats not, and therefore go before. See the same phrase used of spiritual Babylon, the seat of Antichrist, Rev. 18. 4.
The hindermost of the Nations shall be a wildernesse. Hebr. Behold the hinder∣most * 1.6 of the Nations, a wildernesse; That is, Babylon that was the Lady, shall be the basest, their mother, that is, their monarchical greatness shall be asha∣med to see what it is come to.
Compasse her about, her hand is given. That is, after the manner of them that * 1.7 be overcome and yield, the Babylonians lifted up their hands for mercy, or her hand is said to be given, because two Princes of Babylon upon displeasure taken, sent for Cyrus to come against their City, and this may be said a reach∣ing out or giving the hand; So Calvin.
The iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none, for I will par∣don, * 1.8 &c. This may seem to make for the foolish Antinomians of these times, who say, That a justified man is without sin, neither is any thing that he doth sin, contrary to Rom. 7. But it is to be noted, how Israel is said to be without sinne, viz, not because nothing that Israel should henceforth do, was sinfull, [Note.] but because to the just fied no sin is imputed. And this was the end of their affliction, and because this promise of forgiving sin both here and Chap. 31. 33. imply perfect healing after smiting; this is that which we must aim at in our sufferings, and not so much that our pain and sorrow may cease.
Gg against the Land of Merethaim, and the inhabitants of Pechod. Calvin, The * 1.9 Land of exasperators, and the inhabitants of visitation, as the words signify, where∣by he meaneth Babylon that should be visited for her wickednesses, whereby she had provoked the Lord to anger. And in saying thus, he calleth upon the Medes and Persians, by whom the Lord would punish her in his due time. They were so farre remote indeed that they heard not what the Prophet said, but he that spake by the Prophet, to shew that his words were not a vain sound in the air, made them penetrate to those remote Nations by