ISAIAH.

[Page]

[Israels ingratitude.]





Introductory matter



THE ARGVMENT.

God, according to his promes, Deut.18.15. that he would neuer leaue his Church destitute of a Prophet, hath from time to time accomplished the same: whose office was not onely to declare vnto the people the things to come, whereof they had a speciall reuelation, but also to interprete and declare the Lawe, and to apply particularly the doctrine, contained briefly therein, to the vtilitie and profit of those, to whom they thought it chiefly to appertaine, and as the time and state of things required. And principally in the declaration of the Lawe they had respect to three things, which were the ground of their doctrine: First to the doctrine contained briefly in the two tables: secondly to the promises and threatnings of the Law: and thirdly, to the couenant of grace and reconciliation, grounded vpon our Sauiour Iesus Christ, who is the ende of the Law. Whereunto they neither added nor diminished, but faithfully expounded the sense and meaning thereof. And according as God gaue them vnderstanding of things, they applied the promises particularly for the comfort of the Church and the members thereof, and also denounced the menaces against the enemies of the same: not for any care or regarde to the enemies, but to assure the Church of their safegard by the destruction of their enemies. And as touching the doctrine of reconciliation, they haue more cleerely intreated it then Moses, and set forth more liuely Iesus Christ, in whome this couenant of reconciliation was made. In all these things Isaiah did excell all the Prophets, and was most diligent to set out the same, with most vehement admonitions, reprehensions, and consolations: euer applying the doctrine, as he sawe that the disease of the people required. Hee declareth also many notable prophecies which he had receiued of God, as touching the promes of the Messiah, his office, and his kingdome. Also of the fauour of God toward his Church, the vocation of the Gentiles, and their vnion with the Iewes. Which are as most principall pointes contained in this booke, and a gathering of his sermons that hee preached. Which after certaine dayes that they had stand vpon the Temple doore (for the maner of the Prophets was to set vp the summe of their doctrine for certaine dayes that the people might the better marke it, as Isa.8. 1. and Habak.2.2.) the Priests tooke it downe and reserued it among the registers: and so by Gods prouidence these bookes were preserued as a monument to the Church for euer. As touching his person and time, he was of the Kings stocke (for Amoz his father was brother to Azariah King of Iudah, as the best writers agree) and prophecied more then 64. yeeres from the time of Vzziah vnto the reigne of Manasseh, whose father in lawe he was (as the Ebrewes write) and of whome he was put to death. And in reading of the Prophets, this one thing among other is to be obserued, that they speake of things to come as though they were now past, because of the certaintie thereof, and that they could not but come to passe, because God had ordeined them in his secret counsell, and so reueiled them to his Prophets.




CHAP. I.


1 Isaiah reproueth the Iewes of their ingratitude and stubberneße, that neither for benefites nor punishment would amend. 11 He sheweth why their sacrifices are reiected, and wherein Gods true seruice standeth. 24 He prophecieth of the destruction of Ierusalem, 25 And of the restitution thereof.

1 [Note: [a] That is, a reuelation or prophecie, which was one of the two meanes, whereby God declared himselfe to his seruants in olde time, as Nom12.6. and therefore the Prophets were called Seers, I.Sam. 9.9. ] A Vision of Isaiah, the sonne of Amoz, which he sawe [Note: [b] Isaiah was chiefly sent to Iudah and Ierusalem, but not onely: for in this booke are prophecies concerning other nations also. ] concerning Iudah and Ierusalem: in the dayes of [Note: [c] Called also Azariah, 2.King.15.1. of these Kings reade 2.Kings from Chap. 14. vnto Chap.21. and 2.Chron. from Chap. 25. vnto Chap.33. ] Vzziah, Iotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah Kings of Iudah.

2 Heare, O [Note: [d] Because men were obstinate and insensible, he calleth to the dumme creatures, which were more prompt to obey Gods worde, as Deut.32.1. ] heauens, and hearken, O earth: for the Lorde hath sayde, I haue nourished and brought vp [Note: [e] He declareth his great mercy toward the Iewes, forasmuch as he chose them aboue all other nations to be his people and children, as Deut. 10. 15. ] children, but they haue rebelled against me.

3 The [Note: [f] The most bruite and dull beastes doe more acknowledge their duetie towarde their masters, then my people doe towarde me, of whome they haue receiued benefites without comparison. ] oxe knoweth his owner, and the asse his masters crib: but Israel hath not knowen: my people hath not vnderstand.

4 Ah, sinfull nation, a people laden with iniquitie: a [Note: [g] They were not onely wicked, as were their fathers, but vtterly corrupt, and by their euill example infected others. ] seede of the wicked, corrupt children: they haue forsaken the Lord: they haue prouoked the [Note: [h] That is, him that sanctifieth Israel. ] holy one of Israel to anger: they are gone backewarde.

5 Wherefore shoulde ye be [Note: [i] What auaileth it to seeke to amende you by punishment, seeing the more I correct you, the more ye rebell? ] smitten any

[Gods plagues.]



more? for ye fall away more and more: the whole [Note: [k] By naming the chiefe partes of the body, hee signifieth, that there was no part of the whole body of the Iewes free from his rods. ] head is sicke, and the whole heart is heauie.

6 From the [Note: [l] Euery part of the body, aswell the least as the chiefest was plagued. ] sole of the foote vnto the head, there is nothing whole therein, but wounds, and swelling, and sores full of corruption: they haue not bene wrapped, [Note: [m] Their plagues were so grieuous that they were incurable, and yet they would not repent. ] nor bound vp, nor mollified with oyle.

7 Your land is waste: your cities are burnt with fire: strangers deuoure your lande in your presence, and it is desolate like the ouerthrowe [Note: [n] Meaning, of them that dwell farre off, which, because they looke for no aduantage of that which remaineth, destroy all before them. ] of strangers.

8 And the daughter of [Note: [o] That is, Ierusalem. ] Zion shall remaine like a cotage in a vineyarde, like a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, and like a besieged citie.

9 Except the Lorde of hostes [Note: [p] Because that he will euer haue a Church to call vpon his Name. ] had reserued vnto vs, euen a small remnant: we should haue bene [Note: [q] That is, all destroyed. ] as Sodom, and should haue bene like vnto Gomorah.

10 Heare the worde of the Lorde, O [Note: [r] Ye that for your vices deserued all to be destroyed as they of Sodom, saue that God of his mercie reserued a litle nomber, Lamen.3.22. ] princes of Sodom: hearken vnto the Law of our God, O people of Gomorah.

11 What haue I to doe with the multitude of your sacrifices, sayth the Lorde? I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, & of the fat of fed beasts: and I [Note: [s] Although God commaunded these sacrifices for a time, as aydes and exercises of their fayth: yet because the people had not fayth nor repentance, God detesteth them, Psalme 50.13. Ieremie 6.20. Amos 5.21. Micah 6.7. ] desire not the blood of bullocks, nor of lambs, nor of goates.

12 When ye come to appeare before me, who [Page]

[The fall of Ierusalem foretolde.]



required this of your hands to tread in my courts?

13 Bring no mo oblations, [Note: [t] Without fayth and repentance. ] in vaine: incense is an abomination vnto me: I can not suffer your newe moones, nor Sabbaths, nor solemne dayes (it is iniquitie) nor solemne assemblies.

14 My soule hateth your [Note: [u] Your sacrifices offered in the new moones & feasts: he condemneth hereby hypocrites, which thinke to please God with ceremonies, and they themselues are voyde of fayth and mercy. ] newe moones and your appointed feastes: they are a burden vnto me: I am weary to beare them.

15 And when you shall stretch out your hands, I wil hide mine eyes from you: and though ye make many prayers, I wil not heare: for your hands are full [Note: [x] Hee sheweth that where men be giuen to auarice, deceite, crueltie and extortion, which is meant by blood, there God will shew his anger, and not accept them, though they seeme neuer so holy, as Chap. 59 3. ] of blood.

16 [Note: [y] By this outward washing, he meaneth the spirituall: exhorting the Iewes to repent and amend their liues. ] Wash you, make you cleane: take away the euill of your workes from before mine eyes: cease to doe euill.

17 Learne to [Note: [z] This kinde of reasoning, by the second table, the Scriptures vse in many places against the hypocrites, who pretende most holinesse and religion in worde, but when their charitie and loue toward their brethren should appeare, they declare that they haue neither fayth nor religion. ] doe well: seeke iudgement, relieue the oppressed: iudge the fatherlesse and defend the widowe.

18 Come nowe, [Note: [a] To know if I doe accuse you without cause. ] and let vs reason together, sayth the Lord: though your sinnes were as crimsin, they shalbe made [Note: [b] Least sinners should pretende any rigour on Gods part, he only willeth them to be pure in heart, and he wil forgiue all their sinnes, were they neuer so many or great. ] white as snowe: though they were red like skarlet, they shalbe as wooll.

19 If ye [Note: [c] Hee sheweth that whatsoeuer aduersitie man indureth, it ought to be attributed to his owne incredulitie and disobedience. ] consent and obey, ye shall eate the good things of the land.

20 But if ye refuse and be rebellious, ye shalbe deuoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

21 Howe is the [Note: [d] That is, Ierusalem, which had promised fidelitie vnto me, as a wife to her husband. ] faithfull citie become an harlot? it was full of iudgement, and iustice lodged therein, but now [Note: [e] Giuen to couetousnes and extortion, which he signified before by blood, vers.15. ] they are murtherers.

22 Thy [Note: [f] Whatsoeuer was pure in thee before, is now corrupt, though thou haue an outward shew. ] siluer is become drosse: thy wine is mixt with water.

23 Thy Princes are rebellious and companions of [Note: [g] That is, they mainteine the wicked & the extortioners, & not only doe not punish them, but are themselues such. ] theeues: euery one loueth giftes, and followeth after rewards: they iudge not the fatherlesse, neither doeth the widowes cause come before them.

24 Therefore sayth the Lorde God of hostes, the [Note: [h] When God will shew himselfe mercifull to his Church, he calleth himselfe, The holy one of Israel: but when he hath to doe with his enemies, he is called Mightie, as against whom no power is able to resist. ] mightie one of Israel, Ah, I will [Note: [i] I wil take vengeance of mine aduersaries the Iewes, & so satisfie my desire by punishing them. Which thing yet he doeth with a griefe because of his couenant. ] ease me of mine aduersaries, & auenge me of mine enemies.

25 Then I will turne mine hand vpon thee, and burne out thy drosse, till it [Note: [k] Least the faythful among them should be ouercome with this threatning, he addeth this consolation. ] be pure, and take away all thy tinne.

26 [Note: [l] It is only the worke of God to purifie the heart of man, which thing hee doeth because of his promes, made concerning the saluation of his Church. ] And I will restore thy iudges as at the first, and thy counsellers as at the beginning: afterward shalt thou be called a citie of righteousnes, and a faithfull citie.

27 Zion shalbe redeemed in iudgement, and they that returne in her, in [Note: [m] By iustice is meant Gods faithfull promes, which is the cause of the deliuerance of his Church. ] iustice.

28 And the [Note: [n] The wicked shall not be partakers of Gods promes, Psal.92.9. ] destruction of the transgressers and of the sinners shalbe together: and they that forsake the Lord, shalbe consumed.

29 For they shalbe confounded for the [Note: [o] That is, the trees and pleasant places, where ye commit idolatrie, which was forbidden, Deut.16.22. ] okes, which ye haue desired, and ye shall be ashamed of the gardens, that ye haue chosen.

30 For ye shalbe as an oke, whose leafe fadeth:

[The zeale of the godly.]



and as a garden that hath no water.

31 And the strong shalbe as [Note: [p] The false god, wherein ye put your confidence, shalbe consumed as easily, as a piece of towe. ] towe, and the maker thereof, as a sparke: and they shall both burne together, and none shall quench them.


CHAP. II.


2 The Church shalbe restored by Christ, and the Gentiles called. 6 The punishment of the rebellious and obstinate.

1 The worde that Isaiah the sonne of Amoz sawe vpon Iudah and Ierusalem.

2 [Note: Micah 4.1. ] It [Note: [a] The decree and ordinance of God, touching the restauration of the Church, which is chiefly meant of the time of Christ. ] shall be in the last dayes, that the mountaine of the house of the Lorde shalbe prepared in the top of the mountaines, and [Note: [b] In an euident place to be seene and discerned. ] shall be exalted aboue the hilles, and all nations shall [Note: [c] When the kingdome of Christ shalbe enlarged by the preaching of the doctrine. Here also is declared the zeale of the children of God, when they are called. ] flowe vnto it.

3 And many people shall go, and say, Come, and let vs go vp to [Note: [d] Alluding to mount Zion, where the visible Church then was. ] the mountaine of the Lord, to the house of the God of Iaakob, and hee will teach vs his wayes, and we will walke in his paths: for the [Note: Micah 4.2. ] [Note: [e] Meaning the whole doctrine of saluation. ] Lawe shall go foorth of Zion, and the worde of the Lord from [Note: [f] This was accomplished, when the Gospel was first preached in Ierusalem, & from thence went thorow all the world. ] Ierusalem,

4 And [Note: [g] The Lord, which is Christ, shall haue all power giuen him. ] he shall iudge among the nations, and [Note: [h] That they may acknowledge their sinnes and turne to him. ] rebuke many people: they shall [Note: [i] He sheweth the fruite of the peace, which the Gospel should bring: to wit, that men should doe good one to another, where as before they were enemies. ] breake their swords also into mattocks, and their speares into siethes: nation shall not lift vp a sworde against nation, neither shal they learne [Note: [k] Hee speaketh not against the vse of weapons and lawfull warre, but sheweth how the hearts of the godly shalbe affected one toward another: which peace and loue doeth begin and growe in this life, but shalbe perfited, when we are ioyned with our head Christ Iesus. ] to fight any more.

5 O house of Iaakob, come ye, and let vs [Note: [l] Seeing the Gentiles wil be so ready, make you haste and shewe them the way to worship God. ] walke in the Lawe of the Lord.

6 Surely thou [Note: [m] The Prophet seeing the small hope, that the Iewes would conuert, complaineth to God, as though he had vtterly forsaken them for their sinnes. ] hast forsaken thy people, the house of Iaakob, because they are [Note: [n] Full of the corruptions that reigned chiefly in the East partes. ] full of the East maners, and are sorcerers as the Philistims, [Note: [o] They altogether giue themselues to the facions of other nations. ] and abound with strange children.

7 Their land also was full of [Note: [p] The Prophet first condemned their superstition and idolatrie: next their couetousnes, and thirdly, their vaine trust in worldly meanes. ] siluer & golde, and there was none ende of their treasures: and their land was full of horses, and their charets were infinite.

8 Their land also was full of idols: they worshipped the worke of their owne hands, which their owne fingers haue made.

9 And a man bowed himselfe, and a man [Note: [q] He noteth the nature of the idolaters, which are neuer satisfied in their superstitions. ] humbled himselfe: therefore [Note: [r] Thus the Prophet spake, being inflamed with the zeale of Gods glory, and that he might feare them with Gods iudgement. ] spare them not.

10 Enter into the rocke, and hide thee in the dust from before the feare of the Lord, and from the glory of his maiestie.

11 The hie looke of man shall be humbled, and the loftinesse of men shalbe abased, and the Lord onely shall be exalted in [Note: [s] Meaning, as soone as God shall beginne to execute his iudgements. ] that day.

12 For the day of the Lorde of hostes is vpon all the proude and hautie, and vpon all that is exalted: and it shalbe made lowe.

13 Euen vpon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are hie & exalted, & vpon all the okes of Bashan,

14 And vpon all the hie [Note: [t] By hie trees and mountaines are meant them that are proude, and loftie, and thinke them selues most strong in this world. ] mountaines, and vpon all the hilles that are lifted vp,

15 And vpon euery hie tower, and vpon euery strong wall,

16 And vpon [Note: [u] He condemneth their vaine confidence, which they had in strong holdes, and in their rich marchandise, which brought in vaine pleasures, wherewith mens mindes became effeminate. ] all the shippes of Tarshish, and

[Page 43]

[Gods terrible iudgements.]



vpon all pleasant pictures.
17 And the hautinesse of men shalbe brought low, and the loftinesse of men shalbe abased, and the Lord shall onely be exalted in that day.

18 And the idoles will he vtterly destroy.

19 Then they shall goe [Note: Hosea 10.8. luke 23.30. reuel.6.16. and 9.6. ] into the holes of the rockes, & into the caues of the earth, from before the feare of the Lorde, and from the glory of his maiestie, when he shall arise to destroy the earth.

20 At that day shall man cast away his siluer idoles, & his golden idoles (which they had made themselues to worship them) [Note: [x] They shall cast them into most vile and filthy places, when they perceiue that they are not able to helpe them. ] to the mowles and to the backes,

21 To goe into the holes of the rockes, and into the toppes of the ragged rockes from before the feare of the Lorde, and from the glory of his maiestie, when he shall rise to destroy the earth.

22 Cease you from the man whose [Note: [y] Cast off your vaine confidence of man, whose life is so fraile, that if his nose be stopped, he is dead, and consider that you haue to doe with God. ] breath is in his nostrels: for wherein is he to be esteemed?



CHAP. III.


1 For the sinne of the people God will take away the wise men, and giue them foolish princes. 14 The couetousnesse of the gouernours. 16 The pride of the women.

1 For lo, the Lord God of hostes will take away from Ierusalem and from Iudah the stay [Note: [a] Because they trusted in their abundance & prosperitie, he sheweth that they should be taken from them. ] and the strength: euen all the staye of bread, and all the stay of water,

2 The strong man, & the man of warre, [Note: [b] The temporall gouernour and the minister. ] the iudge and the prophet, the prudent and the aged,

3 The captaine of fiftie, and the honourable, and the counseller, and the cunning artificer, and [Note: [c] By these he meaneth that God would take away euery thing that was in any estimation and wherein they had any occasion to vaunt themselues. ] the eloquent man.

4 And I will appoint [Note: [d] Not onely in age, but in wit, maners, knowledge and strength. ] children to bee their princes, and babes shall rule ouer them.

5 The people shalbe [Note: [e] For lacke of good regiment and order. ] oppressed one of another, and euery one by his neighbour: the children shall presume against the ancient, and the vile against the honourable.

6 When euery one shall [Note: [f] He sheweth that this plague shalbe so horrible, that contrary to the common maner of men, which by nature are ambitious, none shalbe found able or willing to be their gouernour. ] take holde of his brother of the house of his father, and say, Thou hast clothing: thou shalt bee our prince, and let this fall be vnder thine hand.

7 In that day hee shall [Note: [g] Feare shall rather cause him to forswere himselfe, then to take such a dangerous charge vpon him. ] sweare, saying, I cannot bee an helper: for there is no bread in mine house, nor clothing: therefore make me no prince of the people.

8 Doubtlesse Ierusalem is fallen, and Iudah is fallen downe, because their tongue & workes are against the Lord, to prouoke the eyes of his glory.

9 The [Note: [h] When God shall examine their deedes, whereupon they now set an impudent face, he shall finde the marke of their impietie in their forehead. ] triall of their countenance testifieth against them, yea, they declare their sinnes as Sodom, they hide them not. Wo be vnto their soules: for they haue rewarded euil vnto themselues.

10 [Note: [i] Be ye that are godly assured that God will defende you in the middes of these troubles. ] Say ye, Surely it shalbe well with the iust: for they shall eate the fruite of their workes.

11 Woe be to the wicked, it shalbe euill with him: for the reward of his handes shalbe giuen him.

12 [Note: [k] Because the wicked people were more addict to their princes, then to the commandements of God, he sheweth that he would giue them such princes, by whome they should haue no helpe, but that should bee manifest tokens of his wrath, because they should be fooles & effeminate. ] Children are extorcioners of my people, and women haue rule ouer them: O my people, they that leade thee, cause thee to erre, and destroy the way of thy paths.

13 The Lorde standeth vp to pleade, yea, hee standeth to iudge the people.

14 The Lord shall enter into iudgement with the [Note: [l] Meaning, that the rulers and gouerners had destroyed his Church, and not preserued it, according to their dutie. ] Ancients of his people & the princes thereof:

[The pride of women.]



for ye haue eaten vp the vineyarde: the spoyle of the poore is in your houses.

15 What haue ye to do, that ye beate my people to pieces, [Note: [m] That is, ye shewe all crueltie against them. ] and grinde the faces of the poore, saith the Lord, euen tho Lord of hostes?

16 The Lord also saith, [Note: [n] He menaceth the people, because of the arrogancie and pride of their women, which gaue themselues to all wantonnesse and dissolution. ] Because the daughters of Zion are hautie, and walke with [Note: [o] Which declared their pride. ] stretched out neckes, and with [Note: [p] As a signe, that they were not chaste. ] wandering eyes, walking and [Note: [q] Which shewed their wantonnesse. ] minsing as they goe, and making a [Note: [r] They delited then in slippers that did creake, or had litle plates sowed vpon them, which tinkled as they went. ] tinkeling with their feete,

17 Therefore shall the Lord make the heades of the daughters of Zion balde, and the Lord shall discouer their secrete partes.

18 In that day shall the Lorde take away the ornament of the slippers, and the calles, and the round tyres,

19 The sweete balles, and the brasselets, and the bonnets,

20 The tyres of the head, and the sloppes, and the head bandes, and the tablets, and the earings,

21 The rings and the mufflers,

22 The costly apparell and the vailes, and the wimples, and the crisping pinnes,

23 And the glasses and the fine linen, and the hoodes, and the [Note: [s] In rehearsing all these things particularly, he sheweth the lightnesse, and vanitie of such as cannot be content with comely apparell according to their degree. ] launes.

24 And in steade of sweete sauour, there shall be stinke, and in steade of a girdle, a rent, and in steade of dressing of the heare, baldnesse, and in steade of a stomacher, a girding of sackecloth, and burning in steade of beautie.

25 Thy men [Note: [t] Meaning, that God will not only punish the women, but their husbandes, which haue suffered this dissolutenesse, and also the common weale, which hath not remedied it. ] shall fall by the sworde, and thy strength in the battell.

26 Then shall her gates mourne and lament, and she, being desolate, shall sit vpon the ground.


CHAP. IIII.


1 The small remnant of men after the destruction of Ierusalem. 2 The graces of God vpon them that remaine.

1 And in that day shall [Note: [a] When God shall execute this vengeance, there shall not be one man founde to be the head to many women, and they contrary to womanly shamefastnesse, shall seeke vnto men, and offer them selues to any condition. ] seuen women take hold of one man, saying, Wee will eate our owne bread, and we wil weare our owne garments: onely [Note: [b] Be thou our husband, and let vs be called thy wiues. ] let vs bee called by thy name, and take away our [Note: [c] For so they thought it to bee without an head and husband. ] reproche.

2 In that day shall the [Note: [d] He comforteth the Church in this desolation, which shall spring vp like a bud, signifying that Gods graces should be as plentifull toward the faithful, as though they sprang out of the earth, as Chap. 45.8. Some by the budde of the Lord meane Christ. ] budde of the Lorde bee beautifull and glorious, and the fruite of the earth shalbe excellent and pleasant for them that are escaped of Israel.

3 Then hee that shalbe left in Zion, and hee that shall remaine in Ierusalem, shalbe called holy, and euery one shalbe [Note: [e] He alludeth to the booke of life, whereof reade Exod. 32 32: meaning Gods secret counsell, wherein his elect are predestinate to life euerlasting. ] written among the liuing in Ierusalem,

4 When the Lord shall wash the filthines of the daughters of Zion, and purge the [Note: [f] That is, the crueltie, extortion auarice, and all wickednesse. ] blood of Ierusalem out of the middes thereof by the spirite of [Note: [g] When things shalbe redressed that were amisse. ] iudgement, and by the spirit of burning.

5 And the Lord shal create vpon euery place of mount Zion, and vpon the assemblies thereof, [Note: [h] He alludeth to the pillar of the cloude. Exod.13.21. meaning, that Gods fauour and protection should appeare in euery place. ] a cloude and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for vpon all the [Note: [i] The faithfull are called the glory of God, because his image, and tokens of his grace shine in them. ] glory shall be a defence.

6 And a couering shalbe for a shadow in the day for the heate, and a place of refuge and a couert for the storme [Note: [k] God promiseth to be the defence of his Church against all troubles and dangers. ] and for the raine.
[Page]

[The vineyarde.]





CHAP. V.


1 Vnder the similitude of the vine he describeth the state of the people, 8 Of their auarice. 11 Their drunkennesse. 13 Of their captiuitie.

1 Nowe will [Note: [a] The Prophet by this song doeth set before the peoples eyes their ingratitude, and Gods mercie. ] I sing to my [Note: [b] That is, to God. ] beloued a song of my beloued to his vineyarde, [Note: Ier. 2 21. mat.21.33. ] My beloued had a [Note: [c] Meaning, that he had planted his Church in a place most plentifull and abundant. ] vineyarde in a very fruitefull hill,

2 And hee hedged it, and gathered out the stones of it, and he planted it with the best plants, [Note: [d] He spared no diligence nor cost. ] and hee builte a towre in the middes thereof, and made a wine presse therein: then hee looked that it should bring foorth grapes: but it brought [Note: [e] In the seuenth verse he declareth what they were. ] foorth wilde grapes.

3 Now therefore, O inhabitants of Ierusalem and men of Iudah, iudge, I pray you, [Note: [f] He maketh them iudges in their owne cause, for as much as it was euident that they were the cause of their owne ruine. ] betweene me, and my vineyarde.

4 What coulde I haue done any more to my vineyard that I haue not done vnto it? why haue I looked that it should bring foorth grapes, and it bringeth foorth wilde grapes?

5 And nowe I will tell you what I will do to my vineyarde: I [Note: [g] I will take no more care for it: meaning that hee would take from them his word and ministers, and all other comfortes, and send them contrary plagues. ] will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten vp: I will breake the wall thereof, and it shall be troden downe:

6 And I will laye it waste: it shall not be cut, nor digged, but briers, and thornes shall growe vp: I will also commande the cloudes that they raine no raine vpon it.

7 ¶ Surely the vineyard of the Lord of hostes is the house of Israel, and the men of Iudah are his pleasant plant, and hee looked for [Note: [h] Iudgement and righteousnes are true fruites of the feare of God, and therefore in the cruel oppressers there is no religion. ] iudgement, but beholde oppression: for righteousnesse, but beholde [Note: [i] Of them that are oppressed. ] a crying.

8 Woe vnto them that ioyne house to house, and laye fielde to fielde, till there bee no [Note: [k] To wit for the poore to dwel in. ] place, that ye may be placed by your selues in the mids of the earth.

9 This is in mine [Note: [l] I haue heard the complaint and cry of the poore. ] cares, saith the Lorde of hostes. Surely many houses shall be desolate, euen great, and faire without inhabitant.

10 For ten acres of vines shal yelde one [Note: [m] Which conteineth about tenne pottels so that euery acre should but yelde one pottel. ] bath, and the seede of an [Note: [n] Which conteineth an hundreth pottels. ] homer shal yelde an [Note: [o] An Ephah containeth ten pottels, and is in dry things as much as bath is in licours. ] ephah.

11 ¶ Wo vnto them, that [Note: [p] That spare no paine nor diligece to folow their lustes. ] rise vp early to followe drunkennes, and to them that continue vntill [Note: [q] Which are neuer weary of their riotting and excessiue pleasures: but vse all meanes to prouoke to the same. ] night, till the wine doe inflame them.

12 And the harpe and viole, timbrel, and pipe, and wine are in their feastes: but they regard not the [Note: [r] They regard not the prouident care of God ouer them, nor for what ende he hath created them. ] worke of the Lorde, neither consider the worke of his handes.

13 Therefore my people [Note: [s] That is, shall certainely go: for so the Prophets vse to speake, as though the thing which shall come to passe, were done already. ] is gone into captiuitie, because they had [Note: [t] Because they would not obey the worde of God. ] no knowledge, and the glorie thereof are men famished, and the multitude thereof is dried vp with thirst.

14 Therefore [Note: [u] Meaning, the graue shal swalow vp them that shal die for huger & thirst, and yet for all this great destruction it shall neuer be saciate. ] hel hath inlarged it selfe, & hath opened his mouth, without measure, and their glorie, and their multitude, and their pompe, and hee that reioyceth among them, shall descend into it.

15 And man shalbe brought downe, and man shalbe humbled, euen the eyes of the proude shalbe humbled.

16 And the Lorde of hostes shalbe exalted in iudgement, and the holy God shalbe sanctified in iustice.

17 Then shall [Note: [x] God comforteth the poore lambes of his Church, which had bin stragers in other coutreys, promising that they should dwel in those places againe, whereof they had bin depriued by the fat and cruel tyrants. ] the lambes feede after their

[The vision of the diuine maiestie.]



maner, and the strangers shall eate the desolate places of the fat.

18 ¶ Woe vnto them, that draw iniquitie with [Note: [y] Which vse all allurements, occasions and excuses to harden their coscience in sinne. ] cordes of vanitie, and sinne, as with cart ropes:

19 Which say, [Note: [z] Hee sheweth what are the wordes of the wicked, when they are menaced with Gods iudgements, 2. Peter 3.4. ] Let him make speede: let him hasten his worke, that wee may see it: and let the counsell of the holy one of Israel draw neere and come, that we may knowe it.

20 Woe vnto them that speake good of euill, [Note: [a] Which are not ashamed of sinne, nor care for honestie, but are growen to a desperate impietie. ] and euill of good, which put darkenes for light, and light for darkenes, that put bitter for sweete, and sweete for sowre.

21 Woe vnto them that are [Note: [b] Which are contemners of all doctrine and admonition. ] wise in their owne eyes, and prudent in their owne sight.

22 Wo vnto them that are [Note: [c] Which are neuer weary, but shewe their strength, and bragge in gluttony and drunkennes. ] mightie to drinke wine, and to them that are strong to powre in strong drinke:

23 Which iustifie the wicked for a rewarde, and take away the righteousnesse of the righteous from him.

24 Therefore as the flame of fire deuoureth the stubble, and as the chaffe is cosumed of the flame: so their [Note: [d] Both they and their posteritie, so that nothing shalbe left. ] roote shalbe as rottennesse, and their bud shall rise vp like dust, because they haue cast off the Lawe of the Lorde of hostes, and contemned the word of the holy one of Israel.

25 Therefore is the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, and hee hath stretched out his [Note: [e] Hee sheweth that God had so sore punished this people, that the dumme creatures, if they had bene so plagued, would haue bene more sensible, and therefore his plagues must continue, till they beginne to feele them. ] hand vpon them, and hath smitten them that the mountaines did tremble: and their carkases were torne in the middes of the streetes, and for all this his wrath was not turned away, but his hande was stretched out still.

26 And he will lift vp a signe [Note: [f] He wil make the Babylonians to come against them at his becke, and to fight vnder his standerd. ] vnto the nations a farre, and wil hisse vnto them from the ende of the earth: and beholde, they shall come hastily with speede.

27 None shall [Note: [g] They shall be prompt, and lustie to execute Gods vengeance. ] faint nor fall among them: none shall slumber nor sleepe, neither shall the girdle of his loynes be loosed, nor [Note: [h] The enemie shall haue none impediment. ] the latchet of his shooes be broken:

28 Whose arrowes shall be sharpe, and all his bowes bent: his horse hoofes shal be thought like flint, and his wheeles like a whirlewinde.

29 His roaring shalbe like a lyon, and he shall roare like lyons whelpes: they shall [Note: [i] Whereby is declared the crueltie of the enemie. ] roare, and lay holde of the praye: they shall take it away, and none shall deliuer it.

30 And in that day they shal roare vpon them, as the roaring of the sea: and if [Note: [k] The Iewes shall finde no succour. ] they looke vnto the earth, beholde darkenesse, and sorowe, and the light shalbe darkened in their [Note: [l] In the land of of Iudah. ] skie.


CHAP. VI.


1 Isaiah sheweth his vocation by the vision of the diuine maiestie. 9 He sheweth the obstinacie of the people. 11 The destruction of the land. 13 The remnant reserued.

1 In the yeere of the death of King Vzziah, [Note: [a] God sheweth not himselfe to man in his maiesty, but according as mans capacitie is able to comprehend him: that is, by visible signes, as Iohn Baptist sawe the holy Ghost in the forme of a doue. ] I saw also the Lord sitting vpon an [Note: [b] As a Iudge readie to giue sentence. ] high throne, and lifted vp, and the lower [Note: [c] Of his garment, or of his throne. ] partes thereof filled the Temple.

2 The Seraphims [Note: [d] They were Angels, so called, because they were of a fierie colour, to signifie that they burnt in the loue of God, or were light as fire to execute his will. ] stoode vpon it: euery one had sixe wings: with twaine he couered his [Note: [e] Signifying, that they were not able to endure the brightnesse of Gods glorie. ] face, and with twaine hee couered his [Note: [f] Whereby was declared that man was not able to see the brightnesse of God in them. ] feete, and with twaine he did [Note: [g] Which thing declareth the prompt obedience of the Angels to execute Gods commaundement. ] flie.


[Page 44]

[Mans lips polluted.]




3 And one cryed to another, and sayde, [Note: [h] This oft repetition signifieth, that the holy Angels can not satisfie them selues in praysing God, to teach vs that in all our liues we should giue our selues to the continuall prayse of God. ] Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hostes: the whole [Note: [i] His glory doeth not onely appeare in the heauens, but through all the world, and therefore all creatures are bound to praise him. ] world is full of his glory.

4 And the lintles of the doore cheekes [Note: [k] Which things were to confirme the Prophet, that it was not the voyce of man: and by the smoke was signified the blindnes that shoulde come vpon the Iewes. ] moued at the voyce of him that cryed, and the house was filled with smoke.

5 Then I sayd, [Note: [l] He speaketh this for two causes: the one, because hee that was a mortall creature, & therefore had more neede to glorifie God then the Angels, did it not: and the other, because the more neere that man approcheth to God, the more doeth he know his owne sinne and corruption. ] Wo is me: for I am vndone, because I am a man of polluted lips, & I dwell in the middes of a people of polluted lips: for mine eyes haue seene the King and Lord of hostes.

6 Then flewe one of the Seraphims vnto me with an hote cole in his hand, which he had taken from the [Note: [m] Of the burnt offerings, where the fire neuer went out. ] altar with the tongs:

7 And he touched my mouth, and sayd, Loe, this hath touched thy lips, & thine iniquitie shall be taken away, and thy [Note: [n] This declareth that man cannot render true obedience to God, till he haue purged vs. ] sinne shalbe purged.

8 Also I heard the voyce of the Lord, saying, Whome shall I send? and who shall goe for vs? Then I sayd, Here am I, send me.

9 And he sayd, Goe, and say vnto this people, [Note: [o] Whereby is declared that for the malice of man God will not immediatly take away his worde, but he wil cause it to be preached to their condemnation, when as they wil not learne thereby to obey his will, and be saued: hereby he exhorteth the ministers to doe their duetie, and answereth to the wicked murmurers, that through their owne malice their heart is hardened, Mat.13.14. actes 28.26. rom.11.8. ] Ye shall heare in deede, but ye shall not vnderstand: ye shall plainely see, and not perceiue.

10 Make the heart of this people fatte, make their eares heauie, and shut their eyes, lest they see with their eyes, and heare with their eares, and vnderstand with their hearts, and conuert, and he heale them.

11 Then sayd I, Lorde, [Note: [p] As he was moued with the zeale of Gods glory, so was he touched with a charitable affection towarde the people. ] howe long? And he answered, Vntill the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be vtterly desolate,

12 And the Lord haue remoued men farre away, and there be a great desolation in the mids of the land.

13 But yet in it shalbe [Note: [q] Meaning, the tenth part: or as some write, it was reueiled to Isaiah for the confirmation of his prophecie, that ten Kings should come before their captiuitie, as were from Vzziah to Zedekiah. ] a tenth, and shall returne, and shalbe eaten vp as an elme [Note: [r] For the fewnesse they shall seeme to be eaten vp: yet they shall after florish as a tree, which in winter looseth his leaues, and seemeth to be dead, yet in sommer is fresh, and greene. ] or an oke, which haue a substance in them, when they cast their leaues: so the holy seede shall be the substance thereof.


CHAP. VII.


1 Ierusalem besieged. 4 Isaiah comforteth the King. 14 Christ is promised.

1 And in the dayes of [Note: 2.King.16.5. ] Ahaz, the sonne of Iotham, the sonne of Vzziah king of Iudah, Rezin the King of [Note: Or, Syria. ] Aram [Note: [a] To wit, the second time: for in the first battell Ahaz was ouercome. ] came vp, and Pekah the sonne of Remaliah King of Israel, to Ierusalem to fight against it, but he could not ouercome it.

2 And it was tolde the house of [Note: [b] Meaning, the Kings house. ] Dauid, saying, Aram is ioyned with [Note: [c] That is, Israel, because that Tribe was the greatest, Gene. 48.19. ] Ephraim: therefore his heart was [Note: [d] For feare. ] moued, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the forest are moued by the winde.

3 ¶ Then sayde the Lorde vnto Isaiah, Goe foorth nowe to meete Ahaz (thou and [Note: [e] That is to say, the rest shall returne: which name Isaiah gaue his sonne, to signifie that the rest of the people should returne out of their captiuitie. ] Sheariashub thy sonne) at the ende of the conduit of the vpper poole, in the path of the fullers fielde,

4 And say vnto him, Take heede, and be still: feare not, neither be faint hearted for the two

[Christ promised.]



tailes of these smoking [Note: [f] Which haue but a litle smoke, and shal quickly be quenched. ] firebrands, for the furious wrath of Rezin and of Aram, and of Remaliahs sonne:

5 Because Aram hath taken wicked counsell against thee, and Ephraim, and Remaliahs sonne, saying,

6 Let vs goe vp against Iudah, and let vs waken them vp, and make a breach therein for vs, and set a King in the mids thereof, euen the sonne of [Note: [g] Which was an Israelite, and as seemeth, enemy to the house of Dauid. ] Tabeal.

7 Thus sayth the Lorde God, It shall not stand, neither shall it be.

8 For the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin: and within fiue and [Note: [h] Counting from the fiue and twentieth yeere of the reigne of Vzziah, at what time Amos prophecied this thing, and nowe Isaiah confirmeth that the Israelites should be led into perpetuall captiuitie, which thing came to passe within twentie yeere after that Isaiah did this message. ] threescore yeere, Ephraim shalbe destroyed from being a people.

9 And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliahs sonne. If ye beleeue not, surely ye shall not be established.

10 ¶ And the Lorde spake againe vnto Ahaz, saying,

11 Aske [Note: [i] For the confirmation of this thing, that thine enemies shall be destroyed and thou preserued. ] a signe for thee of the Lorde thy God: aske it, either in the depth beneath or in the height aboue.

12 But Ahaz sayd, I wil not aske, neither will I [Note: [k] Not to beleeue Gods worde without a signe, is to tempt God: but to refuse a signe when God offreth it for the ayde and helpe of our infirmitie, is to rebell against him. ] tempt the Lord.

13 Then he sayd, Heare you nowe, O house of Dauid, Is it a small thing for you to grieue [Note: [l] You thinke you haue to doe with men, when ye contemne Gods messengers: but it is God against whome you bend your selues. ] men, that ye will also grieue my God?

14 Therefore the Lorde [Note: [m] Forasmuch as thou art vnworthy, the Lord for his owne promes sake will giue a signe, which shall be that Christ the Sauiour of his Church and the effect of all signes and miracles shall be reueiled. ] himselfe will giue you a signe. Beholde, the virgine shall conceiue and beare a sonne, and she shal call his name [Note: Or, God with vs, which name can agree to none, but to him, that is both God and man. ] Immanu-el.

15 [Note: [n] Meaning, that Christ is not onely God, but man also, because he shalbe nourished as other men, vntill the age of discretion. ] Butter and hony shal he eate, till he haue knowledge to refuse the euill, and to chuse the good.

16 For afore the [Note: [o] Not meaning Christ, but any childe: for before a childe can come to the yeeres of discretion, the Kings of Samaria & Syria shalbe destroyed. ] childe shall haue knowledge to eschew the euill, and to chuse the good, the land, that thou abhorrest, shalbe forsaken of both her Kings.

17 The Lord shall bring vpon thee, and vpon thy people, and vpon thy fathers house (the dayes that haue not come from the day that [Note: [p] Since the time that the twelue Tribes rebelled vnder Roboam. ] Ephraim departed from Iudah) euen the King of [Note: [q] In whom thou hast put thy trust. ] Asshur.

18 And in that day shall the Lorde hisse for the [Note: [r] Meaning, the Egyptians: for by reason the countrey is hote and moyste, it is full of flies, as Assyria is full of bees. ] flie that is at the vttermost part of the floods of Egypt, and for the bee which is in the lande of Asshur,

19 And they shall come and shall light all in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rockes, and vpon all thorny places, and vpon all bushy [Note: [s] Signifying, that no place shall be free from them. ] places.

20 In that day shall the Lorde shaue with a rasor that is hired, euen by them beyond the Riuer, by the King of Asshur, the head and the heare of the [Note: [t] That is, that which is from the belly downeward: meaning, that he would destroy both great and small. ] feete, and it shall consume the beard.

21 And in the same day shall a man [Note: [u] He that before had a great nomber of cattel shalbe content with one kowe & two sheepe. ] nourish a yong kowe, and two sheepe.

22 And for the [Note: [x] The nomber of men shall be so small, that a fewe beasts shalbe able to nourish all aboundantly. ] abundance of milke, that they shall giue, hee shall eate butter: for butter and hony shall euery one eate, which is left within the land.
[Page]

[The waters of Shiloah.]




23 And at the same day euery place, wherein shalbe a thousand vines, shalbe at a thousand pieces of siluer: so it shalbe for the briers and for the thornes.

24 With arrowes and with [Note: [y] As they that go to seeke wilde beasts among the bushes. ] bowe shall one come thither: because all the land shall be briers and thornes.

25 But on [Note: [z] The mountaines contrary to their wont, shalbe tilled by such as shall flee to them for succour. ] all the mountaines, which shalbe digged with the mattocke, there shal not come thither the feare of briers and thornes: but they shalbe for the sending out of bullocks, and for the treading of sheepe.


CHAP. VIII.


1 The captiuitie of Israel and Iudah by the Aßyrians. 6 The infidelitie of the Iewes. 9 The destruction of the Aßyrians. 14 Christ the stone of stumbling to the wicked. 19 The word of God must be inquired at.

1 Moreouer, the Lord sayd vnto me, Take thee a [Note: [a] That thou mayest write in great letters to the intent it may be more easily read. ] great roll, and write in it [Note: [b] Meaning, after the common facion: because all men might reade it. ] with a mans penne, Make speede to the spoyle: haste to the praye.

2 Then I tooke vnto me [Note: [c] Because the thing was of great importance hee tooke these two witnesses, which were of credit with the people, when he set this vp vpon the doore of the temple, albeit Vriah was a flattering hypocrite, 2.King.16.11. ] faithfull witnesses to recorde, Vriah the Priest, and Zechariah the sonne of Ieberechiah.

3 After, I came vnto the [Note: [d] Meaning, to his wife, and this was done in a vision. ] Prophetesse, which conceiued, and bare a sonne. Then sayd the Lord to me, Call his name, [Note: Or, make speede to the spoyle: haste to the praye. ] Mahershalalhash-baz.

4 For before the [Note: [e] Before any child be able to speake. ] childe shall haue knowledge to crye, My father, & my mother, [Note: [f] That is, the army of Assyria. ] he shall take away the riches of Damascus and the spoyle of Samaria, before the King of Asshur.

5 ¶ And the Lord spake yet againe vnto me, saying,

6 Because this people hath refused the waters of [Note: [g] Which was a fountaine at the foote of mount Zion, out of the which ran a small riuer through the citie: meaning, that they of Iudah, distrusting their owne power, which was small, desired such power and riches as they sawe in Syria and Israel. ] Shiloah that runne softly, and reioyce with Rezin, and the sonne of Remaliah,

7 Nowe therefore, beholde, the Lorde bringeth vp vpon them the waters of [Note: [h] That is, the Assyrians, which dwell beyond Euphrates. ] the Riuer mightie and great, euen the King of Asshur with all his glory, and he shall come vp vpon all their riuers, and goe ouer all their banks,

8 And shall breake into Iudah, and shal ouerflowe and passe through, and shall come vp to the [Note: [i] It shall be ready to drowne them. ] necke, and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O [Note: [k] He speaketh this to Messiah, or Christ, in whome the faythfull were comforted, and who would not suffer his Church to be destroyed vtterly. ] Immanu-el.

9 Gather together on heapes, O ye [Note: [l] To wit, ye that are enemies to the Church, as the Assyrians, Egyptians, Syrians, &c. ] people, and ye shalbe broken in pieces, and hearken all ye of farre countreys: gird your selues, and you shalbe broken in pieces: gird your selues, and you shalbe broken in pieces.

10 Take counsell together, yet it shall be brought to nought: pronounce a decree, yet shall it not stand: for God is with vs.

11 For the Lorde spake thus to me in taking [Note: [m] To encourage me that I should not shrinke for the infidelitie of this people, and so neglect mine office. ] of mine hand, and taught me, that I should not walke in the way of this people, saying,

12 Say ye not, A [Note: [n] Consent not ye that are godly, to the league and friendship that this people seeke with strangers and idolaters. ] confederacie to all them, to whome this people sayth a confederacie, neither feare you [Note: [o] Meaning, that they should not feare the thing that they feared, which haue no hope in God. ] their feare, nor be afrayd of them.

13 [Note: [p] In putting your trust onely in him in calling vpon him in aduersitie, patiently looking for his help & fearing to do any thing contrary to his wil. ] Sanctifie the Lord of hostes, and let him be your feare, and let him be your dread,

14 And he shalbe as a [Note: [q] He wil defend you which are his elect, & reiect al ye rest, which is ment of Christ, against who the Iewes shuld stumble & fal, Luk.2.34.ro 9.33. 1.pet.2.7,8. ] Sanctuarie: but as a

[To seeke God onely.]



stumbling stone, and as a rocke to fall vpon, to both the houses of Israel, and as a snare and as a net to the inhabitants of Ierusalem.

15 And many among them shall stumble, and shal fall and shalbe broken and shalbe snared and shalbe taken.

16 [Note: [r] Though all forsake mee, yet ye that are mine, keepe my worde sure sealed in your hearts. ] Binde vp the testimonie: seale vp the Law among my disciples.

17 Therefore I will waite vpon the Lord that hath hid his face from the house of Iaakob, and I wil looke for him.

18 Beholde, I and the [Note: [s] Meaning, them that were willing to heare and obey the worde of God, whome the world hated as though they were monsters and not worthy to liue. ] children whome the Lorde hath giuen me, are as signes and as wonders in Israel, [Note: [t] This was a consolation in their troubles, knowing that nothing could come vnto them, but by the will of the Lord. ] by the Lord of hostes, which dwelleth in mount Zion.

19 And when they shal say vnto you, Enquire at them that haue a spirit of diuination, and at the soothsayers, which whisper and murmure, [Note: [u] Answere the wicked thus, Should not Gods people seeke succour only at him? ] Should not a people enquire at their God? from the [Note: [x] That is, wil they refuse to be taught of the Prophet, who is the mouth of God, and seeke helpe at the dead, which is the illusion of Satan? ] liuing to the dead?

20 To the [Note: [y] Seeke remedie in the word of God where his will is declared. ] Law, and to the testimonie, if they speake not according to this worde: it is because there is no [Note: [z] They haue no knowledge, but are blinde leaders of the blinde. ] light in them.

21 Then he that is afflicted and famished, shal go to and fro in [Note: [a] That is, in Iudah, where they should haue had rest, if they had not thus grieuously offended God. ] it: and when he shalbe hungry, he shall euen freat himselfe, [Note: [b] In whome afore they put their trust. ] and curse his King and his gods, and shall looke vpward.

22 And when he shall looke to the earth, beholde trouble, and [Note: [c] They shall thinke that heauen and earth and all creatures are bent against them to trouble them. ] darkenes, vexation and anguish, and he is driuen to darkenes.


CHAP. IX.


1 The vocation of the Gentiles. 6 A prophecie of Christ. 14 The destruction of the ten Tribes for their pride and contempt of God.

1 Yet [Note: [a] He comforteth the Church againe after these great threatnings, promising to restore them to great glory in Messiah. ] the darkenes shal not be according to the affliction [Note: [b] Wherewith Israel was punished, first by Tiglath-pilesar, which was a light scourge in respect of that which they suffered afterward by Shalmaneser, who caried the Israelites away captiues. ] that it had when at the first hee touched lightly the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, nor afteward when he was more grieuous by the way of the sea beyond Iorden in Galile of [Note: [c] Where as the Iewes and Gentiles dwelt together by reason of those twentie cities, which Salomon gaue to Hiram. ] the Gentiles.

2 The people that [Note: [d] Which were captiue in Babylon and the Prophet speaketh of that thing which should come to passe threescore yeeres after, as though it were nowe done. ] walked in darkenes haue seene a great [Note: [e] Meaning, the comfort of their deliuerance. ] light: they that dwelled in the land of the shadowe of death, vpon them hath the [Note: [f] This captiuitie & deliuerance were figures of our captiuitie by sinne, & of our deliuerance by Christ through ye preaching of the Gospel, Mat.4.15,16. ] light shined.

3 Thou hast [Note: [g] Their nomber was greater when they went into captiuitie then when they returned, but their ioye was greater at their returne, Hag 2.10. ] multiplied the nation, and not increased their ioye: they haue reioyced before thee according to the ioye in haruest, and as men reioyce when they deuide a spoyle.

4 For the [Note: [h] Thou gauest them perfite ioy, by deliuering them and by destroying the tyrants that had kept them in cruel bondage, as thou didst deliuer them by Gidion fro the Midianites, Iud.7.23. ] yoke of their burthen, and the staffe of their shoulder and the rod of their oppressour hast thou broken as in the day of Midian.

5 Surely euery battell of the warriour is with noyse, and with tumbling of garments in blood: but this shall be [Note: [i] He speaketh of the deliuerance of his Church, which he hath deliuered miraculously from his enemies, but specially by the comming of Christ, of whom he prophecieth in the next verse. ] with burning and deuouring of fire.

6 For vnto vs a childe is borne, and vnto vs a Sonne is giuen: and the gouernement is vpon

[Page 45]

[Wicked lawes.]



his shoulder, and he shall call his name Wonderfull, Counseller, The mightie God, The euerlasting [Note: [k] The autour of eternitie, and by whom the Church and euery member thereof shalbe preserued for euer, and haue immortall life. ] Father, The prince of peace,
7 The increase of his gouernement & peace shall haue none end: he shall sit vpon the throne of Dauid, and vpon his kingdome, to order it, and to stablish it with iudgement and with iustice, from hencefoorth, euen for euer: [Note: [l] His singular loue and care for his elect. ] the zeale of the Lord of hostes will performe this.

8 ¶ The Lord hath sent a worde into Iaakob, and it hath lighted vpon [Note: [m] This is another prophesie against them of Samaria, which were mockers and contemners of Gods promises & menaces. ] Israel.

9 And all the people shall knowe, euen Ephraim, and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and presumption of the heart,

10 The [Note: [n] We were but weake, when the enemie ouercame vs, but wee will make our selues so strong, that we wil neither care for our enemies, nor feare Gods threatnings. ] brickes are fallen, but we will build it with hewen stones: the wilde figge trees are cut downe, but we will change them into ceders.

11 Neuerthelesse the Lord will raise vp the aduersaries of [Note: [o] Rezin King of Syriah, who was in league with Israel, was slaine by the Assyrians, after whose death, Aram, that is, the Syrians were against Israel, which on the other side were assailed by the Philistims. ] Rezin against him, and ioyne his enemies together.

12 Aram before and the Philistims behinde, and they shall deuoure Israel with open mouth: yet for all this his wrath is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

13 For the people turneth not vnto him that smiteth them, neither doe they seeke the Lord of hostes.

14 Therefore will the Lord cut off from Israel head and taile, branche and rush in one day.

15 The ancient and the honorable man, he is the head: and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the taile.

16 For the leaders of the people cause them to erre: and they that are led by them are deuoured.

17 Therefore shall the Lord haue no pleasure in their yong men, neither will he haue compassion of their fatherlesse and of their widowes: for euery one is an hypocrite and wicked, and euery mouth speaketh follie: yet for all this his wrath is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out stil.

18 For wickednesse [Note: [p] Wickednesse as a bellowse kindleth the fire of Gods wrath, which consumeth all his obstinate enemies. ] burneth as a fire: it deuoureth the briers and the thornes and will kindle in the thicke places of the forest: and they shall mount vp like the lifting vp of smoke.

19 By the wrath of the Lorde of hostes shall the land be darkened, and the people shall be as the meate of ye fire: no man shal [Note: [q] Though there were no foren enemie, yet they shall destroy one another. ] spare his brother.

20 And he shall snatch at the right hand, and be hungrie: and he shall eate on the left hand, and shall not be satisfied: euery one shall eate ye [Note: [r] Their greedines shalbe insatiable, so that one brother shall eate vp another, as though he shoulde eate his owne flesh. ] flesh of his owne arme.

21 Manasseh, Ephraim: and Ephraim Manasseh, and they both shall be against Iudah yet for all this his wrath is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.



CHAP. X.


1 Of wicked lawmakers. 5 God will punish his people by the Assyrians and after destroy them. 21 The remnant of Israel shalbe saued.

1 Wo vnto them that decree wicked decrees, and [Note: [a] Which write and pronounce a wicked sentence to oppresse the poore: meaning that the wicked magistrates, which were the chiefe cause of mischiefe, shoulde be first punished. ] write grieuous things,

2 To keepe backe ye poore from iudgement, and to take away the iudgement of the poore of my people, that widowes may be their pray, and that they may spoyle the fatherlesse.

3 What will ye doe nowe in the day of visitation, and of destruction, which shall come from [Note: [b] To wit, from Assyria. ] farre? to whom will ye flee for helpe? and where will ye leaue your [Note: [c] Your riches & autoritie, yt they may be safe, and yt ye may receiue them againe. ] glorie?

[Blasphemie of the enemie.]




4 [Note: [d] Because they haue forsaken me, some shall goe into captiuitie, and the rest shall be slaine. ] Without me euery one shall fall among them that are bound, and they shall fall downe among the slayne: yet for all this his wrath is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

5 ¶ O [Note: [e] God calleth for the Assyrians to be the executioners of his vengeance. ] Asshur, the rodde of my wrath: and the staffe in their hands is mine indignation.

6 I will sende [Note: [f] That is, the Assyrians against the Iewes, which are but hypocrites: and in this sixt and seuenth verse is declared the difference of the word of God and of the wicked in one very thing and acte: for Gods intention is to chastise them for their amendement, and the Assyrians purpose is to destroy them to enriche themselues: thus in respect of Gods iustice, it is Gods worke, but in respect of their owne malice, it is the worke of the deuill. ] him to a dissembling nation, and I will giue him a charge against the people of my wrath to take the spoyle and to take the pray, and to treade them vnder feete like the mire in the streete.

7 But he thinketh not so, neither doeth his heart esteeme it so: but he imagineth to destroy and to cut off not a fewe nations.

8 For he sayeth, Are not my princes altogether Kings?

9 Is not Calno as [Note: [g] Seeing that I haue ouercome, aswell one citie as another, so that none could resist, shall Ierusalem be able to escape mine hands? ] Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria as Damascus?

10 Like as mine hand hath founde the kingdomes of the idoles, seeing their idoles were aboue Ierusalem, and aboue Samaria:

11 Shall not I, as I haue done to Samaria, and to the idoles thereof, so doe to Ierusalem and to the idoles thereof?

12 ¶ But when the Lorde hath accomplished [Note: [h] When he hath sufficiently chastised his people (for he beginneth at his owne house) then will he burne the roddes. ] all his worke vpon mount Zion and Ierusalem, I will visite the fruite of the proude heart [Note: [i] Meaning, of Saneherib. ] of the King of Asshur, and his glorious and proud lookes,

13 Because he said, By ye power of mine owne hand haue I done it, and by my wisdome, because I am wise: therefore I haue remooued the borders of the people, and haue spoyled their treasures, and haue pulled downe the inhabitants like a valiant man.

14 And mine hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people, and as one gathereth egges that are left, so haue I gathered all the earth: and there was none to mooue the wing or to open the mouth, or to whisper.

15 Shall the [Note: [k] Here we see that no creature is able to doe any thing, but as God appointeth him, and that they are all but his instrumets to doe his worke, though the intentions be diuers, as verse 6. ] axe boast it selfe against him that heweth therewith? or shall the sawe exalt it selfe against him that moueth it? as if the rod shoulde lift vp it selfe against him that taketh it vp, or the staffe should exalt it selfe, as it were no wood.

16 Therefore shall the Lorde God of hostes send amog his fat men, leannes, & vnder his glorie he shall kindle a burning, like the burning of fire.

17 And the light of Israel shalbe as a [Note: [l] Meaning, that God is a light to comfort his people and a fire to burne his enemies. ] fire, and the Holy one thereof as a flame, and it shall burne, and deuoure [Note: [m] That is, the Assyrians. ] his thornes & his briers in one day:

18 And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitfull fieldes both soule [Note: [n] To wit, body and soule vtterly. ] and flesh: and he shalbe as ye [Note: [o] When the battell is lost, and the standerd taken. ] fainting of a standard bearer.

19 And the rest of the trees of his forest shalbe fewe, that a childe may tell them.

20 ¶ And at that day shall the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Iaakob, stay no more vpon him that smote them, but shal [Note: [p] This is the ende of Gods plagues towards his, to bring them to him and to forsake all trust in others. ] stay vpon ye Lord, ye Holy one of Israel in trueth.

21 The remnant shall returne, euen the remnant of Iaakob vnto the mightie God.

22 For though thy people, O Israel, be as the sand of the sea, yet shall the remnant of them returne. The consumption [Note: [q] This small nomber, which seemed to be consumed, and yet according to Gods decree is saued, shalbe sufficient to fill all the worlde with righteousnesse. ] decreed shall ouerflow with righteousnesse.

23 For the Lord God of hostes shall make the consumption, euen [Note: [r] God will destroy this land as he hath determined, and after saue a small portion. ] determined, in the middes of all the land.
[Page]

[A prophecie of Christ.]




24 Therefore thus saith ye Lord God of hostes, O my people, that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of Asshur: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift vp his staffe against thee after the maner of [Note: [s] As the Egyptians did punish thee. ] Egypt:

25 But yet a very litle time, and the wrath shall be consumed, and mine anger in their destruction.

26 And ye Lord of hostes shal raise vp a scourge for him, according to the plague of [Note: [t] Reade Chap. 9.4. ] Midian in the rocke Oreb: & as his staffe was vpon the [Note: [u] When the Israelites passed through by the lifting vp of Moses rod, and the enemies were drowned, Exod. 14.28. ] Sea, so he will lift it vp after the maner of Egypt.

27 And at that day shall his burden be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy necke: and the yoke shalbe destroied because of [Note: [x] Because of the promes made to that kingdome, whereby Christs kingdome was prefigured. ] the anoynting.

28 He is come [Note: [y] He describeth by what way the Assyrians shoulde come against Ierusalem to confirme the faithfull, when it shoulde come to passe, that as their plague was come, so shoulde they be deliuered. ] to Aiath: he is passed into Migron: at Michmash shall he lay vp his armour.

29 They haue gone ouer the foorde: they lodged in the lodging at Geba: Ramah is afraide: Gibeah of Saul is fled away.

30 Lift vp thy voyce, O daughter Gallim, cause Laish to heare, O poore Anathoth.

31 Madmenah is remoued: the inhabitants of Gebim haue gathered themselues together.

32 Yet there is a time that he will stay at Nob: he shall lift vp his hand towarde the mount of the daughter Zion, the hill of Ierusalem.

33 Beholde, the Lorde God of hostes shall cut off the [Note: [z] Feare and destruction shall come vpon Iudah: for the princes and the people shall all be led away captiues. ] bough with feare, and they of high stature shalbe cut off, and the hie shalbe humbled.

34 And he shall cut away the thicke places of the forest with yron, and Lebanon shall haue a mightie fall.


CHAP. XI.


1 Christ borne of the roote of Ishai. 8 His vertues & kingdome. 6 The fruites of the Gospel. 10 The calling of the Gentiles.

1 Bvt there shall come a [Note: [a] Because the captiuitie of Babylon was a figure of the spirituall captiuitie vnder sinne, he sheweth that our true deliuerance must come by Christ: for as Dauid came out of Ishai a man without dignitie: so Christ shoulde come of a poore carpenters house as out of a dead stocke; Chap.53 2. ] rodde foorth of the stocke of Ishai, and a grasse shall growe out of his rootes.

2 And the Spirite of the Lord shall rest vpon him: the Spirite of wisedome and vnderstanding, the Spirite of counsell and strength, the Spirite of knowledge, and of the feare of the Lord,

3 And shall make him prudent in the feare of the Lord: for he shall not iudge after the sight of his eies, neither reproue by ye hearing of his eares.

4 But with righteousnesse shall he iudge the poore, and with equitie shall he reprooue for the meeke of the earth: and he shall [Note: [b] All these properties can agree to none but onely vnto Christ: for it is he that toucheth the heartes of the faithfull and mortifieth their concupiscences: and to the wicked he is the sauour of death and to them that shall perish: so that all the worlde shall be smitten with this rodde, which is his word. ] smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lippes shall he slay the wicked.

5 And iustice shall be ye girdle of his loynes, and faithfulnesse the girdle of his reines.

6 The [Note: [c] Men because of their wicked affections are named by the names of beastes, wherein the like affections reigne: but Christ by his Spirit shall reforme them, and worke in them such mutuall charitie, that they shall be like lambes, fauouring and louing one another, and cast off all their cruell affections, Chap.65.25. ] wolfe also shall dwell with the lambe, and the leopard shall lie with the kid, & the calfe, and the lyon, and the fat beast together, and a litle childe shall leade them.

7 And the kowe and the beare shall feede: their yong ones shall lie together: and the lyon shall eate strawe like the bullocke.

8 And the sucking childe shall play vpon the hole of the aspe, and the wained childe shall put his hand vpon the cockatrice hole.

9 Then shall none hurt nor destroy in all the mountaine of mine holines: for the earth shalbe full of the knowledge of the Lord, as [Note: [d] It shall be in as great abundance as the waters in the sea. ] the waters that couer the sea.

[A prayer of the Church.]




10 And in that day the roote of Ishai, which shall stand vp for a signe vnto the [Note: [e] He prophecieth of the calling of the Gentiles. ] people, the nations shall seeke vnto it, and his [Note: [f] That is, the Church, which he also calleth his rest, Psal.132.14. ] rest shall be glorious.

11 And in the same day shall the Lord stretche out his hand [Note: [g] For God first deliuered his people out of Egypt, and nowe promiseth to deliuer them out of their enemies hands, as from the Parthians, Persians, Caldeans and them of Antiochia, among whom they were dispersed: and this is chiefely meant of Christ, who calleth his people being dispersed through all the worlde. ] againe the second time, to possesse the remnant of his people, (which shalbe left) of Asshur, and of Egypt, & of Pathros, and of Ethiopia, and of Elam, and of Shinear, and of Hamath, and of the yles of the sea.

12 And he shall set vp a signe to the nations, and assemble the dispersed of Israel, and gather the scattered of Iudah from the foure corners of the worlde.

13 The hatred also of Ephraim shall depart, and the aduersaries of Iudah shalbe cut off: Ephraim shall not enuie [Note: [h] Here he describeth the consent that shalbe in his Church, and their victorie against their enemies. ] Iudah, neither shall Iudah vexe Ephraim:

14 But they shall flee vpon the shoulders of the Philistims toward the West: they shall spoyle them of the East together: Edom and Moab shall be the stretching out of their hands, and the children of Ammon in their obedience.

15 The Lorde also shall vtterly destroy the [Note: [i] Meaning, a corner of the sea, that entreth into the land, and hath the forme of a tongue. ] tongue of the Egyptians sea, and with his mightie winde shall lift vp his hand [Note: [k] To wit, Nilus, the great riuer of Egypt which entreth into the sea wt seuen streames. ] ouer the riuer, and shall smite him in his seuen streames, and cause men to walke therein with shooes.

16 And there shalbe a path to the remnant of his people, which are left of Asshur, like as it was vnto Israel in the day that he came vp out of the land of Egypt.


CHAP. XII.


A thankesgiuing of the faithfull for the mercies of God.

1 And thou [Note: [a] He sheweth howe the Church shall prayse God, when they are deliuered from their captiuitie. ] shalt say in that day, O Lorde, I will prayse thee: though thou wast angrie with me, thy wrath is turned away, and thou comfortest me.

2 Beholde, God is my [Note: [b] Our saluation standeth onely in God, who giueth vs an assured confidence, constancie, and occasion to prayse him for the same. ] saluation: I will trust, and will not feare: for ye Lord God is [Note: Exod.15.2. psal.118.14. ] my strength and song: he also is become my saluation.

3 Therefore with ioy shall ye [Note: [c] The graces of God shalbe so abundant, that ye may receiue them in as great plentie, as waters out of a fountaine that is full. ] drawe waters out of the welles of saluation.

4 And ye shall say in that day, [Note: 1.Chro.16.8. ] Prayse the Lord: call vpon his Name: declare his workes among the people: make mention of them, for his Name is exalted.

5 Sing vnto the Lorde, for he hath done excellent things: this is knowen in all the worlde.

6 Crie out, and shoute, [Note: [d] Ye that are of the Church. ] O inhabitant of Zion: for great is ye holy one of Israel in the middes of thee.


CHAP. XIII.


The Medes and Persians shall destroy Babylon.

1 The [Note: [a] That is, the great calamitie, which was prophecied to come on Babel, as a most grieuous burden, which they were not able to beare. In these twelue chapters following he speaketh of the plagues, wherewith God woulde smite these strange nations, (whome they knewe) to declare that God chastised the Israelites as his children, and these other as his enemies: and also that if God spare not these that are ignorant, that they must not thinke strange, if he punished them, which haue knowledge of his Lawe, and keepe it not. ] burden of Babel, which Isaiah the sonne of Amoz did see.

2 Lift vp a standard vpon the hie mountaine: lift vp the voyce vnto them: wagge the [Note: [b] To wit, to the Medes and the Persians. ] hand, that they may goe into the gates of the nobles.

3 I haue commanded them, that I haue [Note: [c] That is, prepared and appointed to execute my iudgements. ] sanctified: and I haue called ye mightie to my wrath, and them that reioyce in my [Note: [d] Which willingly goe about the worke whereunto I appoint them, but howe the wicked doe this, reade chap.10.6. ] glorie.


[Page 46]

[Babel like to Sodom and Gomorah.]




4 The noyse of a multitude is in the mountaines, like a great people: a tumultuous voyce of the kingdomes of the nations gathered together: the Lorde of hostes nombreth the hoste of the battell.

5 They come from a farre countrey, from the end of the heauen: euen the Lord with the [Note: [e] The army of the Medes & the Persians against Babylo. ] weapons of his wrath to destroy the whole land.

6 Howle [Note: [f] Ye Babylonians. ] you, for the day of the Lorde is at hande: it shall come as a destroier from the Almightie.

7 Therefore shal all hands be weakened, and all mens hearts shall melt,

8 And they shalbe afraid: anguish and sorowe shal take them, and they shal haue paine, as a woman that trauaileth: euery one shall be amased at his neighbour, and their faces shalbe like [Note: [g] The Babylonians anger, & griefe shalbe so much, that their faces shal burne as fire. ] flames of fire.

9 Beholde, the day of the Lorde commeth, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger to lay the land wast: and he shall destroy the sinners out of it.

10 For the [Note: [h] They that are ouercome, shall thinke that all the powers of heauen & earth are against them, Ezek.32.7. ioel 3.15. matt. 24.29. ] starres of heauen and the planets thereof shall not giue their light: the sunne shalbe darkened in his going foorth, and the moone shal not cause her light to shine.

11 And I will visite the wickednes vpon the [Note: [i] He compareth Babylon to the whole worlde, because they so esteemed themselues by reason of their great empire. ] worlde, and their iniquitie vpon the wicked, and I wil cause the arrogancie of the [Note: [k] He noteth the principall vice, whereunto they were most giuen, as are all that abound in wealth. ] proud to cease, and will cast downe the pride of tyrants.

12 I will make a [Note: [l] He noteth the great slaughter yt shall be, seeing the enemie shall neither for golde, or siluer spare a mans life, as ver.17. ] man more precious then fine golde, euen a man aboue the wedge of golde of Ophir.

13 Therefore I will shake the heauen, and the earth shall remooue out of her place in the wrath of the Lord of hostes, and in the day of his fierce anger.

14 And [Note: [m] Meaning, the power of Babylon with their hired souldiers. ] it shall be as a chased doe, and as a sheepe that no man taketh vp. euery man shall turne to his owne people, and flee eche one to his owne lande.

15 Euery one that is founde, shall be striken through: and whosoeuer ioyneth himselfe, shal fal by the sworde.

16 [Note: Psal.137.9. ] Their [Note: [n] This was not accomplished when Cyrus tooke Babylon, but after the death of Alexander the great. ] children also shall be broken in pieces before their eyes: their houses shall be spoiled, and their wiues rauished.

17 Beholde, I will stirre vp the Medes against them, which shall not regarde siluer, nor be desirous of golde.

18 With bowes also shall they destroy ye children, and shall haue no compassion vpon the fruit of the wombe, and their eies shall not spare the children.

19 And Babel the glorie of kingdomes, the beautie and pride of the Chaldeans, shall be as the destruction of God [Note: Gen.19.24. ier.50.40. ] in Sodom and Gomorah.

20 It shall not bee inhabited for euer, neither shall it be dwelled in from generation to generation: neither shall the [Note: [o] Who vseth to goe from countrey to countrey to finde pasture for their beastes, but there shall they finde none. ] Arabian pitch his tents there, neither shall the shepheardes make their foldes there.

21 But [Note: [p] Which were either wilde beastes, or foules, or wicked spirits, whereby Satan deluded man, as by the fairies, gobblins, and such like fantasies. ] Ziim shal lodge there, and their houses shal be ful of Ohim: Ostriches shal dwel there, and the Satyrs shall dance there.

22 And Iim shall crie in their palaces, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and the time thereof is readie to come, and the daies thereof shall not be prolonged.


CHAP. XIIII.


1 The returne of the people from captiuitie. 4 The derision of the King of Babylon. 11 The death of the King. 29 The destruction of the Philistims.

[The fall of the tyrant.]




1 For [Note: [a] Hee sheweth why God will hast to destroy his enemies: to wit, because he will deliuer his Church. ] the Lord wil haue compassion of Iaakob, and wil yet chuse Israel, and cause them to rest in their owne lande: and the stranger [Note: [b] Meaning, that the Gentiles shall be ioyned with the Church and worship God. ] shall ioyne him selfe vnto them, and they shall cleaue to the house of Iaakob.

2 And the people shall receiue them & bring them to their owne place, and the house of Israel shall possesse them in the land of the Lorde, for [Note: [c] Signifying that the Iewes shoulde be superiors to the Gentiles, and that they shoulde bee brought vnder the seruice of Christ by the preaching of the Apostles, whereby all are brought to ye subiection of Christ, 2.Cor.10.5. ] seruants & handmaids: and they shall take them prisoners, whose captiues they were, and haue rule ouer their oppressours.

3 ¶ And in that day when the Lord shal giue thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy feare, and from the sore bodage, wherein thou didest serue,

4 Then shalt thou take vp this prouerbe against the King of Babel, and say, Howe hath the oppressor ceased? & the gold thirsty Babel rested?

5 The Lorde hath broken the rodde of the wicked, and the scepter of the rulers:

6 Which smote the people in anger wt a continuall plague, and ruled the nations in wrath: if any were persecuted, he did [Note: [d] That is, he suffred all violence & iniuries to be don. ] not let.

7 The whole worlde is at [Note: [e] Meaning, that when tyrantes reigne, there can be no rest nor quietnesse, and also howe detestable a thing tyrannie is, seeing the insensible creatures haue occasio to reioyce at their destruction. ] rest and is quiet: they sing for ioye.

8 Also the firre trees reioyced of thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid downe, no hewer came vp against vs.

9 Hel beneath is mooued for thee to [Note: [f] As though they feared least thou shouldest trouble the dead, as thou didest the liuing: and here he derideth the proud tyrannie of the wicked, which knowe not that all creatures wish their destruction that they may reioyce. ] meete thee at thy comming, raising vp the deade for thee, euen all the princes of the earth, and hath raised from their thrones all the Kinges of the nations.

10 All they shall crie, and saie vnto thee, Art thou become weake also as we? art thou become like vnto vs?

11 Thy pompe is brought downe to ye graue, and the sounde of thy violes: the worme [Note: [g] In stead of thy costly carpets and couerings. ] is spred vnder thee, and the wormes couer thee.

12 How art thou fallen from heauen, O [Note: [h] Thou that thoughtest thy selfe most glorious, and as it were placed in the heauen: for the morning starre that goeth before the sunne, is called Lucifer, to whome Nebuchad-nezzar is compared. ] Lucifer, sonne of the morning? and cutte downe to the grounde, which didest cast lottes vpon the nations?

13 Yet thou saidest in thine heart, I will ascende into heauen, and exalt my throne aboue beside the starres of God: I will sitte also vpon the mount of the Congregation in the sides of the [Note: [i] Meaning, Ierusalem, whereof the Temple was on the Northside, as Psalme 48.2. whereby hee meaneth that tyrantes fight against God, when they persecute his Church, and woulde set them selues in his place. ] North.

14 I wil ascend aboue ye height of the cloudes, and I will be like the most high.

15 But thou shalt bee brought downe to the graue, to the sides of the pit.

16 They that see thee, shall [Note: [k] In marueiling at thee. ] looke vpon thee and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, and that did shake the kingdomes?

17 He made the worlde as a wildernesse, and destroied the cities thereof, and opened not [Note: [l] To set them at libertie: noting his crueltie. ] the house of his prisoners.

18 All the Kings of the nations, euen they all sleepe in glorie, euery one in his owne house.

19 But thou art [Note: [m] Thou wast not buried in the sepulchre of thy fathers, thy tyrannie was so abhorred. ] cast out of thy graue like an abominable branch: like the raiment of those that are slaine, and thrust thorowe with a sword, which goe downe to the stones of the pit, as a carkeise troden vnder feete.

20 Thou shalt not be ioyned with them in the [Page]

[Against Moab.]



graue, because thou hast destroied thine owne lande, and slaine thy people: the seede of the wicked shall not be renoumed for euer.

21 [Note: [n] He calleth to the Medes & Persians and all those that should execute Gods vengeance. ] Prepare a slaughter for his children, for the iniquitie of their fathers: let them not rise vp nor possesse the land, nor fil the face of the world with enemies.

22 ¶ For I wil rise vp against them (sayth the Lorde of hostes) and will cut off from Babel the name and the remnant and the sonne, and the nephew, sayth the Lord:

23 And I wil make it a possession to ye [Note: Or, torteis. ] hedgehogge, and pooles of water, and I will sweepe it with the besome of destruction, sayeth the Lorde of hostes.

24 The Lorde of hostes hath sworne, saying, Surely like as I haue purposed, so shall it come to passe, and as I haue consulted, it shall stand:

25 [Note: [o] As I haue begun to destroy the Assyrians in Senaherib, so will I continue, and destroy them wholy, when I shall deliuer you from Babylon. ] That I will breake to pieces Asshur in my land, and vpon my mountaines will I treade him vnder foote: so that his yoke shall depart from [Note: [p] From the Iewes. ] them, and his burden shall be taken from off their shoulder.

26 This is the counsell that is consulted vpon the whole worlde, and this is the hande stretched out ouer all the nations,

27 Because the Lorde of hostes hath determined it, and who shall disanull it? and his hande is stretched out, and who shall turne it away?

28 ¶ In the yeere that King Ahaz died, was this [Note: [q] Reade Chap. 13.1. ] burden.

29 Reioyce not, (thou whole [Note: [r] He willeth the Philistims not to reioyce because the Iewes are diminished in their power: for their strength shall be greater then euer it was. ] Palestina) because the rod of him yt did beat thee, is broken for out of the serpents roote shal come forth a cockatrise, & the fruit therof shalbe a firy flying serpent.

30 For the [Note: [s] The Israelites, which were brought to most extreme miserie. ] first borne of the poore shall be fed, and the needie shall lie downe in safetie: and I will kill thy roote with famine, and [Note: [t] To wit, my people. ] it shal slay thy remnant.

31 Howle, O gate, crie, O citie: thou whole lande of Palestina art dissolued, for there shall come from the [Note: [u] That is, from the Iewes, or Assyrians: for they were both North from Palestina. ] North a smoke, and none shalbe alone, [Note: [x] But they shall be all readie, and ioyne together. ] at his time appointed.

32 What shall then one answere [Note: [y] Which shall come to enquire of the state of the Church. ] the messengers of the Gentiles? That the Lorde hath stablished [Note: [z] They shall answere, that ye Lord doeth defend his Church, and them that ioyne themselues thereunto. ] Zion, and the poore of his people shall trust in it.


CHAP. XV.


A prophesie against Moab.

1 The [Note: [a] Read chap.13.1. ] burden of Moab. Surely [Note: [b] The chiefe citie, whereby the whole countrey was ment. ] Ar of Moab was destroied, & brought to silece in a night: surely Kir of Moab was destroied, and brought to silence in a night.

2 [Note: [c] The Moabites shall flee to their idoles for succour, but it shall be too late. ] He shal goe vp to the temple, & to Dibon to the hie places to weepe: for [Note: [d] Which were cities of Moab. ] Nebo & for Medeba shall Moab howle: vpon all [Note: [e] For as in the West partes the people vsed to let their heare growe long, when they mourned, so in the East partes they cut it off. ] their heades shalbe baldnesse, and euery beard shauen.

3 In their streetes shall they bee gilded with sackecloth: on the toppes of their houses, and in their streetes euery one shall howle, and come downe with weeping.

4 And Heshbon shall crie, and Elealeh: their voyce shall bee heard vnto Iahaz: therefore the warriers of Moab shall showt: the soule of euery one shall lament in him selfe.

5 Mine [Note: [f] The Prophet speaketh this in the person of the Moabites, or as one that felt the great iudgement of God that should come vpon them. ] heart shall crie for Moab: his fugitiues shal flee vnto Zoar, [Note: [g] Meaning, that it was a citie that euer liued in pleasure, and neuer felt sorowe. ] an heiffer of three yere olde: for they shall goe vp with weeping by the

[The causes of Moabs fall.]



mounting vp of Luhith: and by the way of Horonaim they [Note: [h] He describeth the miserable dissipation, and flight of the Moabites. ] shall raise vp a crie of destruction.

6 For the waters of Nimrim shal be dried vp: therefore the grasse is withered, the herbes consumed, and there was no greene herbe.

7 Therefore what euery man hath left, and their substance shall they beare to the [Note: [i] To hide themselues, and their goods there. ] brooke of the willowes.

8 For the crie went round about the borders of Moab: and the howling thereof vnto Eglaim, and the skriking thereof vnto Beer Elim,

9 Because the waters of Dimon shall be full [Note: [k] Of them that are slaine. ] of blood: for I will bring more vpon Dimon, euen lyons [Note: [l] So that by no meanes they shuld escape the hand of God: thus wil God punish the enemies of his Church. ] vpon him that escapeth of Moab, and to the remnant of the land.


CHAP. XVI.


The causes wherefore the Moabites are destroied.

1 Sende [Note: [a] That is, offer a sacrifice: whereby he derideth their long delay, which would not repent when the Lorde called them, shewing them that it is nowe too late, seeing the vengeance of God is vpon them. ] yee a lambe to the ruler of the worlde from the rocke of the wildernesse, vnto the mountaine of the daughter Zion.

2 For it shall be as a birde that [Note: [b] There is no remedie, but you must flie. ] flieth, and a nest forsaken: the daughters of Moab shall be at the foordes of Arnon.

3 Gather a cousel, execute iudgement: [Note: [c] Hee sheweth what Moab should haue done, when Israel their neighbour was in affliction, to whome because they wold giue no shadowe nor comfort, they are now left comfortlesse. ] make thy shadowe as the night in the midday: hide them that are chased out: bewray not him that is fled.

4 Let my banished dwell with thee: Moab be thou their couert from the face of the destroyer: for the extortioner [Note: [d] The Assyrians shall oppresse the Israelites, but for a while. ] shall ende: the destroyer shalbe consumed, and the oppressour shall cease out of the land.

5 And in mercy shall the throne be prepared, [Note: [e] Meaning, Christ. ] and hee shall sit vpon it in stedfastnesse, in the tabernacle of Dauid, iudging, and seeking iudgement, and hasting iustice.

6 We haue heard of the pride of Moab, (he is very proud) euen his pride, and his arrogancie, and his indignation, but his [Note: [f] Their vaine confidence, and proud bragges shall deceiue them, as Ier. 48.2. ] lies shall not be so.

7 Therefore shall Moab howle vnto Moab: euery one shal howle: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shal ye mourne, yet they shalbe [Note: [g] For all your mourning, yet the citie shall be destroied, euen vnto the foundations. ] striken.

8 For ye vineyards of Heshbon are cut downe, and the vine of Sibmah: [Note: [h] That is, the Assyrians, and other enemies. ] the lordes of the heathen haue broken the principal vines thereof: they are come vnto [Note: [i] Meaning, that the countrey of Moab was nowe destroied and all ye precious things thereof were caried into the borders, yea into other countreis, and ouer the sea. ] Iaazer: they wandred in the wildernesse: her goodly branches stretched out them selues, and went ouer the sea.

9 Therefore will [Note: [k] He sheweth that their plague was so great, that it would haue mooued any man to lament with them, as Psal.141.5. ] I weepe with the weeping of Iaazer, & of the vine of Sibmah, O Heshbon: and Elealeh, I will make thee drunke with my teares, because vpon thy sommer fruits, and vpon thy haruest [Note: [l] The enemies are come vpon thee, and shoute for ioye, when they carie thy commodities from thee, as Iere.48.33. ] a showting is fallen.

10 And gladnes is taken away, and ioy out of the plentifull fielde: and in the vineyardes shall be no singing nor shouting for ioy: the treader shall not tread wine in the wine presses: I haue caused the reioycing to cease.

11 Wherefore, my [Note: [m] For verie sorowe and compassion. ] bowels shall sounde like an harpe for Moab, and mine inwarde partes for Ker-haresh.

12 And when it shall appeare that Moab shall be wearie of his hie places, then shall hee come to his [Note: [n] They shall vse all meanes to seeke helpe of their idoles and all in vaine: for Chemoz their great god shall not bee able to helpe them. ] temple to praie, but he shall not preuaile.

13 This is the word that the Lord hath spoken against Moab since that time.

14 And nowe the Lorde hath spoken, saying,

[Page 47]

[Of Damascus and Israel.]



[Note: [o] He appointed a certaine time to punish the enemies in. ] In three yeres, as the yeeres of a [Note: [p] Who will obserue iustly the time, for the which he is hyred, and serue no longer, but will euer long for it. ] hireling, and the glorie of Moab shall be contemned in all the great multitude, & the remnant shalbe very small and feeble.


CHAP. XVII.


1 A prophecie of the destruction of Damascus and Ephraim. 7 Calamitie moueth to repentance.

1 The [Note: [a] Reade Chap. 13.1. ] burden of [Note: [b] The chiefe citie of Syria. ] Damascus. Beholde, Damascus is taken away from being a citie, for it shall be a ruinous heape.

2 The cities of [Note: [c] It was a countrey of Syria by the riuer Arnon. ] Aroer shall be forsaken: they shall be for the flockes: for they shall lye there, and none shall make them afraide.

3 The munition also shall cease from [Note: [d] It seemeth that the Prophet woulde comfort the Church in declaring the destruction of these two Kings, of Syria and Israel, when as they had conspired the ouerthrowe of Iudah. ] Ephraim, and the kingdome from Damascus, and the remnant of Aram shall be as the [Note: [e] The ten Tribes gloried in their multitude, and alliance with other nations: therefore he sayth that they shalbe brought downe and the Syrians also. ] glory of the children of Israel, sayeth the Lord of hostes.

4 And in that day the glorie of [Note: [f] Meaning of the ten tribes, which boasted themselues of their nobilitie, prosperitie, strength and multitude. ] Iaakob shall be impouerished, and the fatnes of his flesh shalbe made leane.

5 And it shalbe as when the haruest man gathereth [Note: [g] As the abundance of corne doeth not feare the haruest men that shoulde cut it downe: no more shal the multitude of Israel make the enemies to shrink, whom God shall appoint to destroy them. ] the corne, and reapeth the eares with his arme, and he shall be as he that gathereth the eares in the valley of [Note: [h] Which valley was plentifull and fertile. ] Rephaim.

6 Yet a gathering of grapes shall [Note: [i] Because God woulde haue his couenant stable, he promiseth to reserue some of this people, and to bring them to repentance. ] be left in it, as the shaking of an oliue tree, two or three beries are in the top of the vpmost boughes, & foure or fiue in the hie branches of the fruite thereof, sayeth the Lord God of Israel.

7 At that day shal a man looke to his [Note: [k] Hee sheweth that Gods corections euer bring forth some fruite, and cause his to turne from their sinnes, and to humble themselues to him. ] maker, and his eyes shall looke to the holy one of Israel.

8 And hee shall not looke to the altars, the workes of his owne hands, neither shall he looke to those thinges, which his owne fingers haue made, as groues and images.

9 In that day shall the cities of their strength be as the forsaking of boughes & branches, which [Note: [l] As the Canaanites left their cities, when God did place the Israelites there, so the cities of Israel shall no more be able to defend their inhabitants, then bushes, when God shall send the enemie to plague them. ] they did forsake, because of the children of Israel, and there shall be desolation.

10 Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy saluation, and hast not remembred the God of thy strength, therefore shalt thou set pleasant plantes, and shalt graffe strange [Note: [m] Which are excellent, & brought out of other countreis. ] vine branches:

11 In the day shalt thou make thy plant to growe, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seede to florish: but the haruest shall be gone in the day [Note: [n] As the Lord threatneth the wicked in his Law, Leuit.26.16. ] of possession, and there shalbe desperate sorrowe.

12 [Note: [o] The Prophet lamenteth, considering the horrible plague that was prepared against Israel by the Assyrians, which were infinite in nomber, and gathered of many nations. ] Ah, the multitude of many people, they shall make a sounde like the noyse of the sea: for the noyse of the people shall make a sounde like the noyse of mightie waters.

13 The people shall make a sounde like the noise of many waters: but God shall [Note: [p] He addeth this for the consolation of the faithfull, which were in Israel. ] rebuke them, and they shall flee farre off, and shalbe chased as the chaffe of the mountaines before the winde, and as a rolling thing before the whirlewinde.

14 And loe, in the euening there is [Note: [q] He compareth the enemies the Assyrians to a tempest, which riseth ouer night, and in the morning is gone. ] trouble: but afore the morning it is gone. This is the portion of them that spoyle vs, and the lot of them that robbe vs.

[Destruction of Egypt.]





CHAP. XVIII.


1 Of the enemies of the Church. 7 And of the vocation of the Gentiles.

1 Oh, the [Note: [a] Hee meaneth yt part of Ethiopia, which lieth towarde the Sea, which was so full of ships, that the sayles (which he compareth to wings) seemed to shadowe the sea. ] lande shadowing with winges, which is beyond the riuers of Ethiopia,

2 Sending ambassadours by the Sea, euen in vessels of [Note: [b] Which in those countreys were great: in so much as they made ships of them for swiftnesse. ] reedes vpon the waters, saying, [Note: [c] This may be taken that they sent other to comfort the Iewes, and to promise them helpe against their enemies, and so the Lord did threaten to take away their strength that the Iewes should not trust therein: or that they did solicite the Egyptians, and promised them ayde to goe against Iudah. ] Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation that is scattered abroade, and spoyled, vnto a terrible [Note: [d] To wit, the Iewes, who because of Gods plagues made all other nations afraide of the like, as God threatned, Deut.28 37. ] people from their beginning euen hitherto: a nation by litle and litle, euen troden vnder foote, whose land the [Note: [e] Meaning, the Assyrians, as chap.8.7. ] floods haue spoyled.

3 Al ye the inhabitants of ye world and dwellers in the earth, shall see when [Note: [f] When the Lord prepareth to fight against the Ethiopians. ] he setteth vp a signe in the mountaines, and when he bloweth the trumpe, ye shall heare.

4 For so the Lord saide vnto me, I will [Note: [g] I will stay a while from punishing the wicked. ] rest and beholde in my tabernacle, as [Note: [h] Which two seasons are most profitable for the riping of fruites: whereby he meaneth, that he will seeme to fauour them, & giue them abundance for a time, but he will suddenly cut them off. ] the heate drying vp the rayne, and as a cloude of dewe in the heate of haruest.

5 For afore the haruest when the floure is finished, and the fruite is riping in the floure, then he shall cut downe the branches with hookes, and shall take away, and cut off the boughes:

6 They shall be left together vnto the foules of the mountaines, & to the [Note: [i] Not onely men shall contemne them, but the bruite beastes. ] beastes of the earth: for the foule shall sommer vpon it, and euery beast of the earth shall winter vpon it.

7 At that time shall a [Note: [k] Meaning, that God will pitie his Church, and receiue that litle remnant as an offering vnto himselfe. ] present be brought vnto the Lord of hostes, (a people that is scattered abroade, and spoyled, & of a terrible people from their beginning hitherto, a nation, by litle and litle euen troden vnder foote, whose land the riuers haue spoyled) to the place of the Name of the Lord of hostes, euen the mount Zion.


CHAP. XIX.


1 The destruction of the Egyptians by the Assyrians. 18 Of their conuersion to the Lord.

1 The [Note: [a] Reade chap.13.1. ] burden of Egypt. Beholde, the Lord [Note: [b] Because the Egyptians trusted in the defence of their countrey, in the multitude of their idoles, and in the valiantnesse of their men, the Lorde sheweth that he will come ouer all their munitions in a swift cloude, and that their idoles shall tremble at his comming, and that mens heartes shall faint. ] rideth vpon a swift cloude, and shall come into Egypt, and the idoles of Egypt shall be moued at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the middes of her.

2 And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: so euery one shall [Note: [c] As hee caused the Ammonites, Moabites, and Idumeans to kill one another, when they came to destroy the Church of God, 2.Chron. 20.22, chap.49.26. ] fight against his brother, and euery one against his neighbour, citie against citie, and kingdome against kingdome.

3 And the [Note: [d] Meaning, their policie, and wisedome. ] spirite of Egypt shall faile in the middes of her, and I will destroy their counsell, and they shall seeke at the idoles, and at the sorcerers, and at them that haue spirits of diuination, and at the southsayers.

4 And I will deliuer the Egyptians into the hand of the cruell Lordes, & a mightie King shall rule ouer them, sayth the Lord God of hostes.

5 Then the waters of the sea shall [Note: [e] Hee sheweth that the Sea and Nilus their great riuer, whereby they thought themselues most sure, shoulde not bee able to defende them from his anger, but that he would sende the Assyrians among them, that shoulde keepe them vnder as slaues. ] faile, and the riuers shall be dryed vp, and wasted.

6 And the riuers [Note: [f] For Nilus ranne into the Sea by seuen streames, as though they were so many riuers. ] shall goe farre away: the riuers of defence shalbe emptied and dryed vp: the reedes and flagges shall be cut downe.
[Page]

[The tongue of Canaan.]




7 The grasse in the riuer, and at the [Note: [g] The Ebrewe worde is mouth, whereby they meane the spring, out of the which the water gusheth as out of a mouth. ] head of the riuers, and all that groweth by the riuer, shall wither, and be driuen away, and be no more.

8 The fishers also shall [Note: [h] The Scriptures vse to describe the destruction of a countrey by taking away of the commodities thereof, as by vines, flesh, fish, and such other things, whereby countreys are enriched. ] mourne, and all they that cast angle into the riuer, shall lament, and they that spread their nette vpon the waters, shall be weakened.

9 Moreouer, they that worke in flaxe of diuers sortes, shall be confounded, and they that weaue nettes.

10 For their nettes shalbe broken, and all they, that make pondes, shalbe heauie in heart.

11 Surely the princes of [Note: [i] Called also Tanes, a famous citie vpon Nilus. ] Zoan are fooles: the counsell of the wise counselers of Pharaoh is become foolish: how say ye vnto Pharaoh, I [Note: [k] He noteth the flatterers of Pharaoh: who persuaded the King that he was wise, and noble, and that his house was most ancient, and so he flattered himselfe, saying, I am wise. ] am the sonne of the wise? I am the sonne of the ancient Kings?

12 Where are nowe thy wise men, that they may tell thee, or may knowe what the Lorde of hostes hath determined against Egypt?

13 The princes of Zoan are become fooles: the princes of [Note: [l] Or Memphis, others Alexandria, and nowe called the great Caira. ] Noph are deceiued, they haue deceiued Egypt, euen the [Note: [m] The principall vpholders thereof are the chiefest cause of their destruction. ] corners of the tribes thereof.

14 The Lorde hath mingled among them the spirite [Note: [n] For the spirite of wisedome he hath made them drunken and giddie with the spirit of errour. ] of errours: and they haue caused Egypt to erre in euery worke thereof, as a drunken man erreth in his vomite.

15 Neither shall there be any worke in Egypt, which the head may [Note: [o] Neither ye great nor the small, the strong nor the weake. ] doe, nor the tayle, ye branch nor the rush.

16 In that day shall Egypt be like vnto women: for it shall be afraide and feare because of the moouing of the hand of the Lorde of hostes, which he shaketh ouer it.

17 And the land of Iudah shall be a feare [Note: [p] Considering that through their occasion the Iewes made not God their defence but put their trust in them, and were therefore nowe punished, they shall feare lest the like light vpon them. ] vnto Egypt: euery one that maketh mention of it, shalbe afraid thereat, because of ye counsell of the Lord of hostes, which he hath determined vpon it.

18 In that day shall fiue cities in the lande of Egypt [Note: [q] Shall make one confession of faith with the people of God: by the speach of Canaan, meaning, the language, wherein God was then serued. ] speake the language of Canaan, and shall [Note: [r] Shall renounce their superstitions, and protest to serue God aright. ] sweare by the Lord of hostes. one shall be called the citie of [Note: [s] Meaning, of sixe cities fiue shoulde serue God, and the sixt remaine in their wickednesse: and so of the sixt part there should be but one lost. ] destruction.

19 In that day shall the altar of the Lorde be in the middes of the land of Egypt, and [Note: [t] There shalbe euident signes and tokens, that Gods religion is there: which maner of speach is taken of the Patriarkes, and ancient times, when God had not as yet appointed the place, and full maner howe he would be worshipped. ] a pillar by the border thereof vnto the Lord.

20 And it shall be for a signe and for a witnes vnto the Lord of hostes in the land of Egypt: for they shall crie vnto the Lorde, because of the oppressers, and he shall send them [Note: [u] This declareth that this prophecie shoulde be accomplished in the time of Christ. ] a Sauiour and a great man, and shall deliuer them.

21 And the Lorde shall be knowen of the Egyptians, and the Egyptians shall knowe the Lord in that day, and doe [Note: [x] By these ceremonies he comprehendeth the spiritual seruice vnder Christ. ] sacrifice & oblation, & shall vowe vowes vnto the Lord, and performe them.

22 So ye Lord shall smite Egypt, he shall smite and heale it: for he shall returne vnto ye Lord, and he shall be intreated of them and shall heale them.

23 In that day shall there be a path from [Note: [y] By these two natios, which were then chiefe enemies of ye Church, he sheweth yt the Gentiles, & the Iewes should be ioyned together in one faith & religion, & should be all one fold vnder Christ their shepheard. ] Egypt to Asshur, and Asshur shall come into Egypt, and Egypt into Asshur: so the Egyptians shall worship with Asshur.

24 In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and Asshur, euen a blessing in the middes of the land.

[Isaiah goeth naked.]




25 For the Lorde of hostes shall blesse it, saying, Blessed be my people Egypt and Asshur, the worke of mine hands, and Israel mine inheritance.


CHAP. XX.


2 The three yeeres captiuitie of Egypt and Ethiopia described by the three yeeres going naked of Isaiah.

1 In the yeere that [Note: [a] Who was a captaine of Saneherib, 2. King. 18. 17. ] Tartan came to [Note: [b] A citie of the Philistims. ] Ashdod, (when [Note: [c] The Ebrewes write that Saneherib was so called. ] Sargon King of Asshur sent him) and had fought against Ashdod, and taken it,

2 At the same time spake the Lord by ye hand of Isaiah the sonne of Amoz, saying, Goe, and loose the [Note: [d] Which signifieth that the Prophet did lament the miserie that he sawe prepared, before the three yeeres, that hee went naked and bare footed. ] sackecloth from thy loynes, and put off thy shooe from thy foote. And he did so, walking naked and barefoote.

3 And the Lord said, Like as my seruant Isaiah hath walked naked, & barefoote three yeeres, as a signe and wonder vpon Egypt, and Ethiopia,

4 So shall the King of Asshur take away the captiuitie of Egypt, and the captiuitie of Ethiopia, both yong men and olde men, naked and barefoote, with their buttockes vncouered, to the shame of Egypt.

5 And they shall feare, & be ashamed of [Note: [e] In whose ayde they trusted. ] Ethiopia their expectation, & of Egypt [Note: [f] Of whom they boasted, & gloried. ] their glory.

6 Then shall the inhabitant of this [Note: [g] Meaning, Iudea, which was compassed about with their enemies, as an yle wt waters. ] yle say in that day, Behold, such is our expectation, whither we fledde for helpe to be deliuered from the King of Asshur, and howe shall we be deliuered?


CHAP. XXI.


1 Of the destruction of Babylon by the Persians and Medes. 11 The ruine of Idumea, 13 And of Arabia.

1 The burden of [Note: [a] On the sea side betweene Iudea, and Caldea was a wildernes, whereby hee meaneth Caldea. ] the desert Sea. As the whirlewindes in the South vse to passe from the wildernesse, so shall it [Note: [b] That is, the ruine of Babylon by the Medes, and Persians. ] come from the horrible land.

2 A grieuous vision was shewed vnto me, The [Note: [c] The Assyrians, & Caldeans, which had destroyed other nations, shall be ouercome of the Medes & Persians. and this hee prophecied an hundreth yere before it came to passe. ] transgressour against a transgressour, and the destroyer against a destroyer. Goe vp [Note: [d] By Elam, hee meaneth the Persians. ] Elam, besiege Media: I haue caused all the mourning [Note: [e] Because they shall finde no succour, they shall mourne no more, or, I haue caused them to cease mourning, whom Babylon had afflicted. ] thereof to cease.

3 Therefore are my [Note: [f] This the Prophet speaketh in the person of the Babylonians. ] loynes filled with sorow: sorowes haue taken me as the sorowes of a woman that trauayleth: I was bowed downe when I heard it, and I was amased when I sawe it.

4 Mine heart failed: fearefulnesse troubled me: the night [Note: [g] He prophecieth the death of Belshazzar, as Dan. 5. 30, who in the mids of his pleasures was destroyed. ] of my pleasures hath he turned into feare vnto me.

5 Prepare thou the table: watch in the watch towre: eate, drinke: [Note: [h] Whiles they are eating and drinking, they shalbe commanded to run to their weapons. ] arise, ye princes, anoynt the shielde.

6 For thus hath the [Note: [i] To wit, in a vision by the Spirit of prophecie. ] Lord said vnto me, Go, set a watchman, to tell what he seeth.

7 And he sawe a charet with two horsemen: [Note: [k] Meaning, charets of men of warre, and others that caried ye baggage. ] a charet of an asse, and a charet of a camel: and he hearkened and tooke diligent heede.

8 And he cryed, A [Note: [l] Meaning Darius, which ouercame Babylon. ] lyon: my lorde, I stand continually vpon ye watche towre in the day time, and I am set in my watche euery night:

9 And beholde, this mans charet commeth with two horsemen. And [Note: [m] The watchman, whom Isaiah set vp, told him who came toward Babylon and the Angel declared that it shoulde be destroyed: all this was done in a vision. ] he answered and said, [Note: Iere.51.8. reuel.14.8. ] Babel is fallen: it is fallen, and all the images of her gods hath he broken vnto the ground.

10 O [Note: [n] Meaning, Babylon. ] my threshing, and the [Note: Ebr. sonne. ] corne of my floore. That which I haue heard of the Lorde of hostes, the God of Israel, haue I shewed vnto you.

11 ¶ The burden of [Note: [o] Which was a citie of the Ishmaelites, and was so named of Dumah, Gene.25.14. ] Dumah. He calleth vnto

[Page 48]

[The destruction of Ierusalem foretold.]



me out of [Note: [p] A mountaine of the Idumeans. ] Seir, Watchman, what was in ye night? Watchman, what was in the night?
12 The watchman saide, The [Note: [q] Hee describeth the vnquietnes of the people of Dumah, who were night and day in feare of their enemies, and euer ran to and fro to enquire newes. ] morning commeth, and also the night. If yee will aske, enquire: returne and come.

13 ¶ The burden against Arabia. In [Note: [r] For feare, the Arabians shall flee into the woodes, and he appoynteth what way they shall take. ] the forest of Arabia shall yee tarie all night, euen in the waies of Dedanim.

14 O inhabitants of the lande of Tema, bring foorth [Note: [s] Signifying that for feare they shall not tarie to eate or drinke. ] water to meete the thirstie, and preuent him that fleeth with his bread.

15 For they flee from the drawen swords, euen from the drawen sword, & from the bent bowe, and from the grieuousnesse of warre.

16 For thus hath the Lorde sayd vnto me, Yet a yeere [Note: [t] Hee appoynteth them respit for one yere only, and then they should be destroied. ] according to the yeeres of an [Note: [u] Reade Chap.16.14. ] hireling, and all the glorie of Kedar shall faile.

17 And the residue of the nomber of ye strong archers of the sonnes of [Note: [x] Which was the name of a people of Arabia: and by the horrible destruction of all these nations, hee teacheth the Iewes that there is no place for refuge or to escape Gods wrath, but onely to remaine in his Church, and to liue in his feare. ] Kedar shall be fewe: for the Lord God of Israel hath spoken it.



CHAP. XXII.


He prophecieth of the destruction of Ierusalem by Nebuchad-nezzar. 15 A threatning against Shebna. 20 To whose office Eliakim is preferred.

1 The burden of the [Note: [a] Meaning, Iudea, which was compassed about with mountaines, and was called the valley of visions, because of the Prophets, which were alwaies there, whom they named Seers. ] valley of vision. What [Note: [b] He speaketh to Ierusalem, whose inhabitants were fled vp to ye house toppes for feare of their enemies. ] aileth thee nowe that thou art wholy gone vp vnto the house toppes?

2 Thou that art full of [Note: [c] Which wast wont to be full of people and ioy. ] noise, a citie full of brute, a ioyous citie: thy slaine men shall not bee slaine [Note: [d] But for hunger. ] with sworde, nor die in battell.

3 All thy princes shal flee together from the bowe: they shalbe [Note: [e] And led into captiuitie. ] bound: all that shall be found in thee, shall be bound together, which haue fled from [Note: [f] Which haue fled from other places to Ierusalem for succour. ] farre.

4 Therefore said I, Turne away from me: I wil weepe [Note: [g] Hee sheweth what is the duetie of the godly, when Gods plagues hag ouer the Church, and specially of the ministers, Iere. 9.1. ] bitterly: labour not to comfort mee for the destruction of the daughter of my people.

5 For it is a day of trouble, and of ruine, and of perplexitie by the Lorde God of hostes in the valley of vision, breaking downe the citie: and a [Note: [h] That is, the shoute of the enemies, whome God had appointed to destroy the citie. ] crying vnto the mountaines.

6 ¶ And Elam [Note: [i] He putteth them in minde how God deliuered them once from Saneherib, who brought the Persians & Cyrenians with him, that they might by returning to God auoide that great plague which they should els suffer by Nebuchad-nezzar. ] bare the quiuer in a mans charet wt horsemen, and Kir vncouered the shield.

7 And thy chiefe valleis were full of charets, and the horsemen set themselues in aray against the gate.

8 And hee discouered the [Note: [k] The secrete place where the armour was: to wit, in the house of the forest, 1.Kin.7.2. ] couering of Iudah: and thou didest looke in that day to the armour of the house of the forest.

9 And ye haue seene [Note: [l] Ye fortified the ruinous places, which were neglected in time of peace: meaning, the whole citie and the citie of Dauid which was within the compasse of the other. ] the breaches of the citie of Dauid: for they were many, and ye gathered the waters of the lower poole.

10 And yee nombred the houses [Note: [m] Either to pull downe such as might hurt, or els to know what men they were able to make. ] of Ierusalem, and the houses haue yee broken downe to fortifie the wall,

11 And haue also made a ditche betweene the two walles, for the [Note: [n] To prouide if neede shoulde be of water. ] waters of the olde poole, and haue not looked vnto the maker [Note: [o] To God that made Ierusalem: that is, they trusted more in these worldly meanes then in God. ] thereof, neither had respect vnto him that formed it of olde.

[Feasting for fasting.]




12 And in that day did the Lord God of hosts call vnto weeping and mourning, and to baldnes and girding with sackecloth.

13 And beholde, ioy and gladnes, slaying oxen and killing sheepe, eating flesh, & drinking wine, [Note: [p] In steade of repentance ye were ioyfull and made great cheere, contemning the admonitions of the Prophets, saying, Let vs eate and drinke: for our Prophets say, that we shal die to morow. ] eating and drinking: for to morowe we shall die.

14 And it was declared in ye eares of the Lorde of hostes. Surely this iniquitie shall not be purged from you, til ye die, saith the Lord God of hostes.

15 Thus sayeth the Lord God of hostes, Goe, get thee to that [Note: [q] Because the Ebrew word doeth also signifie one that doeth nourish and cherish, there are of the learned that thinke, that this wicked man did nourish secret friendship with ye Assyrians & Egyptians, to betray the church, and to prouide for himselfe against all dangers: in the meane season he packt craftily and gate of the best offices into his hand vnder Hezekiah, euer aspiring to ye highest. ] treasurer, to Shebna, the steward of the house, and say,

16 What haste thou to doe here? and whome hast thou [Note: [r] Meaning, that he was a stranger and came vp of nothing. ] here? that thou shouldest here hewe thee out a sepulchre, as he that heweth out his sepulchre in an hie place, or that graueth an habitation [Note: [s] Where as he thought to make his name immortal by his famous sepulchre, hee died most miserably among ye Assyrians. ] for him selfe in a rocke?

17 Beholde, the Lord wil carie thee away with a great captiuitie, and will surely couer thee.

18 He wil surely rolle and turne thee like a bal in a large countrey: there shalt thou die, and there the charets of thy glory shalbe the [Note: [t] Signifying that whatsoeuer dignitie the wicked attaine vnto, at length it wil turne to the shame of those Princes, by whome they are preferred. ] shame of thy lordes house.

19 And I wil driue thee from thy station, and out of thy dwelling will he destroy thee.

20 And in that day will I [Note: [u] To be steward againe, out of the which office hee had beene put by ye craft of Shebna. ] call my seruant Eliakim the sonne of Hilkiah,

21 And with thy garments will I clothe him, and with thy girdle will I strengthen him: thy power also will I commit into his hande, and hee shalbe a father of the inhabitats of Ierusalem, and of the house of Iudah.

22 And the [Note: [x] I will commit vnto him the full charge and gouernement of the kings house. ] key of the house of Dauid will I lay vpon his shoulder: so hee shall open, and no ma shal shut: & he shal shut, & no man shal open.

23 And I will fasten him as a [Note: [y] I wil establish him and confirme him in his office: of this phrase read Ezra.9.9. ] naile in a sure place, and hee shall be for the throne of glorie to his fathers house.

24 And they shall hang vpon him all the glorie of his fathers house, euen of the nephewes and posteritie [Note: [z] Meaning, that both small and great that shall come of Eliakim, shall haue praise and glorie by his faithfull officer. ] all smal vessels, from the vessels of the cuppes, euen to all the instruments of musike.

25 In that day, sayeth the Lord of hostes, shall the [Note: [a] Hee meaneth Shebna, who in mans iudgement shoulde neuer haue fallen. ] naile, that is fastned in the sure place, depart and shall be broken, and fall: and the burden, that was vpon it, shall bee cut off: for the Lorde hath spoken it.


CHAP. XXIII.


1 A prophesie against Tyrus. 17 A promise that it shall be restored.

1 The [Note: [a] Read chap.13.1. ] burden of Tyrus. Howle, yee shippes of [Note: [b] Yee of Cilicia that come thither for marchandise. ] Tarshish: for [Note: [c] Tyrus is destroied by Nebuchad-nezzar. ] it is destroied, so that there is none house: none shall come from the lande of [Note: [d] By Chittim they meant all the yles and countreis Westward from Palestina. ] Chittim: it is [Note: [e] All men know of this destruction. ] reueiled vnto them.

2 Be still, yee that dwell in the yles: the marchantes of Zidon, and such as passe ouer the sea, haue [Note: [f] Haue haunted thee, and enriched thee. ] replenished thee.

3 The [Note: [g] Meaning, the corne of Egypt which was fed by the ouerflowing of Nilus. ] seede of Nilus growing by the abundance of waters, and the haruest of the riuer was her reuenues, and she was a marte of the nations.

4 Be ashamed, thou Zidon: for the [Note: [h] That is, Tyrus, which was the chiefe port of the Sea. ] sea hath spoken, euen the strength of the sea, saying, I haue not [Note: [i] I haue no people left in me, and am as a barren woman that neuer had childe. ] trauailed, nor brought forth children, neither [Page]

[The fall of Tyrus.]



nourished yong men, nor brought vp virgins.

5 When the fame commeth to the Egyptians, they shall be [Note: [k] Because these two coutreis were ioyned in league together. ] sorie, concerning the rumour of Tyrus.

6 Goe you ouer to [Note: [l] Tyrus willeth other marchants to goe to Cilicia, and to come no more there. ] Tarshish: howle, yee that dwell in the yles.

7 Is not this that your glorious citie? her antiquitie is of ancient daies: her owne feete shall leade her afarre off to be a soiourner.

8 Who hath decreed this against Tyrus (that [Note: [m] Who maketh her marchantes like Princes. ] crowneth men) whose marchantes are princes? whose chapmen are the nobles of the worlde?

9 The Lorde of hostes hath decreed this, to staine the pride of all glorie, and to bring to contempt all them that be glorious in the earth.

10 Passe through thy lande like a flood to the [Note: [n] Thy strength will no more serue thee: therefore flee to other countreis for succour. ] daughter of Tarshish: there is no more strength.

11 He stretched out his hand vpon the sea: he shooke the kingdomes: the Lorde hath giuen a commaundement concerning the place of marchandise, to destroy the power thereof.

12 And he saide, Thou shalt no more reioyce when thou art oppressed: [Note: [o] For Tyrus was neuer touched nor afflicted before. ] O virgin [Note: [p] Because Tyrus was built by them of Zidon. ] daughter of Zidon: rise vp, goe ouer vnto Chittim: yet there thou shalt haue no rest.

13 Behold the lande of the Caldeans: this was no people: [Note: [q] The Caldeans which dwelt in tentes in the wildernesse, were gathered by the Assyrians into cities. ] Asshur founded it by the inhabitantes of the wildernesse: they set vp the towers thereof: they raised the palaces thereof and hee [Note: [r] The people of the Caldeans destroied the Assyrians: whereby the Prophet meaneth, that seeing yt Caldeans were able to ouercome the Assyrians, which were so great a nation, much more shall these two nations of Caldea and Assyria be able to ouerthrow Tyrus. ] brought it to ruine.

14 Howle yee shippes of Tarshish, for your [Note: [s] That is, Tyrus by whome ye are enriched. ] strength is destroyed.

15 And in that day shall Tyrus bee forgotten seuentie yeeres, (according to the yeeres of one King) at the ende of [Note: [t] Tyrus shall lye destroied seuentie yeeres, which hee calleth the reigne of one King or a mans age. ] seuentie yeeres shall Tyrus [Note: [u] Shall vse all craft and subtiltie to entise men againe to her. ] sing as an harlot.

16 Take an harpe and go about the citie: (thou harlot thou hast beene forgotten) [Note: [x] Shee shall labour by al meanes to recouer her first credite, as an harlot when she is log forgotten, seeketh by al meanes to entertain her louers. ] make sweete melodie, sing moe songes that thou maiest be remembred.

17 And at the ende of seuentie yeres shall the Lorde visite Tyrus, and shee shall returne to her [Note: [y] Thogh shee haue beene chastised of the Lorde, yet shee shall returne to her olde wicked practises, and for gaine shall giue her selfe to all mens lustes like an harlot. ] wages, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdomes of the earth, that are in the world.

18 Yet her occupying and her wages shall bee [Note: [z] He sheweth that God yet by the preaching of the Gospel will call Tyrus to repentance, and turne her heart from auarice and filthie gaine vnto the true worshipping of God and liberalitie toward his Saintes. ] holy vnto the Lorde: it shall not be laied vp nor kept in store, but her marchandise shalbe for them that dwell before the Lorde, to eate sufficiently, and to haue durable clothing.


CHAP. XXIIII.


A prophesie of the curse of God for the sinnes of the people. 13 A remnant reserued shall praise the Lord.

1 Beholde, the Lorde maketh the [Note: [a] This prophesie is as a conclusion of that which hath beene threatned to the Iewes & other nations from the 13. chap. and therefore by the earth he meaneth those landes, which were before named. ] earth emptie, and hee maketh it waste: hee turneth it vpside downe, and scattereth abrode the inhabitants thereof.

2 And there shalbe like people, like [Note: [b] Because this was a name of dignitie, it was also applied to them, which were not of Aarons familie, and so signifieth also a man of dignitie, as 2.Sa 8.18. & 20.25.1.chron.18.17. and by these woordes the Prophet signifieth an horrible confusion, where there shalbe neither religion, order nor policie, Hosea.4.9. ] Priest, and like seruaunt, like master, like maide, like mistresse, like bier, like seller, like lender, like borower, like giuer, like taker to vsurie.

3 The earth shalbe cleane emptied, and vtterly

[A curse for sinnes.]



spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken this worde.

4 The earth lamenteth and fadeth away: the world is feeble and decaied: the proude people of the earth are weakened.

5 The earth [Note: [c] That is, rendreth not her fruite for the sinne of the people, whom the earth deceiued of their nouriture, because they deceiued God of his honour. ] also deceiueth, because of the inhabitantes thereof: for they transgressed the lawes: they changed the ordinances, and brake the euerlasting couenant.

6 Therefore hath the [Note: [d] Written in the Lawe, as Leuit.26. 14.deut.28 16. thus the Prophets vsed to applie particularly the menaces, and promises which are generall in the lawe. ] curse deuoured the earth, and the inhabitantes thereof are desolate. Wherefore the inhabitants of the land are [Note: [e] With heate and drought, or els, that they were cosumed with ye fire of Gods wrath. ] burned vp, and fewe men are left.

7 The wine faileth, the vine hath no might: all that were of merie heart, doe mourne.

8 The mirth of tabrets ceaseth: the noyse of them that reioyce, endeth: the ioye of the harpe ceaseth.

9 They shall not drinke wine with mirth: strong drinke shall be bitter to them yt drinke it.

10 The citie of [Note: [f] Which as it was without order, so nowe should it be brought to desolation and confusion: and this was not onely meant of Ierusalem, but of all the other wicked cities. ] vanitie is broken downe: euery house is shut vp, that no man may come in.

11 There is a crying for wine in the streetes: al ioy is darkened: the [Note: [g] Because they did not vse Gods benefites aright, their pleasures shoulde faile, and they fall to mourning. ] mirth of the world is gone away.

12 In the citie is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction.

13 ¶ Surely thus shall it bee in the middes of the earth, among the people, [Note: [h] He comforteth the faithfull, declaring that in this great desolation the Lorde will assemble his Church, which shall praise his name, as Chap. 10.22. ] as the shaking of an oliue tree, and as the grapes when the vintage is ended.

14 They shall lift vp their voyce: they shall shout for the magnificence of the Lord: they shall reioyce from [Note: [i] From the vtmost coasts of ye world, where the Gospel shalbe preached, as verse 16. ] the sea.

15 Wherefore praise yee the Lord in the valleis, euen the Name of the Lorde God of Israel, in the yles of the sea.

16 From the vttermost part of the earth wee haue heard praises, euen glory to the [Note: [k] Meaning, to God, who will publish his gospel through all the worlde. ] iust, and I sayd, [Note: [l] I am consumed wt care, considering the affliction of the Church, both by forreine enemies, and domesticall. Some reade, my secret, my secret: that is, it was reueiled to the Prophet, that ye good should be preserued and the wicked destroyed. ] My leanesse, my leanesse, woe is mee: the transgressours haue offended: yea, the transgressours haue grieuously offended.

17 Feare, and the pitte, and the snare are vpon thee, O inhabitant of the earth.

18 And hee that fleeth from the noyse of the feare, shall fall into the pit: and he that commeth vp out of the pit, shal be taken in the snare: for the [Note: [m] Meaning, that Gods wrath and vengeance should be ouer and vnder them: so that they shoulde not escape no more then they did at Noahs flood. ] windowes from on high are open, & the foundations of the earth doe shake.

19 The earth is vtterly broken downe: the earth is cleane dissolued: the earth is mooued exceedingly.

20 The earth shal reele to and fro like a drunken man, and shall be remooued like a tent, and the iniquitie thereof shall be heauie vpon it: so that it shall fall, and rise no more.

21 ¶ And in that day shall the Lorde [Note: [n] There is no power so high or mightie, but God will visite him with his roddes. ] visite the hoste aboue that is on hie, euen the Kinges of the world that are vpon the earth.

22 And they shall be gathered together, as the prisoners in the pit: and they shal be shut vp in the prison, and after many daies shal they be [Note: [o] Not with his roddes, as verse 21. but shall bee comforted. ] visited.

23 [Note: [p] When God shall restore his Church, the glorie thereof shall so shine and his ministers (which are called his ancient men) that the sunne and the moone shalbe darke in comparison thereof. ] Then the moone shal be abashed, and the sunne ashamed, when the Lorde of hostes shall reigne in mount Zion and in Ierusalem: and glory shalbe before his ancient men.


[Page 49]

[Death shalbe destroyed.]





CHAP. XXV.


A thakesgiuing to God in that that he sheweth himselfe iudge of the world, by punishing the wicked and mainteining the godly.

1 O Lord, thou [Note: [a] Thus the Prophete giueth thankes to God, because hee will bring vnder subiection these nations by his corrections, & make them of his Church which before were his enemies. ] art my God: I will exalt thee, I will prayse thy Name: for thou hast done wonderfull things, according to the counsels of old, with a stable trueth.

2 For thou hast made of a [Note: [b] Not only of Ierusalem, but also of these other cities, which haue bene thine enemies. ] citie an heape, of a strong citie, a ruine: euen the palace [Note: [c] That is, a place where as all vagabondes may liue without danger, and as it were, at ease, as in a palace. ] of strangers of a citie, it shall neuer be built.

3 Therefore shall the [Note: [d] The arrogant and proude, which before would not know thee, shall by thy corrections feare and glorifie thee. ] mightie people giue glory vnto thee: the citie of the strong nations shall feare thee.

4 For thou hast bene a strength vnto the poore, euen a strength to the needie in his trouble, a refuge against the tempest, a shadow against the heate: for the blaste [Note: [e] The rage of the wicked is furious, till God breake the force thereof. ] of the mightie is like a storme against the wall.

5 Thou shalt bring downe the noyse of the strangers, [Note: [f] Meaning, that as the heate is abated by the raine, so shal God bring downe the rage of the wicked. ] as the heate in a drie place: he wil bring downe the song of the mightie, as [Note: [g] As a cloude shadoweth from the heate of the sunne, so shal God aswage the reioycing of the wicked against the godly. ] the heate in the shadowe of a cloude.

6 And in this [Note: [h] To wit, in Zion, whereby he meaneth his Church, which should vnder Christ be assembled of the Iewes and the Gentiles, and is here described vnder the figure of a costly banket, as Matth.22.2. ] mountaine shall the Lorde of hostes make vnto all people a feast of fat thinges, euen a feast of fined wines, and of fat thinges full of marow, of wines fined and purified.

7 And he will destroy in this mountaine [Note: [i] Meaning, that ignorance and blindenesse, whereby we are kept backe from Christ. ] the couering that couereth all people, and the vaile that is spread vpon all nations.

8 He wil destroy death for euer: and the Lord God wil [Note: [k] Hee will take away all occasions of sorowe and fill his with perfite ioye, Reuelat.7.17. and 21.4. ] wipe away the teares from all faces, and the rebuke of his people will he take away out of all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it.

9 And in that day shall men say, Loe, this is our God: we haue waited for him, and he wil saue vs. This is the Lorde, we haue waited for him: we will reioyce and be ioyfull in his saluation.

10 For in this mountaine shall the hand of the Lord rest, and [Note: [l] By Moab are meant all the enemies of his Church. ] Moab shalbe threshed vnder him, euen as strawe is thresshed in [Note: [m] There were two cities of this name: one in Iudah, 1.Chron.2.49. and an other in the lande of Moab, Ieremie 48.2. which seemeth to haue bene a plentifull place of corne, Chapter 10.31. ] Madmenah.

11 And he shall stretche out his hande in the middes of them (as he that swimmeth, stretcheth them out to swimme) and with the strength of his handes shall he bring downe their pride.

12 The defence also of the height of thy walles shall he bring downe and lay lowe, and cast them to the ground, euen vnto the dust.


CHAP. XXVI.


A song of the faithfull, wherein is declared, in what consisteth the saluation of the Church, and wherein they ought to trust.

1 In that day shall [Note: [a] This song was made to cofort the faithful, when their captiuitie should come, assuring them also of their deliuerance, for the which they should sing this song. ] this song be sung in the land of Iudah, We haue a strong citie: [Note: [b] Gods protectio and defence shalbe sufficient for vs. ] saluation shal God set for walles and bulwarkes.

2 [Note: [c] He assureth the godly to returne after the captiuitie to Ierusalem. ] Open ye the gates that the righteous nation, which keepeth the trueth, may enter in.

3 By an assured [Note: [d] Thou hast decreed so, and thy purpose canot be changed. ] purpose wilt thou preserue perfite peace, because they trusted in thee.

4 Trust in the Lord for euer: for in the Lord God is strength for euermore.

5 For hee will bring downe them that dwell on hie: [Note: [e] There is no power so hie, that can let God, whe he wil deliuer his. ] the hie citie he will abase: euen vnto the ground wil he cast it downe, & bring it vnto dust.

6 The foote shall treade it downe, euen the feete of the [Note: [f] God wil set the poore afflicted ouer the power of the wicked. ] poore, and the steppes of the needie.

[The resurrection.]




7 The way of the iust is righteousnesse: thou wilt make equall the righteous path of the iust.

8 Also we, O Lorde, haue waited for thee in the way of thy [Note: [g] We haue constantly abid in the aduersities wherewith thou hast afflicted vs. ] iudgemets: the desire of our soule is to thy Name, and to the remembrance of thee.

9 With my soule haue I desired thee in the night, and with my spirit within mee will I seeke thee in the morning: for seeing thy iudgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world shall learne [Note: [h] Meaning, that by afflictions men shall learne to feare God. ] righteousnesse.

10 Let mercie [Note: [i] The wicked though God shew them euident signes of his grace, shalbe neuer the better. ] bee shewed to the wicked, yet hee will not learne righteousnesse: in the land of vprightnesse will he do wickedly, and will not beholde the maiestie of the Lord.

11 O Lorde, they will not beholde thine hie hande: but they shall see it, and bee confounded with [Note: [k] Through enuie and indignation against thy people. ] the zeale of the people, and the fire of thine [Note: [l] The fire and vengeance, wherewith thou doest destroy thine enemies. ] enemies shall deuoure them.

12 Lord, vnto vs thou wilt ordeine peace: for thou also hast wrought all our workes for vs.

13 O Lord our God, other [Note: [m] The Babylonians, which haue not gouerned according to thy worde. ] lords beside thee, haue ruled vs, but we will remember thee onely, and thy Name.

14 The [Note: [n] Meaning, that the reprobate, euen in this life shall haue the beginning of euerlasting death. ] dead shall not liue, neither shall the dead arise, because thou hast visited and scattered them, and destroyed all their memorie.

15 Thou hast increased [Note: [o] To wit, the companie of the faithfull by the calling of the Gentiles. ] the nation, O Lord: thou hast increased the nation: thou art made glorious: thou hast enlarged all the coastes of the earth.

16 Lorde, in trouble haue they [Note: [p] That is, the faithful by thy rods were mooued to pray vnto thee for deliuerance. ] visited thee: they powred out a prayer when thy chastening was vpon them.

17 Like as a woman with childe, that draweth neere to the trauaile, is in sorow, and cryeth in her paines, so haue we bene in thy [Note: [q] To wit, in extreme sorowe. ] sight, O Lord.

18 We haue coceiued, we haue borne in paine, as though we should haue brought forth [Note: [r] Our sorowes had none ende, neither did we enioy the comfort, that we looked for. ] winde: there was no helpe in the earth, neither did the inhabitants of [Note: [s] The wicked and men without religion were not destroyed. ] the world fall.

19 ¶ [Note: [t] He comforteth the faithful in their afflictions, shewing them that euen in death they shall haue life: and that they should most certainely rise to glory: the contrary should come to the wicked, as verse 14. ] Thy dead men shall liue: euen with my body shall they rise. Awake, and sing, ye that dwel in dust: for thy [Note: [u] As herbes, dead in winter, flourish againe by the raine in the spring time: so they that lie in the dust, shall rise vp to ioy when they feele the dewe of Gods grace. ] dewe is as the dew of herbes, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

20 Come, my people: [Note: [x] He exhorteth the faithful to be pacient in their afflictions, and to wait vpon Gods worke. ] enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doores after thee: hide thy selfe for a very litle while, vntill the indignation passe ouer.

21 For lo, the Lord commeth out of his place, to visite the iniquitie of the inhabitants of the earth vpon them: and the earth shall disclose her [Note: [y] The earth shall vomit and cast out the innocent blood, which it hath drunke, that it may cry for vengeance against the wicked. ] blood, and shall no more hide her slaine.


CHAP. XXVII.


A prophesie against the kingdome of Satan, 2 And of the ioye of the Church for their deliuerance.

1 In that [Note: [a] At the time appointed. ] day the Lorde with his sore and great and mightie [Note: [b] That is, by his mighty power and by his worde. Hee prophecieth here of the destruction of Satan and his kingdome vnder the name of Liuiathan, Asshur and Egypt. ] sword shall visite Liuiathan, that pearcing serpent, euen Liuiathan, that crooked serpent, and he shal slay the dragon that is in the sea.

2 In that daye sing of the vineyarde [Note: [c] Meaning, of the best wine, which this vineyarde, that is, the Church, should bring foorth as most agreeable to the Lorde. ] of redde wine.

3 I the Lorde doe keepe it: I will water it euery moment: least any assaile it, I will keepe it night and day.
[Page]

[Forsaking of idolatrie.]




4 Anger [Note: [d] Therefore he will destroy the kingdome of Satan, because he loueth his Church for his owne mercies sake, and can not be angry with it, but wisheth that he may powre his anger vpon the wicked infidels, whom he meaneth by bryers and thornes. ] is not in mee: who would set the briers & the thornes against me in battel? I would go through them, I would burne them together.

5 Or will he [Note: [e] He marueileth, that Israel wil not come by gentlenesse, except God make them to feele his rods, and so bring them vnto him. ] feele my strength, that he may make peace with me, and be at one with me?

6 [Note: [f] Though I afflict and diminish my people for a time, yet shall the roote spring againe and bring foorth in great abundance. ] Hereafter, Iaakob shall take roote: Israel shall florish and growe, and the world shall be filled with fruite.

7 Hath hee smitten [Note: [g] He sheweth that God punisheth his in mercie, and his enemies in iustice. ] him as hee smote those that smote him? or is hee slaine according to the slaughter of them that were slaine by him?

8 In [Note: [h] That is, thou wilt not destroy the roote of thy Church though the branches thereof seeme to perish by the sharpe winde of affliction. ] measure in the branches thereof wilt thou contende with it, when he bloweth with his rough winde in the day of the East winde.

9 By this therefore shall the iniquitie of Iaakob be purged, and this is all the [Note: [i] He sheweth that there is no true repentance, nor full reconciliation to God, till the heart be purged from all idolatrie, and the monuments thereof destroyed. ] fruit, the taking away of his sinne: whe he shal make all the stones of the altars, as chalke stones broken in pieces, that the groues and images may not stand vp.

10 Yet the [Note: [k] Notwithstanding his fauour that hee will shewe them after, yet Ierusalem shall bee destroyed, and grasse for cattell shall growe in it. ] defenced citie shalbe desolate, and the habitation shalbe forsaken, and left like a wildernes. There shall the calfe feede, and there shall he lie, and consume the branches thereof.

11 When the boughes of it are drie, they shalbe broken: the [Note: [l] God shall not haue neede of mightie enemies: for the very women shall doe it, to their great shame. ] women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of none vnderstading: therefore hee that made them, shall not haue compassion of them, and he that formed them, shall haue no mercie on them.

12 And in that day shall the Lord thresh from the chanell of the [Note: [m] Hee shall destroye all from Euphrates to Nilus: for some fled towarde Egypt, thinking to haue escaped. ] Riuer vnto the riuer of Egypt, and ye shalbe gathered, one by one, O children of Israel.

13 In that day also shall the great trumpe be [Note: [n] In the time of Cyrus, by whome they shoulde bee deliuered: but this was chiefely accomplished vnder Christ. ] blowen, and they shall come, which perished in the land of Asshur: and they that were chased into the lande of Egypt, and they shall worship the Lord in the holy Mount at Ierusalem.


CHAP. XXVIII.


Against the pride and drunkennes of Israel. 9 The vntowardnesse of them that should learne the worde of God. 24 God doeth all things in time and place.

1 Woe to the [Note: [a] Meaning, the proude kingdome of the Israelites, which were drunken with worldly prosperitie. ] crowne of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim: for his glorious beautie shall be a fading flowre, which is vpon the head of the [Note: [b] Because the Israelites for ye most part dwelt in plentifull valleis, hee meaneth hereby the valley of them, that had abundance of worldly prosperitie, and were, as it were crowned therewith, as with garlands. ] valley of them that be fat, and are ouercome with wine.

2 Beholde, the Lorde hath a mightie and [Note: [c] He seemeth to meane the Assyrians, by whome the tenne tribes were caried away. ] strong hoste, like a tempest of haile, and a whirlewinde that ouerthroweth, like a tempest of mightie waters that ouerflowe, which throwe to the ground mightily.

3 They shall be troden vnder foote, euen the crowne & the pride of the drunkards of Ephraim.

4 For his glorious beautie shall be a fading floure, which is vpon the head of the valley of them that be fatte, and as [Note: [d] Which is not of long continuance, but is soone ripe, and first eaten. ] the hastie fruite afore sommer, which when hee that looketh vpon it, seeth it, while it is in his hand, he eateth it.

5 In that day shall the Lord of hostes be for a crowne of glory, and for a diademe of beautie vnto the [Note: [e] Signifying, that the faithfull, which put not their trust in any worldly prosperitie, but made God their glory, shalbe preserued. ] residue of his people:

6 And for a spirite of iudgement to him that

[A couenant with death.]



sitteth in iudgement, and for [Note: [f] Hee will giue counsell to the gouernour, & strength to the captaine, to driue the enemies in at their owne gates. ] strength vnto them that turne away the battell to the gate.

7 But [Note: [g] Meaning, the hypocrites, which were among them, and were altogether corrupt in life and doctrine, which is here ment by drunkennes and vomiting. ] they haue erred because of wine, and are out of the way by strong drinke: the priest and the prophet haue erred by strong drinke: they are swallowed vp with wine: they haue gone astraye through strong drinke: they faile in vision: they stumble in iudgement.

8 For all their tables are full of filthy vomiting: no place is cleane.

9 [Note: [h] For there was none that was able to vnderstand any good doctrine: but were foolish, and as vnmeete as yong babes. ] Whome shall he teache knowledge? and whome shall he make to vnderstand the thinges that hee heareth? them that are weyned from the milke, and drawen from the breastes.

10 For [Note: [i] They must haue one thing ofttimes tolde. ] precept must be vpon precept, precept vpon precept, line vnto line, line vnto line, there a litle, and there a litle.

11 For with a stammering [Note: [k] Let one teache what he can, yet they shall no more vnderstand him, then if hee spake in a strage language. ] tongue and with a strange language shall he speake vnto this people.

12 Vnto whome [Note: [l] That is, the Prophet, whome God should sende. ] hee saide, [Note: [m] This is the doctrine, whereupon ye ought to stay and rest. ] This is the rest: [Note: [n] Shewe to them that are weary and haue neede of rest, what is the true rest. ] giue rest to him that is weary: and this is the refreshing, but they would not heare.

13 Therefore shall the worde of the [Note: [o] Because they wil not receiue the word of God when it is offred, it commeth of their own malice, if after their hearts be so hardened, that they care not for it, as before Chap.6.9. ] Lord be vnto them precept vpon precept, precept vpo precept, line vnto line, line vnto line, there a litle and there a litle, that they may goe, and fall backward, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

14 Wherefore, heare the worde of the Lorde, ye scornefull men that rule this people, which is at Ierusalem.

15 Because ye haue said, We haue made a [Note: [p] They thought they had shiftes to auoyde Gods iudgements, and that they could escape though all other perished. ] couenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement: though a scourge runne ouer, and passe through, it shal not come at vs: for we haue made [Note: [q] Though the Prophets condemned their idoles, and vaine trust, of falsehode, and vanitie, yet the wicked thought in themselues that they would trust in these things. ] falshood our refuge, & vnder vanitie are we hid,

16 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will laye in Zion a stone, a [Note: [r] That is, Christ by whom all the building must be tried, & vpholden, Psal.118.22. mat.21. 42. actes 4.11. rom. 9.33. 1.pet.2.6. ] tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. Hee that beleeueth, [Note: [s] He shalbe quiet, & seeke none other remedies, but be content with Christ. ] shall not make haste.

17 Iudgement also will I laye to the rule, and [Note: [t] In the restitution of his Church, iudgement, and iustice shall reigne. ] righteousnesse to the balance, and the [Note: [u] Gods corrections and affliction. ] haile shall sweepe away the vaine confidence, and the waters shall ouerflowe [Note: [x] Affliction shall discouer their vaine confidence, which they kept secret to themselues. ] the secret place.

18 And your couenant with death shalbe disanulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand: when a scourge shall runne ouer and passe through, then shall ye be trode downe by it.

19 When it passeth ouer, it shall take you away: for it shall passe through euery morning in the day, and in the night, and there shalbe onely [Note: [y] Terrour and destruction shall make you to learne that, which exhortations and gentlenesse could not bring you vnto. ] feare to make you to vnderstand the hearing.

20 For the bed is [Note: [z] Your affliction shalbe so sore, that you are not able to endure it. ] streight that it can not suffice, and the couering narowe that one can not wrappe himselfe.

21 For the Lord shall stand as in mount [Note: [a] When Dauid ouercame the Philistims, 2 Sam. 5.20. 1.Chro.14. 11. ] Perazim: hee shall be wroth as in the valley [Note: [b] Where Ioshua discomfited fiue Kings of the Amorites, Ioshua 10.12. ] of Gibeon, that he may do his worke, his strage worke, and bring to passe his acte, his strange acte.

22 Nowe therefore be no mockers, least your bondes increase: for I haue heard of the Lorde of hostes a consumption, euen determined vpon the whole earth.

23 Hearken ye, and heare my voyce: hearken ye, and heare my speach.


[Page 50]

[Against Ierusalem.]




24 Doeth the plowe man plowe all the day, to sowe? doeth he open, and breake the clots of his ground?

25 When he hath made it [Note: [c] As the plowe man hath his appointed time, and diuers instruments for his labour, so hath the Lord for his vengeance: for he punisheth some at one time, and some at another, some after one sort, and some after another, so that his chosen seede is beaten, and tried, but not broken, as are the wicked. ] plaine, wil he not then sowe the fitches, and sowe cummin, and cast in wheat by measure, and the appointed barly and rye in their place?

26 For his God doeth instruct him to haue discretion, and doeth teach him.

27 For fitches shall not be threshed with a threshing instrument, neither shall a cart wheele be turned about vpon the cummin: but ye fitches are beaten out with a staffe, and cummin wt a rod.

28 Bread corne when it is threshed, hee doeth not alway thresh it, neither doeth the wheele of his cart still make a noyse, neither will he breake it with the teeth thereof.

29 This also commeth from the Lorde of hostes, which is wonderfull in counsell, and excellent in workes.


CHAP. XXIX.


1 A prophecie against Ierusalem. 13 The vengeance of God on them that followe the traditions of men.

1 Ah [Note: [a] The Ebrewe worde Ariel signifieth the Lyon of God, and signifieth the Altar, because the Altar seemed to deuoure the sacrifice that was offred to God, as Ezek.43.16. ] altar, altar of the citie that Dauid dwelt in: adde yere vnto yere: [Note: [b] Your vaine confidence in your sacrifices shall not last long. ] let them kil lambs.

2 But I wil bring the altar into distresse, and there shalbe heauines and sorowe, and it shall be vnto me like [Note: [c] Your citie shall be full of blood, as an altar whereon they sacrifice. ] an altar.

3 And I wil besiege thee as a circle, and fight against thee on a mount, and will cast vp ramparts against thee.

4 So shalt thou be humbled, and shalt speake out of the [Note: [d] Thy speach shal be no more so loftie, but abased, and low as the very charmers which are in low places, and whisper so that their voyce can scarse be heard. ] ground, and thy speach shalbe as out of the dust: thy voyce also shall be out of the ground like him that hath a spirite of diuination, and thy talking shall whisper out of the dust.

5 Moreouer, the multitude of thy [Note: [e] Thine hired souldiers, in whom thou trustest, shall be destroyed, as dust or chaffe in a whirlewinde. ] strangers shalbe like small dust, and the multitude of strong men shalbe as chaffe that passeth away, and it shal be in a moment, euen suddenly.

6 Thou shalt be visited of the Lord of hostes with thunder, and shaking, and a great noyse, a whirlewinde, and a tempest, and a flame of a deuouring fire.

7 And the [Note: [f] The enemies that I wil bring to destroy thee, and that which thou makest thy vaine trust, shall come at vnwares, euen as a dreame in the night. Some reade, as if this were a comfort to the Church for the destruction of their enemies. ] multitude of all the nations that fight against the altar, shalbe as a dreame or vision by night: euen all they that make the warre against it, and strong holdes against it, and lay siege vnto it.

8 And it shalbe like as an hungry man dreameth, and beholde, [Note: [g] That is, he thinketh yt he eateth. ] he eateth: and when he awaketh, his soule is emptie: or like as a thirsty man dreameth, and loe, he is drinking, and when he awaketh, beholde, he is faint, and his soule longeth: so shal the multitude of all nations be that fight against mount Zion.

9 [Note: [h] Muse hereon as long as ye list, yet shall ye finde nothing but occasion to be astonied: for your Prophets are blinde, and therefore can not direct you. ] Stay your selues, and wonder: they are blinde, and make you blinde: they are drunken but not with wine: they stagger, but not by strong drinke.

10 For the Lord hath couered you with a spirite of slumber, and hath shut vp your eyes: the Prophets, & your chiefe Seers hath he couered.

11 And the vision of them all is become vnto you, as the wordes of a booke that is sealed vp, which they deliuer to one that can reade, saying, Reade this, I pray thee. Then shall he say, I can [Note: [i] Meaning, that it is all alike either to reade, or not to reade, except God open the heart to vnderstande. ] not: for it is sealed.

[The rebellious children.]




12 And the booke is giuen vnto him that can not reade, saying, Reade this, I pray thee. And he shall say, I can not reade.

13 Therefore the Lord sayd, Because this people [Note: [k] Because they are hypocrites and not sincere in heart, as Mat.15.8. ] come neere vnto me with their mouth, and honour me with their lips, but haue remooued their heart farre from me, and their [Note: [l] That is, their religion was learned by mans doctrine, and not by my worde. ] feare toward me was taught by the precept of men,

14 Therefore behold, I wil againe doe a marueilous worke in this people, euen a marueilous worke, and a wonder: for the wisdome of their wise men shall [Note: [m] Meaning, that where as God is not worshipped according to his worde, both magistrates and ministers are but fooles, and without vnderstanding. ] perish, and the vnderstanding of their prudent men shalbe hid.

15 Wo vnto them that [Note: [n] This is spoken of them, which in heart despised Gods worde, and mocked at the admonitions, but outwardly bare a good face. ] seeke deepe to hide their counsell from the Lorde: for their workes are in darkenes, and they say, Who seeth vs? and who knoweth vs?

16 Your turning of deuises shal it not be esteemed [Note: [o] For all your craft, saith ye Lord, you cannot be able to escape mine hands no more then the clay, that is in the potters hands, hath power to deliuer it selfe. ] as the potters clay? for shall the worke say of him that made it, Hee made me not? or the thing formed, say of him that facioned it, He had none vnderstanding?

17 Is it not yet but a litle while, and Lebanon shall be [Note: [p] Shall there not be a change of all things? and Carmel, that is a plentifull place in respect of that it shal be then, may be taken as a forest, as Chap.32.15 and thus he speaketh to comfort the faythfull. ] turned into Carmel? and Carmel shall be counted as a forest?

18 And in that day shall the deafe heare the wordes of the booke, and the eyes of the blinde shall see out of obscuritie, and out of darkenesse.

19 The meeke in the Lorde shall receiue ioye againe, and the poore men shall reioyce in the holy one of Israel.

20 For the cruel man shal cease, & the scornefull shalbe consumed: and all that hasted to iniquitie, shalbe cut off:

21 Which made a man to sinne in ye [Note: [q] They that went about to find fault with the Prophets wordes, and would not abide admonitions, but would intangle them and bring them into danger. ] worde, and tooke him in a snare: which reproued them in the gate, and made the iust to fall without cause.

22 Therefore thus sayth the Lorde vnto the house of Iaakob, euen hee that redeemed Abraham, Iaakob shall not now be confounded, neither now shal his face be pale.

23 But when he seeth his children, the worke of mine hands, in the mids of him, they shal sanctifie my Name, and sanctifie the holy one of Iaakob, and shal feare the God of Israel.

24 Then they that erred in spirit, [Note: [r] Signifying, that except God giue vnderstanding, and knowledge, man can not but still erre, and murmure against him. ] shall haue vnderstanding, and they that murmured, shall learne doctrine.


CHAP. XXX.


1 He reprooueth the Iewes which in their aduersitie vsed their owne counsels, 2 and sought helpe of the Egyptians, 10 Despising the Prophets. 16 Therefore hee sheweth what destruction shall come vpon them, 18 But offereth mercie to the repentant.

1 Wo to the [Note: [a] Who contrary to their promes, take not me for their protectour, and contrary to my commaundement, seeke helpe at strangers. ] rebellious children, sayth the Lord, that take counsell, but not of me, and [Note: [b] They seeke shiftes to cloke their doings, and not godly meanes. ] couer with a couering, but not by my spirit, that they may lay sinne vpon sinne:

2 Which walke forth to goe downe into Egypt (and haue not asked at my mouth) to strengthen them selues with the strength of Pharaoh, and trust in the shadowe of Egypt.

3 But the strength of Pharaoh shalbe your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

4 For his [Note: [c] The chiefe of Israel went into Egypt in Ambassie to seeke helpe, and abode at these cities. ] princes were at Zoan, and his Ambassadours came vnto Hanes.

5 They shalbe all ashamed of the people that cannot profite them, nor helpe nor doe them good, but shalbe a shame and also a reproche.
[Page]

[To waite for the Lorde.]




6 ¶ The [Note: [d] That is, a heauy sentence or prophecie against the beasts that caried their treasures into Egypt, by the wildernes, which was South from Iudah: signifying that if the beastes should not be spared, that men should be punished much more grieuously. ] burden of the beasts of the South, in a land of trouble and anguish, from whence shall come the yong and olde lyon, the viper and fierie flying serpent against them that shall beare their riches vpon the shoulders of the coltes, and their treasures vpon the bounches of the camels, to a people that cannot profite.

7 For the Egyptians are vanitie, & they shall helpe in vaine. Therefore haue I cried vnto [Note: [e] To wit, to Ierusalem. ] her, Their strength [Note: [f] And not to come to and fro to seeke helpe. ] is to sit still.

8 Now go, and write [Note: [g] That is, this prophecie. ] it before them in a table, and note it in a booke that it may be for the [Note: [h] That it may be a witnes against them for all posteritie. ] last day for euer and euer:

9 That it is a rebellious people, lying children, and children that would not [Note: [i] Hee sheweth what was the cause of their destruction, & bringeth also all miserie to man: to wit, because they would not heare the worde of God, but delited to be flattered, and led in errour. ] heare the law of the Lord.

10 Which say vnto the Seers, See not: and to the Prophets, Prophecie not vnto vs right things: but speake flattering things vnto vs: prophecie [Note: [k] Threaten vs not by the worde of God, neither be so rigorous, nor talke vnto vs in the Name of the Lord, as Iere.11.21. ] errours.

11 Depart out of the way: go aside out of the path: cause the holy one of Israel to cease fro vs.

12 Therefoe thus saith the holy one of Israel, Because you haue cast off this worde, and trust in [Note: [l] Meaning, in their stubbernes against God and the admonitions of his Prophets. ] violence, and wickednes, and stay thereupon,

13 Therefore this iniquitie shalbe vnto you as a breach that falleth, or a swelling in an hie wall, whose breaking commeth suddenly in a moment.

14 And the breaking thereof is like the breaking of a potters pot, which is broken without pitie, and in the breaking thereof is not found [Note: [m] Signifying, that the destruction of the wicked shalbe without recouerie. ] a sheard to take fire out of the hearth, or to take water out of the pit.

15 For thus sayd the [Note: [n] Oft times by his Prophets hee put you in remebrance of this, that you should onely depend on him. ] Lorde God, the Holy one of Israel, In rest and quietnes shall ye be saued: in quietnes and in confidence shall be your strength, but ye would not.

16 For ye haue sayd, No, but we wil flee away vpon [Note: [o] We wil trust to escape by our horses. ] horses. Therefore shall ye flee. We will ride vpon the swiftest. Therefore shall your persecuters be swifter.

17 A thousand as one shall flee at the rebuke of one: at the rebuke of fiue shall ye flee, till ye be left as a ship maste vpon the [Note: [p] Whereas all the trees are cut down saue two or three to make mastes. ] top of a mountaine, and as a beaken vpon an hill.

18 Yet therefore will the Lord waite, that he may haue [Note: [q] He commendeth the great mercies of God, who with patience waiteth to call sinners to repentace. ] mercy vpon you, and therefore wil he be exalted, that hee may haue compassion vpon you: for the Lorde is the God of [Note: [r] Not only in punishing, but in vsing moderation in the same, as Ier. 10.24. and 30.11. ] iudgement. Blessed are all they that waite for him.

19 Surely a people shal dwell in Zion, and in Ierusalem: thou shalt weepe no more: he wil certainly haue mercy vpon thee at the voyce of thy crye: when he heareth thee, he wil answere thee.

20 And when the Lorde hath giuen you the bread of aduersitie, and the water of affliction, thy raine shalbe no more kept backe, but thine eyes shall see thy [Note: Or, instructour. ] raine.

21 And thine eares shal heare a worde behind thee, saying, This is the way, [Note: [s] God shal direct all thy wayes, and appoint thee how to go either hither or thither. ] walke ye in it, when thou turnest to the right hand, & when thou turnest to the left.

22 And ye shall [Note: [t] Ye shal cast away your idols, which you haue made of gold, & siluer, with all that belongeth vnto them, as a most filthie thing, & polluted. ] pollute the couering of the images of siluer, and the riche ornament of thine images of golde, and cast them away as a menstruous cloth, and thou shalt say vnto it, [Note: [u] Shewing that there can be no true repentance except both in heart & deede we shew ourselues enemies to idolatrie. ] Get thee hence.

[Vaine trust in man.]




23 Then shall hee giue raine vnto thy seede, when thou shalt sowe the ground, and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shalbe fat and as oyle: in that day shall thy cattell be fed in large pastures.

24 The oxen also and the yong asses, that till the ground, shall eate cleane prouender, which is winowed with the shoouel and with the fanne.

25 And vpon euery hie [Note: [x] By these diuers maners of speach he sheweth that the felicitie of the Church shalbe so great, that none is able sufficiently to expresse it. ] mountaine, and vpon euery hie hill shal there be riuers and streames of waters, in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers shall fall.

26 Moreouer, the light of the moone shall be as the light of the [Note: [y] When the Church shalbe restored, the glory thereof shall passe seuen times the brightnes of the sunne: for by the sunne and moone, which are two excellent creatures, he sheweth what shalbe the glory of the children of God in the kingdome of Christ. ] sunne, and the light of the sunne shalbe seuen folde, and like the light of seuen dayes in the day that the Lord shall binde vp the breach of his people, and heale the stroke of their wound.

27 Beholde, [Note: [z] This threatning is against the Assyrians, the chiefe enemies of the people of God. ] the Name of the Lorde commeth from farre, his face is burning, & the burden thereof is heauy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue is as a deuouring fire.

28 And his spirit is as a riuer that ouerfloweth vp to the necke: it deuideth asunder, to fanne the nations with the fanne of [Note: [a] To driue thee to nothing: and thus God consumeth the wicked by that meanes, whereby he clenseth his. ] vanitie, and there shall be a bridle to cause them to erre in the chawes of the people.

29 But there shall be a song vnto you as in the [Note: [b] Ye shall reioyce at the destruction of your enemies, as they that sing for ioy of the solemne feast, which began in the euening. ] night, when solemne feast is kept: and gladnes of heart, as he that commeth with a pipe to goe vnto the mount of the Lord, to the mightie one of Israel.

30 And the Lorde shall cause his glorious voyce to be heard, and shall declare the lighting downe of his arme with the anger of his countenance, and flame of a deuouring fire, with scattering and tempest, and hailestones.

31 For with the voyce of the Lord shal Asshur be destroyed, which smote with the [Note: [c] Gods plague. ] rod.

32 And in euery place that ye staffe shal passe, it shall [Note: [d] It shal destroy. ] cleaue fast, which the Lord shall lay vpon him with [Note: [e] With ioy and assurance of the victorie. ] tabrets & harpes: and with battels, and lifting vp of hands shall he fight [Note: [f] Against Babel: meaning, the Assyrians and Babylonians. ] against it.

33 For [Note: [g] Here it is taken for hell, where the wicked are tormented, reade 2.King.23.10. ] Tophet is prepared of olde: it is euen prepared for the [Note: [h] So that their state or degree can not exempt the wicked. ] King: hee hath made it [Note: [i] By these figuratiue speaches he declareth the condition of the wicked after this life. ] deepe and large: the burning thereof is fire and much wood: the breath of the Lord, like a riuer of brimstone, doeth kindle it.


CHAP. XXXI.


1 He curseth them that forsake God, and seeke for the helpe of men.

1 Woe vnto them that [Note: [a] There were two speciall causes, why the Israelites should not ioyne amitie with the Egyptians: first, because the Lorde had commaunded them neuer to returne thither, Deut.17.16. and 28. 68. least they should forget the benefite of their redemption: and secondly, least they should be corrupted with the superstition and idolatrie of the Egyptians, and so forsake God, Iere.2.18. ] goe downe into Egypt for helpe, and stay vpon horses, and trust in charets, because they are many, and in horsemen, because they be very strong: but they looke not vnto the holy one of Israel, nor [Note: [b] Meaning, that they forsake the Lorde, that put their trust in worldly things: for they can not trust in both. ] seeke vnto the Lord.

2 But he yet is [Note: [c] And knoweth their craftie enterprises & will bring all to naught. ] wisest: therefore he wil bring euill, and not turne backe his worde, but he will arise against the house of the wicked, and against the helpe of them that worke vanitie.

3 Now the Egyptians are men, and not God, and their horses flesh and not spirite: and when the Lorde shall stretch out his hand, the [Note: [d] Meaning, both the Egyptians and the Israelites. ] helper

[Page 51]

[Of good magistrates.]



shall fall, and hee that is holpen shal fall, and they shall altogether faile.
4 For thus hath the Lord spoken vnto me, As the lyon or lyons whelpe roareth vpon his praye, against whom if a multitude of shepheards be called, hee will not be afraide at their voyce, neither will humble him selfe at their noise: so shall the Lord of hostes come [Note: [e] He sheweth the Iewes, that if they would put their trust in him, he is so able, that none can resist his power: and so carefull ouer them, as a birde ouer her yog, which euer flyeth about the for their defence: which similitude the Scripture vseth in diuers places, as Deut.32. 11. mat.23.37. ] downe to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

5 As birds that flie, so shal the Lord of hostes defend Ierusalem by defending and deliuering, by passing through and preseruing it.

6 O ye children of Israel, turne againe, in as much as ye are [Note: [f] Hee toucheth their conscience that they might earnestly feele their grieuous sinnes, and so truely repent, for as much as now they are almost drowned and past recouerie. ] sunken deepe in rebellion.

7 For in that day euery man shall [Note: [g] By these fruites your repentance shalbe knowen, as Chap.2.18. ] cast out his idoles of siluer, and his idoles of golde, which your handes haue made you, euen a sinne.

8 Then shall Asshur fall by [Note: [h] When your repetance appeareth. ] the sworde, not of man, neither shall the sworde of man deuoure him, and hee shall flee from the sworde, and his yong men shall faint.

9 And he shall go for feare to his [Note: [i] This was accomplished soone after when Saneheribs armie was discomfited, and he fled to his castell in Nineueh for succour. ] towre, and his princes shall be afraide of the standart, sayeth the Lord, whose [Note: [k] To destroy his enemies. ] fire is in Zion, and his fornace in Ierusalem.



CHAP. XXXII.


The conditions of good rulers and officers described by the gouernement of Hezekiah, who was the figure of Christ.

1 Beholde, [Note: [a] This prophesie is of Hezekiah, who was a figure of Christ, & therefore it ought chiefly to be referred to him. ] a King shall reigne in iustice, and the princes shall rule [Note: [b] By iudgement and iustice is ment an vpright gouernment, both in policie and religion. ] in iudgement.

2 And that man shall bee as an hiding place from the winde, and as a refuge for the tempest: as riuers of water in a drie place, and as the shadowe of a great rocke in [Note: [c] Where men are weary with traueiling, for lacke of water. ] a weary land.

3 The eyes of [Note: [d] He promiseth to giue the true light, which is, the pure doctrine of Gods word, and vnderstanding, and zeale of the same, are cotrary to the threatnings against the wicked, Chap.6.9. and 29.10. ] the seeing shal not be shut, and the eares of them that heare, shall hearken.

4 And the heart of the foolish shall vnderstand knowledge, and the tongue of the stutters shalbe ready to speake distinctly.

5 A [Note: [e] Vice shall no more be called vertue, nor vertue esteemed by power and riches. ] nigard shall no more be called liberall, nor the churle riche.

6 But the nigarde will speake of nigardnesse, and his heart will worke iniquitie, and do wickedly, and speake falsely against the Lorde, to make emptie the hungrie soule, and to cause the drinke of the thirstie to faile.

7 For the weapons of the churle are wicked: hee deuiseth wicked counsels, to vndoe the poore with lying words: and to speake against the poore in iudgement.

8 But the liberall man will deuise of liberall things, and he will continue his liberalitie.

9 ¶ Rise vp, ye women that are at ease: heare my voyce, ye [Note: [f] He prophesieth of such calamitie to come, that they will not spare the women & children, and therefore willeth them to take heede and prouide. ] carelesse daughters: hearken to my wordes.

10 Yee women, that are carelesse, shall be in feare [Note: [g] Meaning, that the afflictio should continue long, and when one yeere were past, yet they should looke for newe plagues. ] aboue a yeere in dayes: [Note: [h] God will take from you the meanes and occasions, which made you to cotemne him: to wit, abundance of worldly goods. ] for the vintage shall faile, and the gatherings shall come no more.

11 Yee women, that are at ease, be astonied: feare, O yee carelesse women: put off the clothes: make bare, and girde sackcloth vpon the loynes.

12 Men shall lament for the [Note: [i] By the teates he meaneth the plentifull fieldes, whereby men are nourished, as children with the teate: or, the mothers for sorowe, and leannesse shall lacke milke. ] teates, euen for the pleasant fieldes, and for the fruitefull vine.

13 Vpon the lande of my people shall growe thornes and briers: yea, vpon all the houses of

[The spoyler spoyled.]



ioye in the citie of reioysing,

14 Because the palace shalbe forsaken, and the [Note: Or, multitude. ] noise of the citie shalbe left: the towre and fortresse shalbe dennes for euer, & the delite of wilde asses, and a pasture for flockes,

15 Vntill the [Note: [k] That is when the Church shalbe restored: thus the Prophetes after they haue denounced Gods iudgements against the wicked, vse to comfort the godly least they should faint. ] Spirit be powred vpon vs from aboue, and the wildernes become a fruitfull fielde, and the [Note: [l] The fielde which is now fruitefull, shalbe but as a barren forest in comparison of that it shalbe then, as Chap.29.17. which shalbe fulfilled in Christes time: for then they that were before as the barren wildernes, being regenerate, shalbe fruitfull, and they that had some beginning of godlines, shall bring foorth fruits in such abundance, that their former life shall seeme but as a wildernes, where no fruits were. ] plenteous fielde be counted as a forest.

16 And iudgement shal dwel in the desert, and iustice shall remaine in the fruitfull fielde.

17 And the worke of iustice shall bee peace, euen the worke of iustice and quietnesse, and assurance for euer.

18 And my people shall dwell in the tabernacle of peace, and in sure dwellings, and in safe resting places.

19 When it haileth, it shall fall on the forest, and the [Note: [m] They shall not neede to build it in hie places for feare of the enemy: for God wil defend it, & turne away the stormes fro hurting of their comodities. ] citie shall be set in the lowe place.

20 Blessed are ye [Note: [n] That is, vpon fat ground and well watered, which bringeth foorth in abundance: or in places which before were couered with waters, and now made dry for your vses. ] that sowe vpon all waters, and [Note: [o] The fieldes shalbe so ranke, that they shall send out their cattel to eate vp the first crop, which abundance shalbe signes of Gods fauour and loue towards them. ] driue thither the feete of the oxe & the asse.


CHAP. XXXIII.


1 The destructio of them by whom God hath punished his Church.

1 Woe to thee that [Note: [a] Meaning the enemies of the Church, as were the Caldeans, and Assyrias: but chiefly of Saneherib, but not onely. ] spoylest, and wast not spoyled: and doest wickedly, and they did not wickedly against thee: when thou shalt [Note: [b] When thine appointed time shall come that God shal take away thy power: and that which thou hast wrongfully gotten, shalbe giuen to others, as Amos 5.11. ] cease to spoyle, thou shalt be spoyled: when thou shalt make an ende of doing wickedly, [Note: [c] The Caldeans shall do like to the Assyrians, as the Assyrians did to Israel: & the Medes, and Persians shall doe the same to the Caldeans. ] they shall doe wickedly against thee.

2 [Note: [d] He declareth hereby what is the chiefe refuge of the faithfull when troubles come, to pray and seeke helpe of God. ] O Lorde, haue mercie vpon vs, wee haue waited for thee: be thou, which waste [Note: [e] Which helpedst our fathers so soone as they called vpon thee. ] their arme in the morning, our helpe also in time of trouble.

3 At the noise of the tumult, the [Note: [f] That is, the Assyrians fled before the armie of the Caldeans, or the Caldeans for feare of the Medes and Persians. ] people fled: at thine [Note: [g] When thou, O Lorde, diddest lift vp thine arme to punish thine enemies. ] exalting the nations were scattered.

4 And your spoyle shall be gathered like the gathering of [Note: [h] Yee that as caterpillers destroyed with your nomber the whole worlde, shall haue no strength to resist your enemies the Caldeans, but shalbe gathered on an heape and destroyed. ] caterpillers: and [Note: [i] Meaning the Medes and Persians against the Caldeans. ] he shall go against him like the leaping of grashoppers.

5 The Lorde is exalted: for hee dwelleth on hie: he hath filled Zion with iudgement & iustice.

6 And there shall be stabilitie of [Note: [k] That is, in the dayes of Hezekiah. ] thy times, strength, saluation, wisdome and knowledge: for the feare of the Lord shalbe his treasure.

7 Behold, [Note: [l] Sent from Saneherib. ] their messengers shal cry without, and ye [Note: [m] Whom they of Ierusalem sent to intreat of peace. ] ambassadours of peace shal weepe bitterly.

8 The [Note: [n] These are the words of the Ambassadours, when they returne fro Saneherib. ] pathes are waste: the wayfaring man ceaseth: hee hath broken the couenant: hee hath contemned the cities: he regarded no man.

9 The earth mourneth & fainteth: Lebanon is ashamed, and hewen downe: [Note: [o] Which was a plentifull countrey, meaning, that Saneherib would destroye all. ] Sharon is like a wildernes, and Bashan is shaken and Carmel.

10 Now will I [Note: [p] To helpe & deliuer my Church. ] arise, saith the Lord: now will I be exalted, now will I lift vp my selfe.

11 [Note: [q] This is spoken against the enemies, who thought all was their owne, but he sheweth that their enterprise shalbe in vaine, and that the fire, which they had kindled for others, should consume them. ] Ye shall conceiue chaffe, and bring forth stubble: the fire of your breath shall deuoure you.

12 And the people shall be as the burning of [Page]

[Who shall dwell on hie.]



lime: and as the thornes cut vp, shall they be burnt in the fire.

13 Heare, yee that are [Note: [r] His vengeance shalbe so great that all the world shall talke thereof. ] farre off, what I haue done, and ye that are neere, know my power.

14 The [Note: [s] Which doe not beleeue the words of the Prophet and the assurance of their deliuerance. ] sinners in Zion are afraide: a feare is come vpon the hypocrites: who among vs shall dwel with the deuouring fire? who among vs shall dwell with the euerlasting burnings?

15 Hee that walketh in iustice, and speaketh righteous things, refusing gaine of oppression, shaking his handes from taking of gifts, stopping his eares from hearing of blood, and shutting his eyes from seeing euill.

16 He shall dwell on [Note: [t] Meaning, that God will be a sure defence to al them that liue according to his word. ] hie: his defence shall be the munitions of rockes: bread shalbe giuen him, and his waters shalbe sure.

17 Thine eyes shall [Note: [u] They shall see Hezekiah deliuered from his enemies & restored to honour and glory. ] see the King in his glory: they shall beholde the lande [Note: [x] They shalbe no more shut in as they were by Saneherib, but go where it pleaseth them. ] farre off.

18 Thine heart [Note: [y] Before that this libertie commeth, thou shalt thinke that thou art in great danger: for the enemie shall so sharply assaile you, that one shall cry, Where is ye clarke that writeth the names of them that are taxed? another, Where is the receiuer? another shall cry for him that valueth the riche houses, but God will deliuer you from this feare. ] shall meditate feare, Where is the scribe? where is the receiuer? where is hee that counted the towres?

19 Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a darke speache, that thou canst not perceiue, and of a stammering tongue that thou canst not vnderstande.

20 Looke vpon Zion the citie of our solemne feastes: thine eyes shall see Ierusalem a quiet habitation, a Tabernacle that can not be remooued: and the stakes thereof can neuer be taken away, neither shall any of the cordes thereof be broken.

21 For surely there the mightie Lorde will be vnto vs, as a place [Note: [z] Let vs be content with this smal riuer of Shiloah, and not desire the great streames and riuers, whereby the enemies may bring in shippes and destroye vs. ] of floods and broade riuers, whereby shall passe no shippe with oares, neither shall great shippe passe thereby.

22 For the Lorde is our Iudge, the Lord is our lawe giuer: the Lord is our King, he will saue vs.

23 Thy [Note: [a] Hee derideth the Assyrians and enemies of the Church, declaring their destruction as they that perish by shipwracke. ] cordes are loosed: they could not wel strengthen their maste, neither coulde they spread the saile: then shall the [Note: [b] He comforteth the Church, and sheweth that they shalbe enriched with all benefites both of body and soule. ] praye be deuided for a great spoile: yea, the lame shal take away the pray.

24 And none inhabitant shall say, I am sicke: the people that dwell therein, shall haue their iniquitie forgiuen.


CHAP. XXXIIII.


1 He sheweth that God punisheth the wicked for the loue that he beareth toward his Church.

1 Come neere, ye [Note: [a] He prophecieth of the destruction of the Edomites, and other nations which were enemies to the Church. ] nations and heare, and hearken, ye people: let the earth heare and all that is therein, the world & al that proceedeth thereof.

2 For the indignation of the Lord is vpon all nations, and his wrath vpon all their armies: hee hath [Note: [b] God hath determined in his counsel and hath giuen sentence for their destruction. ] destroyed them and deliuered them to the slaughter.

3 And their slaine shalbe cast out, and their stincke shall come vp out of their bodies, and the mountaines shalbe melted with their blood.

4 And all the hoste of heauen [Note: [c] He speaketh this in respect of mans iudgement, who in great feare and horrible troubles thinketh that heauen and earth perisheth. ] shalbe dissolued, and the heauens shall be folden like a booke: and all their hostes shall fall as the leafe falleth from the vine, and as it falleth from the figtree.

5 For my sword shalbe [Note: [d] I haue determined in my secret counsell and in the heauens to destroye them till my sworde be weary with shedding blood. ] drunken in the heauen: beholde, it shall come downe vpon Edom, euen vpo the people of [Note: [e] They had an opinion of holinesse because they came of the Patriarke Izhak, but in effect were accursed of God, and enemies vnto his Church as the Papistes are. ] my curse to iudgement.

6 The sword of the Lord is filled with blood: it is made fat with the fat & with the blood of the

[The grace vnder the Gospel.]



[Note: [f] That is, both of yong & old, poore and riche of his enemies. ] lambes & the goates, with the fat of the kidneis of the rams: for the Lord hath a sacrifice in [Note: [g] That famous citie shalbe consumed as a sacrifice burnt to ashes. ] Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Edom.

7 And the [Note: [h] The mighty and rich shalbe aswell destroyed as the inferiours. ] vnicorne shall come downe with them and the heiffers with the bulles, and their lande shalbe drunken with blood, and their dust made fat with fatnesse.

8 For it is the day of the Lordes vengeance, and the yeere of recompence for the iudgement of Zion.

9 And the riuers thereof shall be turned into pitche, and the dust thereof into [Note: [i] He alludeth to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorah, Gen.19.24. ] brimstone, and the land thereof shalbe burning pitch.

10 It shal not be quenched night nor day: the smoke thereof shall goe vp euermore: it shall be desolate from generation to generation: none shall passe through it for euer.

11 But the pelicane [Note: [k] Reade Chap.13. 21. and Zepha.2.14. ] and the hedgehog shall possesse it, and the great owle, and the rauen shall dwel in it, and he shall stretch out vpon it the line of [Note: [l] In vaine shall any man go about to build it againe. ] vanitie, and the stones of emptinesse.

12 [Note: [m] Meaning, there shalbe neither order nor policie, nor state of common weale. ] The nobles thereof shal call to the kingdome, and there shalbe none, and all the princes thereof shalbe as nothing.

13 And it shall bring foorth thornes in the palaces thereof, nettles and thistles in the strong holdes thereof, and it shall be an habitation for dragons, and a court for ostriches.

14 There shall [Note: [n] Reade Chap. 13.21. ] meete also Ziim and Iim, and the Satyre shall cry to his fellow, and the shricheowle shall rest there, and shall finde for her selfe a quiet dwelling.

15 There [Note: [o] Signifying, that Idumea should bee an horrible desolation and barren wildernes. ] shall the owle make her nest, and laye, and hatche, and gather them vnder her shadowe: there shall the vultures also bee gathered, euery one with her make.

16 Seeke in the [Note: [p] That is, in the Lawe where such curses are threatned against the wicked. ] booke of the Lord, and reade: none of [Note: [q] To wit, beastes and foules. ] these shall fayle, none shall want her make: for [Note: [r] That is, the mouth of the Lord. ] his mouth hath commaunded, and his very Spirit hath gathered them.

17 And he hath cast the [Note: [s] He hath giuen the beastes and foules Idumea for an inheritance. ] lot for them, and his hand hath deuided it vnto them by line: they shal possesse it for euer: from generation to generation shall they dwell in it.


CHAP. XXXV.


1 The great ioye of them that beleeue in Christ. 3 Their office which preach the Gospel. 8 The fruites that follow thereof.

1 The [Note: [a] He prophecieth of the full restauration of the Church both of the Iewes and Gentiles vnder Christ, which shalbe fully accomplished at the last day: albeit as yet it is compared to a desert and wildernesse. ] desert and the wildernes shall reioyce: and the waste ground shalbe glad and florish as the rose.

2 It shall florish abundantly and shal greatly reioyce also and ioye: the glory of Lebanon shalbe giuen vnto it: the beautie of [Note: [b] The Church which was before compared to a barren wildernes, shall by Christ be made most plenteous and beautifull. ] Carmel, and of Sharon, they shall [Note: [c] He sheweth that the presence of God is the cause that the Church doeth bring foorth fruite and florish. ] see the glory of the Lord, and the excellencie of our God.

3 [Note: [d] He willeth all to encourage one another, and specially the ministers to exhort and strengthen the weake, that they may patiently abide the comming of God, which is at hande. ] Strengthen the weake handes, and comfort the feeble knees.

4 Say vnto them that are fearefull, Bee you strong, feare not: beholde, your God commeth with [Note: [e] To destroye your enemies. ] vengeance: euen God with a recompense, he will come and saue you.

5 Then shall the eyes of the [Note: [f] When the knowledge of Christ is reueiled. ] blinde be lightened, and the eares of the deafe be opened.

6 Then shal ye lame man leape as an hart, and the dumme mans tongue shal sing: for in the [Note: [g] They that were barren and destitute of the graces of God, shall haue them giuen by Christ. ] wildernes shal waters breake out, & riuers in ye desert.


[Page 52]

[The craft of the wicked.]




7 And the dry ground shalbe as a poole, and the thirstie (as springs of water in the habitation of dragons: where they lay) shall be a place for reedes and rushes.

8 And there shalbe a path and a way, and the way shalbe called [Note: [h] It shalbe for the Saints of God and not for ye wicked. ] holy: the polluted shall not passe by it: for [Note: [i] God shall leade and guide them, alluding to the bringing forth of Egypt. ] he shalbe with them, and walke in the way, and the fooles shall not erre.

9 There shall be [Note: [k] As he threatned to the wicked to be destroyed hereby, Chap.30.6. ] no lyon, nor noysome beastes shall ascend by it, neither shall they be found there, that the redeemed may walke.

10 Therefore the [Note: [l] Whom the Lord shall deliuer from the captiuitie of Babylon. ] redeemed of the Lord shall returne and come to Zion with prayse: and euerlasting ioy shall bee vpon their heads: they shall obteine ioye and gladnesse, and sorow and mourning shall flee away.


CHAP. XXXVI.


1 Shaneherib sendeth Rabshakeh to besiege Ierusalem. 15 His blasphemies against God.

1 Nowe [Note: [a] This historie is rehearsed, because it is as a seale and confirmation of the doctrine afore, both for the threatnings and promises: to wit, that God would suffer his Church to be afflicted, but at length would send deliuerance. ] in the [Note: [b] When he had abolished superstition, and idolatrie, and restored religion, yet God would exercise his Church to trye their fayth and patience. ] fourteenth yeere of King Hezekiah, Saneherib King of Asshur came vp against al the strong cities of Iudah, & tooke them.

2 And the King of Asshur sent Rabshakeh from Lachish toward Ierusalem vnto King Hezekiah, with a great hoste, & he stood by ye conduite of the vpper poole in the path of the fullers fielde.

3 Then came foorth vnto him Eliakim the sonne of Hilkiah the [Note: [c] For he was now restored to his office, as Isaiah had prophecied, Chap. 22.20. ] steward of the house, and Shebna [Note: [d] This declareth that there were fewe godly to be found in the Kings house, when hee was driuen to send this wicked man in such a weightie matter. ] the chanceler, and Ioah the sonne of Asaph the recorder.

4 And [Note: [e] Saneheribs chiefe captaine. ] Rabshakeh sayde vnto them, Tell you Hezekiah, I pray you, Thus sayth the great King, the King of Asshur, What confidence is this, wherein thou trustest?

5 I say, [Note: [f] Hee speaketh this in the person of Hezekiah falsly charging him, that he put his trust in his wit and eloquence, whereas his onely confidence was in the Lorde. ] Surely I haue eloquence, but counsell and strength are for the warre: on whom then doest thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?

6 Loe, thou trustest in this broken staffe of reede on Egypt, whereupon if a man leane, it will goe into his hand, and pearce it: so is [Note: [g] Satan laboured to pull the godly King from one vaine confidence to another: to wit, from trust in the Egyptians, whose power was weake and would deceiue them, to yeeld himselfe to the Assyrians, and so not to hope for any helpe of God. ] Pharaoh King of Egypt, vnto all that trust in him.

7 But if thou say to me, We trust in the Lord our God. Is not that he, whose hie places & whose altars Hezekiah tooke downe, & said to Iudah & to Ierusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar?

8 Nowe therefore giue hostages to my lorde the King of Asshur, and I wil giue thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders vpon them.

9 For howe canst thou [Note: Or, turne backe. ] despise any captaine of the [Note: [h] He reprocheth to Hezekiah his small power, which is not able to resist one of Saneheribs least captaines. ] least of my lordes seruants? and put thy trust on Egypt for charets and for horsemen?

10 And am I now come vp without the Lord to this land to destroy it? The Lord sayd vnto me, [Note: [i] Thus the wicked to deceiue vs, will pretend the Name of the Lorde: but we must trie the spirits, whether they be of God or no. ] Goe vp against this land and destroy it.

11 ¶ Then sayd Eliakim and Shebna and Ioah vnto Rabshakeh, [Note: [k] They were afraide, least by his wordes hee should haue stirred the people against the King, and also pretended to growe to some appointment with him. ] Speake, I pray thee, to thy seruants in the Aramites language, (for we vnderstand it) & talke not with vs in the Iewes tongue, in the audience of the people that are on the wall.

12 Then said Rabshakeh, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee to speake these wordes, and not to the men that sit on the wall? that they may eate their owne doung, and drinke

[The godly lament.]



their owne [Note: Ebr. the water of their feete. ] pisse with you?

13 So Rabshakeh stood, & cryed with a loude voyce in the Iewes language, and sayd, Heare the wordes of the great King, of the King of Asshur.

14 Thus saith the King, Let not Hezekiah deceiue you: for he shall not be able to deliuer you.

15 Neither let Hezekiah make you to trust in the Lord, saying, The Lorde will surely deliuer vs: this citie shal not be giuen ouer into the hand of the King of Asshur.

16 Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus sayth the King of Asshur, Make [Note: [l] The Ebrewe worde signifieth blessing: whereby this wicked captaine would haue perswaded the people, that their condition should be better vnder Saneherib then vnder Hezekiah. ] appointment with me, and come out to me, that euery man may eate of his owne vine, & euery man of his owne fig tree, and drinke euery man the water of his owne well,

17 Till I come and bring you to a land like your owne land, euen a land of wheate, and wine, a land of bread and vineyardes,

18 Least Hezekiah deceiue you, saying, The Lord wil deliuer vs. Hath any of the gods of the nations deliuered his land out of the hand of the King of Asshur?

19 Where is the god of [Note: [m] That is of Antiochia in Syria, of the which these two other cities also were: whereby we see howe euery towne had his peculiar idole, and how the wicked make God an idole, because they do not vnderstand that God maketh them his scourge, and punisheth cities for sinne. ] Hamath, and of Arpad? where is the god of Sepharuaim? or howe haue they deliuered Samaria out of mine hand?

20 Who is hee among all the gods of these lands, that hath deliuered their countrey out of mine hand, that the Lorde should deliuer Ierusalem out of mine hand?

21 Then they [Note: [n] Not that they did not shewe by euident signes that they did detest his blasphemie: for they had now rent their clothes, but they knew it was in vaine to vse long reasoning with this infidel, whose rage they should haue so much more prouoked. ] kept silence, and answered him not a worde: for the Kings commandement was, saying, Answere him not.

22 Then came Eliakim the sonne of Hilkiah the steward of the house, and Shebna the chanceller, and Ioah the sonne of Asaph the recorder, vnto Hezekiah with rent clothes, and tolde him the wordes of Rabshakeh.


CHAP. XXXVII.


1 Hezekiah asketh counsell of Isaiah, who promiseth him the victorie. 10 The blasphemie of Saneherib. 16 Hezekiahs prayer. 36 The armie of Saneherib is slaine of the Angel, 38 And he himselfe of his owne sonnes.

1 And [Note: 2.Kings 19.1. ] when the King Hezekiah heard it, he [Note: [a] In signe of griefe and repentance. ] rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth and came into the House of the Lord.

2 And he sent Eliakim the stewarde of the house, aud Shebna the chanceller, with the Elders of the Priestes, clothed in sackcloth vnto [Note: [b] To haue comfort of him by the worde of God, that his fayth might be confirmed and so his prayer be more earnest: teaching hereby that in all dangers these two are the onely remedies, to seeke vnto God and his ministers. ] Isaiah the Prophet, the sonne of Amoz.

3 And they sayd vnto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of tribulation and of rebuke and blasphemie: for the children are come to the [Note: [c] We are in as great sorowe as a woman that trauaileth of childe, and can not be deliuered. ] birth, and there is no strength to bring foorth.

4 If so be the Lorde thy God hath [Note: [d] That is will declare by effect that hee hath heard it: for when God deferreth to punish, it seemeth to the flesh, that hee knoweth not the sinne, or heareth not the cause. ] heard the wordes of Rabshakeh, whom the King of Asshur his master hath sent to raile on the liuing God, and to reproch him with wordes which the Lord thy God hath heard, then [Note: [e] Declaring that the ministers office doeth not onely stande in comforting by the worde, but also in praying for the people. ] lift thou vp thy prayer for the remnant that are left.

5 So the seruants of the King Hezekiah came to Isaiah.

6 And Isaiah sayde vnto them, Thus say vnto your master, Thus saith the Lorde, Be not afrayd of the wordes that thou hast heard, wherewith the seruants of the king of Asshur haue blasphemed me.
[Page]

[Hezekiahs prayer.]




7 Beholde, I wil send a blast vpon him, and he shall heare a [Note: [f] Of the Egyptians and Ethiopians, that shal come and fight against him. ] noyse, and returne to his owne land, and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his owne land.

8 ¶ So Rabshakeh returned, and found the King of Asshur fighting against [Note: [g] Which was a citie toward Egypt, thinking thereby to haue stayed the force of his enemies. ] Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish.

9 He heard also men say of Tirhakah, King of Ethiopia, Beholde, he is come out to fight against thee: and when he heard it, he sent other messengers to Hezekiah, saying,

10 Thus shall ye speake to Hezekiah King of Iudah, saying, Let not thy God [Note: [h] Thus God would haue him to vtter a most horrible blasphemie before his destruction: as to call the authour of all trueth, a deceiuer: some gather hereby that Shebnah had disclosed vnto Saneherib the answere that Isaiah sent to the King. ] deceiue thee, in whom thou trustest, saying, Ierusalem shal not be giuen into the hand of the King of Asshur.

11 Beholde, thou hast heard what the Kings of Asshur haue done to all lands in destroying them, and shalt thou be deliuered?

12 Haue the gods of the nations deliuered them, which my fathers haue destroyed? as [Note: [i] Which was a citie of ye Medes. ] Gozan, and [Note: [k] Called also Charre a citie in Mesopotamia, whence Abraham came after his fathers death. ] Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden, which were at Telassar?

13 Where is the King of Hamath, and the King of Arpad, and the King of the citie of Sepharuaim, Hena and Iuah?

14 ¶ So Hezekiah receiued the letter of the hand of the messengers and read it, and he went vp into the House of the Lorde, and Hezekiah spread it before the Lord.

15 And Hezekiah prayed vnto the Lorde, saying,

16 O Lorde of hostes, God of Israel, which [Note: [l] He groundeth his prayer on Gods promes, who promised to heare them from betweene the Cherubims. ] dwellest betweene the Cherubims, thou art very God alone ouer all the kingdomes of the earth: thou hast made the heauen and the earth.

17 Encline thine eare, O Lord, and heare: open thine eyes, O Lorde, and see, and heare all the wordes of Saneherib, who hath sent to blaspheme the liuing God.

18 Trueth it is, O Lord, that the Kings of Asshur haue destroyed all lands, & [Note: [m] Meaning, the ten tribes. ] their countrey,

19 And haue cast their gods in ye fire: for they were no gods, but the worke of mans hands, euen wood or stone: therefore they destroyed them.

20 Nowe therefore, O Lorde our God, saue thou vs out of his hand, that [Note: [n] He declareth for what cause he prayed, that they might be deliuered: to wit, that God might be glorified thereby through all the world. ] all the kingdomes of the earth may knowe, that thou onely art the Lorde.

21 ¶ Then Isaiah the sonne of Amoz sent vnto Hezekiah, saying, Thus sayth the Lord God of Israel, Because thou hast prayed vnto me, concerning Saneherib king of Asshur,

22 This is the worde that the Lord hath spoken against him, the [Note: [o] Whom God had chosen to himselfe, as a chaste virgin, and ouer whom he had care to preserue her from the lustes of the tyrant, as a father would haue ouer his daughter. ] virgine, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, & laughed thee to scorne: the daughter of Ierusalem, hath shaken her head at thee.

23 Whome hast thou railed on and blasphemed? and against whome hast thou exalted thy voyce, & lifted vp thine eyes on hie? euen against the [Note: [p] Declaring hereby that they that are enemies to Gods Church, fight against him whose quarel his Church onely mainteineth. ] holy one of Israel.

24 By thy seruants hast thou railed on the Lord, and sayd, By the multitude of my charets I am come vp to the top of the mountaines to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut downe the hie cedars thereof, and the faire firre trees thereof, and I will goe vp to the heightes of his top and to the forest of his fruitfull places.

25 I haue digged [Note: [q] He boasteth of his policie, in that that he can finde meanes to nourish his army: and of his power, in that that his army is so great that it is able to drie vp whole riuers, and to destroy the waters, which the Iewes had closed in. ] and drunke the waters, and with the plant of my feete haue I dryed all the

[Tyrants are brideled.]



riuers closed in.

26 Hast thou not heard howe I haue of olde time made it, [Note: [r] Signifying, that God made not his Church to destroy it, but to preserue it, and therefore he sayth that hee formed it of olde, euen in his eternal counsell, which cannot be changed. ] and haue formed it long ago? and should I now bring it, that it should be destroyed, and layde on ruinous heapes, as cities defensed?

27 Whose inhabitants [Note: Ebr. are short in hand. ] haue small power, and are afrayd & confounded: they are like the grasse of the field & greene herbe, or grasse on the house tops, or corne blassed [Note: [s] Hee sheweth that the state and power of most florishing cities endureth but a moment in respect of the Church, which shall remaine for euer, because God is the mainteiner thereof. ] afore it be growen.

28 But I know thy dwelling, and thy [Note: [t] Meaning, his counsels and enterprises. ] going out, and thy comming in, and thy fury against me.

29 Because thou ragest against me, and thy tumult is come vnto mine eares, therefore will I put mine [Note: [u] Because Saneherib shewed himselfe, as a deuouring fish and furious beast, he vseth these similitudes, to teach howe he will take him and guide him. ] hooke in thy nostrels, and my bridle in thy lips, and wil bring thee backe againe the same way thou [Note: [x] Thou shalt lose thy labour. ] camest.

30 And this shalbe a [Note: [y] God giueth signes after two sortes: some goe before the thing, as the signes that Moses wrought in Egypt, which were for the confirmation of their fayth: and some go after the thing as the sacrifice, which they were commanded to make three dayes after their departure: & these latter are to keepe the benefites of God in our remembrance, of the which sort this here is. ] signe vnto thee, O Hezekiah, Thou shalt eate this yeere such as groweth of it selfe: and the [Note: [z] Hee promiseth that for two yeeres the ground of it selfe should feede them. ] second yeere, such things as growe without sowing: and in the third yeere, sowe ye and reape, and plant vineyards, and eate the fruite thereof.

31 And [Note: [a] They whom God had deliuered out of the hands of the Assyrians, shall prosper: and this properly belongeth to the Church. ] the remnant that is escaped of the house of Iudah, shall againe take roote downward and beare fruite vpward.

32 For out of Ierusalem shall goe a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeale of the Lord of hostes shall doe this.

33 Therefore thus sayth the Lord, concerning the King of Asshur, He shall not enter into this citie, nor shoote an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a mount against it.

34 By the same way that he came, he shall returne, and not come into this citie, saith the Lord.

35 For I will defend this citie to saue it, for mine owne sake, & for my seruant [Note: [b] For my promes sake made to Dauid. ] Dauids sake.

36 ¶ [Note: 2.King.19.35. 2.chro.32.21. iob.1.18. ecclus.48.22. 1.macca.7.41. 2.mac.8.19. ] Then the Angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the campe of Asshur an hundreth, fourescore, and fiue thousand: so when they arose early in the morning, beholde, they were all dead corpses.

37 So Saneherib king of Asshur departed, and went away and returned and dwelt at [Note: [c] Which was the chiefest citie of the Assyrians. ] Nineueh.

38 And as he was in the temple worshipping of Nisroch his god, Adramelech and Sharezer his sonnes [Note: Iob 1.21. ] slewe him with the sword, and they escaped into the land of [Note: Or, Armenia. ] Ararat: and [Note: [d] Who was also called Sardanapalus, in whose dayes ten yeeres after Saneheribs death the Chaldeans ouercame the Assyrians by Merodach their King. ] Esarhaddon his sonne reigned in his steade.


CHAP. XXXVIII.


1 Hezekiah is sicke. 5 Hee is restored to health by the Lorde, and liueth fifteene yeeres after. 10 Hee giueth thankes for his benefite.

1 About [Note: 2.King.20.1. 2.chro.32.24. ] that [Note: [a] Soone after that the Assyrians were slaine: so that God will haue the exercise of his children continuall, that they may learne onely to depend vpon God and aspire to the heauens. ] time was Hezekiah sicke vnto the death, and the Prophet Isaiah sonne of Amoz came vnto him, and sayd vnto him, Thus sayth the Lord, Put thine house in an order, for thou shalt dye, and not liue.

2 Then Hezekiah [Note: [b] For his heart was touched with feare of Gods iudgment, seeing he had appointed him to die, so quickly after his deliuerance from so great calamitie, as one vnworthy to remaine in that estate, & also foreseeing the great change, that should come in the Church, forasmuch as he left no sonne to reigne after him: for as yet Manasseh was not borne: and when he reigned, we see what a tyrant he was. ] turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the Lord,


[Page 53]

[Hezekiah restored to health.]




3 And saide, I beseeche thee, Lord, remember nowe howe I haue walked before thee in trueth, and with a perfite heart, & haue done that which is good in thy sight: and Hezekiah wept sore.

4 ¶ Then came the worde of the Lord to Isaiah, saying,

5 Goe, and say vnto Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord God of Dauid thy father, I haue heard thy prayer, and seene thy teares: behold, I will adde vnto thy dayes fifteene yeeres.

6 And I will deliuer thee [Note: [c] He doeth not onely promise to prolong his life, but to giue him rest and quietnesse from the Assyrians, who might haue renued their armie to reuenge their former discomfiture. ] out of the hand of the King of Asshur, and this citie: for I will defende this citie.

7 And [Note: [d] For Hezekiah had asked, for the confirmation of his faith, a signe, as verse 22. & 2.King. 20.8: whereunto he was moued by the singular motion of Gods Spirit. ] this signe shalt thou haue of ye Lord, that ye Lord will do this thing that he hath spoken,

8 Beholde, I will bring againe the shadowe of the degrees (whereby it is gone downe in the diall of Ahaz by the [Note: [e] Reade 2.King. 20.10. ] sunne) ten degrees backeward: so the sunne returned by tenne degrees, by the which degrees it was gone downe.

9 [Note: [f] He left this song of his lamentation and thankesgiuing to all posteritie, as a monument of his owne infirmitie and thankefull heart for Gods benefites, as Dauid did, Psalm.51. ] The writing of Hezekiah King of Iudah, when he had bene sicke, and was recouered of his sickenesse.

10 I saide in the [Note: [g] At what time it was tolde me, that I shoulde die. ] cutting off of my dayes, I shall goe to the gates of the graue: I am depriued of the residue of my yeeres.

11 I said, [Note: [h] I shall no more prayse the Lorde here in this Temple among the faithfull: thus God suffereth his dearest children to want his consolation for a time, that his grace afterward may the more appeare whe they feele their owne weakenesse. ] I shall not see the Lord, euen the Lord in the land of the liuing: I shall see man no more among the inhabitants of the world.

12 Mine habitation is departed, and is remoued from me, like a shepheards tent: I [Note: [i] By my sinne I haue prouoked God to take my life from me. ] haue cut off like a weauer my life: he will cut me off from the height: from day [Note: [k] That is, in one day, or shortly. ] to night, thou wilt make an ende of me.

13 I rekoned [Note: [l] Ouer night I thought that I shoulde liue till morning, but my pangs in the night perswaded me the contrary: he sheweth the horrour that the faithfull haue when they apprehend Gods iudgement against sinne. ] to the morning: but he brake all my bones, like a lion: from day to night wilt thou make an ende of me.

14 Like a crane or a swallow, so did I [Note: [m] I was so opprest with sorowe, that I was not able to vtter my wordes, but onely to grone and sigh. ] chatter: I did mourne as a doue: mine eies were lift vp on high: O Lord, [Note: [n] To wit, sorowe and griefe both of body and mind. ] it hath oppressed me, comfort me.

15 What shall I say? [Note: [o] God hath declared by his Prophet that I shall die, and therefore I will yeelde vnto him. ] for he hath said it to me, and he hath done it: I shall walke [Note: [p] I shall haue no release, but continuall sorowes whiles I liue. ] weakely all my yeeres in the bitternesse of my soule.

16 O Lord, [Note: [q] They that shall ouerliue the men that are nowe aliue, and all they that are in these yeeres shall acknowledge this benefite. ] to them that ouerliue them, and to all that are in them, the life of my spirite shalbe knowen, that thou causedst me to [Note: [r] That after that thou hadest condemned me to death, thou restoredst me to life. ] sleepe and hast giuen life to me.

17 Beholde, for [Note: [s] Where as I thought to haue liued in rest and ease being deliuered from mine enemies, I had griefe vpon griefe. ] felicitie I had bitter griefe, but it was thy pleasure to deliuer my soule from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my [Note: [t] He esteemeth more the remission of his sinnes, and Gods fauour then a thousand liues. ] sinnes behinde thy backe.

18 For [Note: [u] For as much as God hath placed man in this worlde to glorifie him, the godly take it as a signe of his wrath when their dayes were shortened, either because that they seemed vnworthy for their sinnes to liue longer in his seruice, or for their zeale to Gods glorie, seeing that there are so few in earth, that do regard it, as Psal.6.5. and 115.17. ] the graue cannot confesse thee: death cannot praise thee: they that goe downe into the pit, cannot hope for thy trueth.

19 But the liuing, the liuing, he shall confesse thee, as I doe this day: the father to the [Note: [x] Al posteritie shal acknowledge & the fathers according to their duetie toward their children shall instruct them in thy graces, and mercies toward me. ] children shall declare thy trueth.

20 The Lord was ready to saue me: therefore

[Hezekiah reproued.]



we will sing my song, all the dayes of [Note: [y] Hee sheweth what is the vse of the Congregation and Church: to wit, to giue the Lord thankes for his benefites. ] our life in the House of the Lord.

21 Then said Isaiah, Take a lumpe of drye figs and [Note: [z] Reade 2.Kin.27. ] lay it vpon the boyle, and he shall recouer.

22 Also Hezekiah [Note: [a] As verse 7. ] had said, What is ye signe, that I shall goe vp into the House of the Lord?


CHAP. XXXIX.


Hezekiah is reproued because he shewed his treasures vnto the ambassadours of Babylon.

1 At [Note: 2.King.20.12. ] the same time, [Note: [a] This was the first King of Babylon, which ouercame the Assyrians in the tenth yeere of his reigne. ] Merodach Baladan, the sonne of Baladan, King of Babel, sent [Note: [b] Partly moued with the greatnes of the miracle, partly because he shewed himselfe enemie to his enemies, but chiefely, because he would ioyne with them whom God fauoured, and haue their helpe, if occasion serued. ] letters, and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had bene sicke, and was recouered.

2 And Hezekiah was [Note: [c] Reade, 2.King. 20.13. and 2.chro. 32.25,31. ] glad of them, and shewed them the house of the treasures, the siluer, and the golde, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was founde in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his kingdome that Hezekiah shewed them not.

3 Then came Isaiah the Prophet vnto King Hezekiah, & said vnto him, What said these men? and from whence came they to thee? And Hezekiah saide, They are come from a farre countrey vnto me, from Babel.

4 Then saide he, What haue [Note: [d] He asketh him of the particulars to make him vnderstand the craft of the wiced, which he before being ouercome with their flatterie, and blinded with ambition could not see. ] they seene in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house haue they seene: there is nothing among my treasures, that I haue not shewed them.

5 And Isaiah saide to Hezekiah, Heare the worde of the Lord of hostes,

6 Beholde, the dayes come, that all that is in thine house, and which thy fathers haue layed vp in store vntill this day, shall be [Note: [e] By the grieuousnesse of the punishment is declared howe greatly God detesteth ambition & vaine glory. ] caried to Babel: nothing shall be left, sayeth the Lord.

7 And of thy sonnes, that shall proceede out of thee, and which thou shalt beget, shall they take away, and they shall be [Note: [f] That is, officers and seruants. ] eunuches in the palace of the King of Babel.

8 [Note: [g] Reade 2.King. 20.19. ] Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, The worde of the Lord is good, which thou hast spoken: and he saide, Yet let there be peace, and trueth in my dayes.


CHAP. XL.


2 Remission of sinnes by Christ. 3 The comming of Iohn Baptist. 18 The Prophet reproueth the idolaters and them that trust not in the Lord.

1 Comfort [Note: [a] This is a consolation for the Church, assuring them that they shall be neuer destitute of Prophets, whereby he exhorteth the true ministers of God that then were, & those also that shoulde come after him, to comfort the poore afflicted, and to assure them of their deliuerance both of body and soule. ] ye, comfort ye my people, will your God say.

2 Speake comfortably to Ierusalem, and crye vnto her, that her [Note: [b] The time of her affliction. ] warrefare is accomplished, that her iniquitie is pardoned: for she hath receiued of the Lords hand [Note: [c] Meaning, sufficient, as chap.61.7. and full correction, or double grace, whereas she deserued double punishment. ] double for all her sinnes.

3 A [Note: [d] To wit, of the Prophets. ] voyce cryeth in the [Note: [e] That is, in Babylon & other places where they were kept in captiuitie, & miserie. ] wildernesse, [Note: [f] Meaning, Cyrus & Darius which should deliuer Gods people out of captiuitie, and make them a ready way to Ierusalem: and this was fully accomplished, when Iohn the Baptist brought tidings of Iesus Christes comming, who was the true deliuerer of his Church from sinne and Satan, Matth.3.3. ] Prepare ye the way of the Lord: make streight in the desert a path for our God.

4 Euery valley shall be exalted, and euery [Note: [g] Whatsoeuer may let or hinder this deliuerance, shall be remooued. ] mountaine and hill shall be made lowe: and the crooked shalbe streight, & the rough places plaine.

5 And the glory of the Lord shalbe reueiled, and all [Note: [h] This miracle shall be so great, that it shall be knowen through all the worlde. ] flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
[Page]

[God not to be figured.]




6 A [Note: [i] The voyce of God, which spake to the Prophet Isaiah. ] voyce saide, Crie. And he saide, What shall I crie? All flesh is grasse, and all the [Note: [k] Meaning, all mans wisedome and naturall powers, Iames 1.10. 1.peter 1 24. ] grace thereof is as the floure of the fielde.

7 The grasse withereth, the floure fadeth, because the [Note: [l] The Spirit of God shall discouer the vanitie in all that seeme to haue any excellencie of themselues. ] Spirite of the Lorde bloweth vpon it: surely the people is grasse.

8 The grasse withereth, the floure fadeth: but the [Note: [m] Though considering the frailtie of mans nature many of the Iewes should perish, and so not be partakers of this deliuerance, yet Gods promes should be fulfilled, and they that remained, should feele the fruite thereof. ] worde of our God shall stand for euer.

9 ¶ O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee vp into the hie [Note: [n] To publish this benefite through all the worlde. ] mountaine: O Ierusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift vp thy voyce with strength: lift it vp, be not afraide: say vnto the cities of Iudah, Beholde [Note: [o] He sheweth at one worde the perfection of all mans felicitie, which is to haue Gods presence. ] your God.

10 Beholde, the Lorde God will come with power, and [Note: [p] His power shall be sufficient without helpe of any other, and shall haue all meanes in himselfe to bring his will to passe. ] his arme shall rule for him: beholde, his rewarde is with him, and his worke before him,

11 He shall feede his flocke like a shepheard: he shall gather the lambes with his arme, & cary them in his bosome, and shal guide them wt [Note: [q] He shall shewe his care and fauour ouer them that are weake and tender. ] young.

12 Who hath measured the waters in his [Note: [r] Declaring that as God onely hath all power, so doth he vse the same for the defence and maintenance of his Church. ] fist? and counted heauen with the spanne, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure? and weighed ye mountaines in a weight, and the hilles in a balance?

13 Who hath instructed ye Spirit of the Lord? or was [Note: [s] Hee sheweth Gods infinite wisedome for the same end and purpose. ] his counseler or taught him?

14 Of whom tooke he counsell, and who instructed him and taught him in the way of iudgement? or taught him knowledge, and shewed vnto him the way of vnderstanding?

15 Beholde, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the dust of the balance: beholde, he taketh away the yles as a litle dust.

16 And Lebanon is not sufficient for fire, nor the beastes thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.

17 All nations before him are as [Note: [t] He speaketh all this to the intent that they shoulde neither feare man, nor put their trust in any, saue onely in God. ] nothing, and they are counted to him, lesse then nothing, and vanitie.

18 To whom then [Note: [u] Hereby he armeth them against the idolatrie, wherewith they should be tempted in Babylon. ] wil ye liken God? or what similitude will ye set vp vnto him?

19 The workeman melteth an image, or the goldsmith beateth it out in golde, or the goldesmith maketh siluer plates.

20 Doeth not [Note: [x] He sheweth the rage of the idolaters, seeing that the poore that haue not to suffice their owne necessities, will defraud themselues to serue their idoles. ] the poore chuse out a tree that will not rot, for an oblation? he seeketh also vnto him a cunning workeman, to prepare an image, that shall not be moued.

21 Know ye nothing? haue ye not heard [Note: [y] Haue ye not the worde of God, which plainely condemneth idolatrie? ] it? hath it not bene tolde you from the beginning? haue ye not vnderstand it by the [Note: [z] Can you not learne by the visible creatures whom God hath made to serue your vse, that you shoulde not serue them nor worship them? ] foundation of the earth?

22 He sitteth vpon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grashoppers, hee stretcheth out ye heauens, as a curtaine, and spreadeth them out, as a tent to dwell in.

23 He bringeth the princes to nothing, and maketh the iudges of the earth, as vanitie,

24 As though they were not plated, as though they were not sowen, as though their stocke tooke no roote in the earth: for he did euen [Note: [a] So that his power appeareth in euery place wheresoeuer wee turne our eyes. ] blow vpon them, and they withered, and the whirlewinde will take them away as stubble.

25 To whom nowe will ye liken me, that I should be like him, saith the Holy one?

26 Lift vp your eyes on hie, and beholde who hath created these things, and bringeth [Note: [b] Who hath set in order the infinite nomber of the starres. ] out their

[Not to search Gods secrets.]



armies by nomber, and calleth them all by names? by the greatnesse of his power & mightie strength nothing faileth.

27 Why sayest thou, O Iaakob, and speakest O Israel, [Note: [c] He rebuketh the Iewes, because they did not rest on the prouidence of God, but thought that he had forsaken them in their troubles. ] My way is hid from the Lorde, and my iudgement is passed ouer of my God?

28 Knowest thou not? or hast thou not heard, that the euerlasting God, the Lorde hath created the [Note: [d] And therefore all power is in his hand to deliuer when his time commeth. ] endes of the earth? he neither fainteth, nor is wearie: there is no searching of his [Note: [e] Shewing that man must paciently abide, and not curiously seeke out the cause of Gods delay in our afflictions. ] vnderstanding.

29 But he giueth strength vnto him that fainteth, and vnto him that hath no strength, he encreaseth power.

30 [Note: [f] They that trust in their owne vertue, and doe not acknowledge that all commeth of God. ] Euen the yong men shall faint, and be wearie, and the yong men shall stumble and fall.

31 But they that waite vpon the Lord, shall renue their strength: they shall lift vp the wings as the eagles: they shall runne, and not be wearie, and they shall walke and not faint.


CHAP. XLI.


2 Gods mercie in chusing his people. 6 Their idolatrie. 27 Deliuerance promised to Zion.

1 Keepe [Note: [a] God, as though he pleaded his cause with all nations, requireth silence that he may be heard in his right. ] silence before mee, O ylands, and let the people [Note: [b] That is, gather all their power and supports. ] renue their strength: let the come neere, and let them speake: let vs come together into iudgement.

2 Who raised vp [Note: [c] Who called Abraham (who was the paterne of Gods iustice in deliuering his Church) from the idolatrie of the Caldeans to goe to and fro at his commandement, and placed him in the land of Canaan? ] iustice from the East, and called him to his foote? and gaue the nations before him, and subdued the Kings? he gaue them as dust to his sword, and as scattered stubble vnto his bowe.

3 He pursued them, and passed safely by the way that he had not gone with his feete.

4 Who hath wrought and done it? he that calleth the [Note: [d] Who hath created man and mainteined his succession. ] generations from the beginning. I the Lord am the [Note: [e] Though the world set vp neuer so many gods, yet they diminish nothing of my glory: for I am all one, vnchangeable, which haue euer bene and shall be for euer. ] first, and wt the last I am ye same.

5 The yles sawe it, and did [Note: [f] Considering mine excellent workes among my people. ] feare, & the ends of the earth were abashed, drew neere, and [Note: [g] They assembled themselues, and conspired against me to maintaine their idolatrie. ] came.

6 Euery man helped his neighbour, and saide to his brother, [Note: [h] He noteth the obstinacie of the idolaters to mainteine their superstitions. ] Be strong.

7 So the workeman comforted the founder, and he that smote with ye hammer, him that smote by course, saying, It is ready for the sodering, and he fastened it with nayles that it shoulde not be mooued.

8 ¶ But thou, Israel, art my [Note: [i] And therefore oughtest not to pollute thy selfe with the superstition of the Gentiles. ] seruant, and thou Iaakob, whom I haue chosen, the seede of Abraham my friend.

9 For I haue taken thee from the endes of the earth, and called thee before the chiefe thereof, and saide vnto thee, Thou art my seruant: I haue chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

10 Feare thou not, for I am with thee: be not afraide, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, and helpe thee, and will susteine thee with the [Note: [k] That is, by the sorce of my promes, in the performance whereof I will shewe my selfe faithfull and iust. ] right hand of my iustice.

11 Beholde, all they that prouoke thee, shalbe ashamed, and confounded: they shalbe as nothing, and they that striue with thee, shall perish.

12 Thou shalt seeke them and shalt not [Note: [l] Because they shall be destroyed. ] finde them: to wit, the men of thy strife, for they shall be as nothing, and the men that warre against thee, as a thing of nought.

13 For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying vnto thee, Feare not, I wil helpe thee.

14 Feare not, thou [Note: [m] Thus he calleth them because they were contemned of al the world, and that they considering their owne poore estate, should seeke vnto him for helpe. ] worme, Iaakob, and ye

[Page 54]

[God prouideth for his.]



men of Israel: I wil helpe thee, sayth the Lord and thy redeemer the holy one of Israel.
15 Behold, I wil make thee a roller, & a newe threshing instrument hauing teeth: thou shalt thresh the [Note: [n] I will make thee able to destroy all thine enemies, be they neuer so mightie: and this chiefly is referred to the kingdome of Christ. ] mountaines, and bring them to pouder, and shalt make the hilles as chaffe.

16 Thou shalt fanne them, and the winde shal carie them away, and the whirlewinde shal scatter them: and thou shalt reioyce in the Lord, & shalt glory in the holy one of Israel.

17 When [Note: [o] That is, they that shalbe afflicted in the captiuitie of Babylon. ] the poore and the needy seeke water, & there is none (their tongue faileth for thirst: I the Lorde will heare them: I the God of Israel will not forsake them)

18 I will open riuers in the toppes of the hils, and fountaines in the middes of the valleis: I will make the wildernesse as a poole of water, and the waste [Note: [p] God will rather change the order of nature, then they shoulde want any thing, that crie to him by true faith in their miseries: declaring to them hereby yt they shal lacke nothing by the way, whe they returne from Babylon. ] land as springs of water.

19 I will set in the wildernesse the cedar, the shittah tree, and the mirre tree, and the pine tree, and I will set in the wildernesse the firre tree, the elme and the boxe tree together.

20 Therefore let them see and knowe, and let them consider and vnderstande together that the hand of the Lord hath done this, & the holy one of Israel [Note: [q] That is, hath appoynted, & determined that it shall come so to passe. ] hath created it.

21 [Note: [r] He biddeth the idolaters to proue their religion, and to bring foorth their idoles, yt they may be tried whether they know all things, and can doe all things: which if they cannot do he concludeth that they are no gods, but vile idoles. ] Stand to your cause, saith the Lord: bring forth your strong reasons, saith ye King of Iaakob.

22 Let them bring foorth, and let them tell vs what shall come: let them shew the former things what they be, that wee may consider them, and knowe the latter ende of them: either declare vs things for to come.

23 Shewe the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods: yea, doe good or doe euill, that we may declare it, and beholde it together.

24 Beholde, ye are of no value, and your making is of naught: man hath [Note: [s] So that a man can not make an idole, but he must doe yt which God detesteth & abhorreth: for he chuseth his owne deuises, and forsaketh ye Lords. ] chosen an abomination by them.

25 ¶ I haue raised vp [Note: [t] Meaning, the Chaldeans. ] from the North, and he shal come: from the East sunne shall [Note: [u] That is, Cyrus, who shall doe all thing in my Name, & by my directio: whereby he meaneth yt both their captiuitie, and deliuerance, shall be ordered by Gods prouidence & appointment. ] he cal vpon my Name, & shal come vpon [Note: [x] Both of ye Chaldeans and others. ] princes as vpo clay, and as the potter treadeth myre vnder the foote.

26 Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may knowe? or before time, that we may say, He is righteous? Surely there is none yt sheweth: surely there is none that declareth: surely there is none that heareth [Note: [y] Meaning, that none of the Gentiles gods can worke any of these things. ] your wordes.

27 I am the first, that saieth to Zion, Beholde, beholde [Note: [z] That is, the Israelites, which returne from ye captiuitie. ] them: and I will giue to Ierusalem [Note: [a] To wit, a continual succession of Prophets and ministers. ] one that shall bring good tidings.

28 But when [Note: [b] When I looked whether the idoles could do these things, I founde that they had neither wisdome nor power to do any thing: therefore he concludeth that all are wicked, that trust in such vanitie. ] I behelde, there was none, and when I inquired of them, there was no counsellor, and when I demaunded of them, they answered not a woorde.

29 Beholde, they are all vanitie: their worke is of nothing, their images are wind and confusion.



CHAP. XLII.


1 The obedience and humilitie of Christ. 6 Why hee was sent into the world. 11 The vocation of the Gentiles.

1 Beholde, [Note: [a] That is Christ, who in respect of his manhoode is called here seruat. The Prophets vse to make mention of Christ after yt they haue declared any great promes, because he is ye foundation whereupo al ye promises are made & ratified. ] my seruaunt: [Note: [b] For I haue comitted al my power to him, as to a most faithful steward. Some read, I wil establish him: to wit, in his office, by giuing him ye fulnes of my Spirit. ] I will stay vpon him: mine elect, in whom my soule [Note: [c] He onely is acceptable vnto me and they that come vnto me by him: for there is no other meanes of reconciliation, Matt. 12.18. ephes.1.4. ] deliteth: I haue

[Christes humilitie.]



put my Spirit vpo him: he shal bring forth [Note: [d] He shal declare himselfe gouernor ouer the Gentiles, and call them by his woorde, and rule them by his Spirit. ] iudgement to the Gentiles.

2 He shall not [Note: [e] His comming shall not be with pompe and noise, as earthly princes. ] crie, nor lift vp, nor cause his voice to be heard in the streete.

3 A [Note: [f] Hee will not hurt the weake & feeble, but support and comfort them. ] bruised reede shall hee not breake, and the smoking [Note: [g] Meaning the weeke of a lampe, or candle which is almost out, but hee will cherish it and snuffe it, that it may shine brighter. ] flaxe shall he not quench: he shall bring foorth iudgement in [Note: [h] Although hee fauour the weake, yet will hee not spare the wicked, but will iudge them according to trueth and equitie. ] trueth.

4 He shall not faile nor be discouraged till he haue [Note: [i] Till he haue set all things in good order. ] set iudgement in the earth: and the [Note: [k] The Gentiles shall be desirous to receiue his doctrine. ] yles shall waite for his lawe.

5 Thus sayeth God the Lord (he that created the heauens and spred them abroad: he that stretched foorth the earth, and the buddes thereof: he that giueth breath vnto the people vpon it, and spirit to them that walke therein)

6 I the Lorde haue called thee in [Note: [l] Meaning, vnto a lawfull and iust vocation. ] righteousnesse, and will hold [Note: [m] To assist and guide thee. ] thine hand, and I will keepe thee, and giue thee for a [Note: [n] As him, by whome the promise, made to all nations in Abraham, shall be fulfilled. ] couenant of the people, and for a light of the Gentiles,

7 That thou maist open the eyes of the blind, and bring out the prisoners from the prison: and them that sitte in darkenesse, out of the prison house.

8 I am the Lorde, this is my Name, and my [Note: [o] I will not suffer my glorie to bee diminished: which I shoulde doe, if I were not faithfull in performing the same, and the idolaters thereby would extoll their idoles aboue me. ] glory wil I not giue to another, neither my praise to grauen images.

9 Beholde, the former thinges are [Note: [p] As in time past I haue beene true in my promises, so will I be in time to come. ] come to passe, and newe things doe I declare: before they come foorth, I tell you of them.

10 Sing vnto the Lorde a newe song, and his praise from the ende of the earth: yee that goe downe to the sea, and all that is therein: the yles and the inhabitants thereof.

11 Let the wildernesse and the cities thereof lift vp their voyce, the townes that [Note: [q] Meaning the Arabians, vnder whome he comprehendeth all the people of the East. ] Kedar doeth inhabite: let the inhabitants of the rocks sing: let them shoute from the toppe of the mountaines.

12 Let them giue glorie vnto the Lorde, and declare his praise in the ylands.

13 The Lord shal go forth as a [Note: [r] Hee sheweth the zeale of the Lorde, and his power in the conseruation of his Church. ] gyant: he shal stirre vp his courage like a man of warre: he shall shout and crie, and shall preuaile against his enemies.

14 I haue a long time holden my peace: I haue beene still and refrained my selfe: nowe will I crie like a [Note: [s] I will haste to execute my vengeance, which I haue so long deferred, as a woman that desireth to be deliuered when she is in trauel. ] trauailing woman: I will destroy and deuoure at once.

15 I will make waste mountaines, and hilles, and drie vp all their herbes, and I will make the floods ylands, and I will drie vp the pooles.

16 ¶ And I will bring the [Note: [t] That is, my poore people, which are in perplexitie and care. ] blinde by a way, that they knewe not, and lead them by paths that they haue not knowen: I will make darkenesse light before them, and crooked thinges straight. These thinges will I doe vnto them, and not forsake them.

17 They shall be turned backe: they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in grauen images, and say to the molten images, Yee are our gods.

18 ¶ Heare, ye deafe: and ye blinde, regarde, that ye may see.

19 Who is blinde but my [Note: [u] To wit, Israel, which shoulde haue most light because of my Lawe. ] seruaunt? or deafe as my [Note: [x] The Priest to whome my woorde is committed, which should not onely heare it himself, but cause others to heare it. ] messenger, that I sent? who is blind as the [Note: [y] As the Priests and Prophets that shoulde be light to others: ] perfit, and blinde as the Lordes seruant?

20 Seeing many things, but thou keepest them not? opening the eares, but he heareth not?
[Page]

[Gods loue toward his.]




21 The Lorde is willing for his righteousnesse sake that he may magnifie the Lawe, and exalt it.

22 But this people is [Note: [z] Because they wil not acknowledge this benefit of the Lord, who is ready to deliuer them, he suffreth them to be spoiled of their enemies through their owne faute and incredulitie. ] robbed & spoiled, and shalbe all snared in dungeons, and they shalbe hid in prison houses: they shall be for a pray, and none shall deliuer: a spoile, and none shall say, [Note: [a] There shall be none to succour them, or to wil the enemie to restore that, which hee hath spoiled. ] Restore.

23 Who among you shall hearken to this, and take heede, and heare for [Note: [b] Meaning, Gods wrath. ] afterwardes?

24 Who gaue Iaakob for a spoyle, and Israel to the robbers? Did not ye Lorde, because we haue sinned against him? for they woulde not walke in his waies, neither be obedient vnto his Lawe.

25 Therefore hee hath powred vpon him his fierce wrath, and the strength of battell: and it set him on fire round about, and he knewe not, and it burned him vp, yet he considered not.


CHAP. XLIII.


1 The Lord comforteth his people. He promiseth deliuerance to the Iewes. 11 There is no God but one alone.

1 Bvt nowe thus sayeth the Lorde, [Note: [a] After these threatnings he promiseth deliuerace to his Church, because he hath regenerate them, adopted them, and called them. ] that created thee, O Iaakob: and hee that formed thee, O Israel, [Note: [b] When thou seest dangers & conspiracies on all sides, remember this benefite and the loue of thy God, and it shall encourage thee. ] Feare not: for I haue redeemed thee: I haue called thee by thy name, thou art mine.

2 When thou passest through the [Note: [c] By water and fire, he meaneth all kinde of troubles and perils. ] waters, I wil be with thee, & through the floods, that they doe not ouerflowe thee. When thou walkest through the very fire, thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle vpon thee.

3 For I am the Lorde thy God, the holy one of Israel, thy Sauiour: I gaue [Note: [d] I turned Saneheribs power against these countreis, & made them to suffer that affliction which thou shouldest haue done, and so were as the paiment of thy ransome, chap. 37.9. ] Egypt for thy ransome, Ethiopia, and Seba for thee.

4 Because thou wast precious in my sight, and thou wast honourable, and I loued thee, therefore will I giue [Note: [e] I wil not spare any ma rather then thou shouldest perish: for God more esteemeth one of his faithfull, then all the wicked in the worlde. ] man for thee, and people for thy sake.

5 Feare not, for I am with thee: I will bring thy seede from the [Note: [f] He prophecieth of their deliuerace from the captiuitie of Babylon, and so of the calling of the vniuersall Church, alluding to that which is written Deut.30,3. ] East, and gather thee from the West.

6 I will say to the North, Giue: and to the South, Keepe not backe: bring my sonnes from farre, & my daughters from the ends of the earth.

7 Euery one shall be called by my [Note: [g] Meaning, that he could not be vnmindfull of them, except he woulde neglect his owne Name and glorie. ] Name: for I created him for my glorie, formed him and made him.

8 I will bring foorth the blinde people, and they shall haue eyes, and the deafe, and they shall haue eares.

9 Let all the nations be gathered [Note: [h] Signifying, that no power can resist him in doing this miraculous worke, nor al their idoles are able to doe the like, as Chap.41.22. ] together, & let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this and shewe vs former things? let them bring foorth their [Note: [i] To prooue that the thinges which are spoken of them, are true. ] witnesses, that they may be iustified: but let them [Note: [k] Shewing, that the malice of the wicked hindreth them in the knowledge of the trueth, because they will not heare when God speaketh by his word. ] heare, & say, It is truth.

10 You [Note: [l] The Prophets and people to whom I haue giuen my Lawe. ] are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my [Note: [m] Meaning specially Christ, and by him all the faithfull. ] seruant, whom I haue chosen: therefore yee shall knowe and beleeue me and yee shall vnderstand that I am: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

11 I, euen I am the Lorde, and beside me there is no Sauiour.

12 I haue declared, and I haue saued, and I haue shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore you are my witnesses, sayeth the Lord, that I am God.

13 Yea, before the day was, I am, and there is none that can deliuer out of mine hand: I will doe it, and who shall let it?

[Gods elect people.]




14 Thus sayeth the Lorde your redeemer, the holy one of Israel, For your sake I haue sent to Babel, and [Note: [n] By Darius and Cyrus. ] brought it downe: they are all fugitiues, and the Chaldeans crie in [Note: [o] They shall crie when they would escape by water, seeing that the course of Euphrates is turned another way by the enemie. ] the shippes.

15 I am the Lorde your holy one, the creator of Israel, your King.

16 Thus sayeth the Lord which maketh a way in [Note: [p] When he deliuered Israel from Pharaoh, Exod.14. 22. ] the Sea, and a path in the mighty [Note: [q] When the Israelites passed throgh Iorden, Iosh.3.17. ] waters.

17 When hee [Note: [r] When he deliuered his people out of Egypt. ] bringeth out the [Note: [s] Pharaoh and his mightie armie. ] charet and horse, the armie and the power lie together, and shal not rise: they are extinct, & quenched as towe.

18 Remember yee not the former things, neither regard the things of olde.

19 Behold, I do a new thing: now shal it come foorth: shall you not knowe it? I wil euen make a way in the [Note: [t] Meaning that their deliuerance out of Babylon shoulde be more famous then that from Egypt was, Iere.23.7. hag.2.10. 2 cor.5.17 reue. 21.5.7. ] desert, and floods in the wildernesse.

20 The wilde [Note: [u] They shall haue such abundance of all things as they returne home, eue in the drie and barren places, that the very beastes shall feele my benefites, and shal acknowledge them: much more men ought to be thankful for the same. ] beastes shall honour mee, the dragons and the ostriches, because I gaue water in the desert, and floods in the wildernesse to giue drinke to my people, euen to mine elect.

21 This people haue I formed for my selfe: they shall shewe foorth my praise.

22 And thou hast not [Note: [x] Thou hast not worshipped me as thou oughtest to haue done. ] called vpon mee, O Iaakob, but thou hast [Note: [y] Because thou hast not willingly receiued yt which I did commaunde thee, thou didest grieue me. Whereby hee sheweth that his mercies were the onely cause of their deliuerance, forasmuch as they had deserued the contrary. ] wearied me, O Israel.

23 Thou [Note: [z] Meaning, in true faith and obedience. ] hast not brought me the sheepe of thy burnt offrings, neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I haue not caused thee to serue with an offring, nor wearied thee with incense.

24 Thou boughtest mee no sweete [Note: [a] Either for the composition of the sweete oyntment, Exo.30.34, or for the sweete incense, Exod.30.7. ] sauour with money, neither hast thou made mee drunke with the fatte of thy sacrifices, but thou hast made mee to [Note: [b] Thou hast made mee to beare an heauie burden by thy sinnes. ] serue with thy sinnes, and wearied mee with thine iniquities.

25 I, euen I am he that putteth away thine iniquities for mine owne sake, and will not remember thy sinnes.

26 Put me in [Note: [c] If I forget any thing that may make for thy iustification, put me in remembrance and speake for thy selfe. ] remembrance: let vs be iudged together: count thou that thou maist be iustified.

27 Thy [Note: [d] Thine ancesters. ] first father hath sinned, and thy [Note: [e] Thy Priests and thy Prophets. ] teachers haue transgressed against me.

28 Therefore I haue [Note: [f] That is, reiected, abhorred and destroied them in the wildernesse, and at other times. ] prophaned the rulers of the Sanctuarie, and haue made Iaakob a curse, and Israel a reproche.


CHAP. XLIIII.


5 The Lord promiseth comfort, and that he wil assemble his Church of diuers nations. 9 The vanitie of idoles. 17 The beastlinesse of idolaters.

1 Yet nowe heare, O Iaakob my seruant, and Israel, whom I haue chosen.

2 Thus sayeth the Lorde, that made thee, and formed [Note: [a] He created and chose thee from the beginning of his owne mercie, and before thou couldest merite any thing. ] thee from the wombe: he wil helpe thee. Feare not, O Iaakob, my seruaunt, and thou righteous, [Note: [b] Whome God accepteth as righteous: or which hadst occasio therunto because of the Lawe, and of thine holy vocation. ] whome I haue chosen.

3 For I will powre water vpon the [Note: [c] Because man of him selfe is as the drie and baren lande, hee promiseth to moisten him with the waters of his holy Spirite, Ioel.2.28. iohn 7.38. actes 2.17. ] thirstie, and floods vpon the drie grounde: I will powre my Spirit vpon thy seede, and my blessing vpon thy buddes.

4 And they [Note: [d] That is, thy children and posteritie shall increase wonderfully after their deliuerance from Babylon. ] shal grow as among the grasse, and as the willowes by the riuers of waters.

5 One shall say, I am the Lordes: another

[Page 55]

[The first and last. Against idolatrie.]



[Note: [e] By this diuersitie of speache hee meaneth one thing, that is, that the people shallbe holy and receiue the true religion of God, as Psalm. 87.5. ] shalbe called by the name of Iaakob: and another shall subscribe with his hand vnto the Lord, and name himselfe by the name of Israel.
6 Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel and his redeemer, the Lord of hostes, [Note: [f] I am alwayes like my selfe, that is, mercifull toward my Church, and most able to maintaine it, as chap.41.4. and 48. 12. reuel.1.17. and 22.13. ] I am the first, and I am the last, and without me is there no God.

7 And who is like me, that shall [Note: [g] And appoint them that shall deliuer the Church. ] call, and shall declare it, and set [Note: [h] That is, declare vnto me howe I ought to proceede herein. ] it in order before me, since I appointed the [Note: [i] God calleth the Israelites ancient, because he preferred them to all other in his eternall election. ] ancient people? and what is at hand, and what things are to come? let [Note: [k] Meaning, their idoles. ] them shewe vnto them.

8 Feare ye not, neither be afraide: haue not I tolde thee of olde, and haue declared it? [Note: [l] Reade chap. 43.10. ] you are euen my witnesses, whether there be a God beside me, and that there is no God that I knowe not.

9 All they that make an image, are vanitie, and [Note: [m] Whatsoeuer they bestowe vpon their idoles to make them to seeme glorious. ] their delectable things shall nothing profite: & they are their owne witnesses, [Note: [n] That is, the idolaters seeing their idoles blind, must needes bee witnesses of their owne blindnesse, and feeling that they are not able to helpe them, must confesse that they haue no power. ] yt they see not nor know: therefore they shalbe confounded.

10 Who hath made [Note: [o] Meaning, that whatsoeuer is made by the hand of man, if it be esteemed as God, is most detestable. ] a god, or molten an image, that is [Note: [p] Whereby appeareth their blasphemie, which call images the bookes of the laitie, seeing that they are not onely here called vnprofitable, but chap.41.24. abominable: and Ieremie calleth them the worke of errours, Ierem.10.15. Habakkuk, a lying teacher.2.18. ] profitable for nothing?

11 Beholde, all that are of the [Note: [q] That is, which by any way consent either to the making or worshipping. ] felowship thereof, shall be confounded: for the workemen themselues are men: let them all be gathered together, and [Note: [r] Signifying, that the multitude shall not then saue the idolaters, when God will take vengeance, although they excuse themselues thereby among men. ] stand vp, yet they shall feare, and be confounded together.

12 The smith taketh an instrument, and worketh in the coles, and facioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his armes: yea, he is an [Note: [s] He describeth the raging affection of the idolaters, which forget their owne necessities to set foorth their deuotion towarde their idoles. ] hungred, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.

13 The carpenter stretcheth out a line: he facioneth it with a red thread, he planeth it, and he purtreyeth it with the compasse, and maketh it after the figure of a man, and according to the beautie of a man that it may remaine in [Note: [t] To place it in some Temple. ] an house.

14 He will hewe him downe cedars, and take the pine tree and the oke, and taketh courage among the trees of the forest: he planteth a firre tree, and the raine doeth nourish it.

15 And man burneth thereof: for he will take thereof and [Note: [u] He setteth foorth the obstinacie and malice of the idolaters, which though they see by dayly experience that their idoles are no better then the rest of the matter whereof they are made, yet they refuse the one part and make a god of the other, as the Papistes make their cake god, and the rest of their idoles. ] warme himselfe: he also kindleth it & baketh bread, yet he maketh a god, & worshippeth it: he maketh it an idole and boweth vnto it.

16 He burneth the halfe thereof euen in the fire, and vpon the halfe thereof he [Note: [x] That is he either maketh a table or trenchers. ] eateth flesh: he rosteth the roste and is satisfied: also he warmeth himselfe and sayth, Aha, I am warme, I haue bene at the fire.

17 And the residue thereof he maketh a god, euen his idole: he boweth vnto it, and worshippeth and prayeth vnto it, and sayeth, Deliuer me: for thou art my god.

18 They haue not knowen, nor vnderstand: [Note: [y] The Prophet giueth here an answere to all them that wonder howe it is possible that any shoulde be so blinde to commit such abomination, saying, that God hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heartes. ] for God hath shut their eyes yt they cannot see, and their heartes, that they cannot vnderstand.

19 And none [Note: Ebr. turneth. ] considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor vnderstanding to say, I haue burnt halfe of it, euen in the fire, and haue baked bread also vpon the coles thereof: I haue

[God onely is the Lord.]



rosted flesh, and eaten it, and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I bowe to the stocke of a tree?

20 He feedeth [Note: [z] He is abused as one that woulde eate ashes, thinking to satisfie his hunger. ] of ashes: a seduced heart hath deceiued him, that he cannot deliuer his soule, nor say, Is there not a lye in my right hand?

21 [Note: [a] Shewing that mans heart is most inclined to idolatrie, and therefore he warneth his people by these examples, that they should not cleaue to any but to the liuing God, when they shoulde be among the idolaters. ] Remember these (O Iaakob and Israel) for thou art my seruant: I haue formed thee: thou art my seruant: O Israel forget me not.

22 I haue put away thy transgressions like a cloude, and thy sinnes, as a mist: turne vnto me, for I haue redeemed thee.

23 [Note: [b] He sheweth that the worke of the Lord toward his people shall be so great, that the insensible creatures shall be mooued therewith. ] Reioyce, ye heauens: for the Lorde hath done it: shoute, ye lower partes of the earth: brast foorth into prayses, ye mountaines, O forest and euery tree therein: for the Lorde hath redeemed Iaakob and will be glorified in Israel.

24 Thus sayeth the Lord thy redeemer and he that formed thee from the wombe, I am the Lord, that made all things, that spred out the heauens alone, and stretched out the earth by my selfe.

25 I destroy the [Note: [c] He armeth them against the southsayers of Babylon, which would haue borne them in hand, that they knewe by the starres that God would not deliuer them, and that Babylon shoulde stand. ] tokens of ye southsayers, and make them that coniecture, fooles, and turne the wise men backwarde, and make their knowledge foolishnesse.

26 ¶ He confirmeth the worde of his [Note: [d] Of Isaiah and the rest of his Prophets, which did assure the Church of Gods fauour and deliuerance. ] seruant and performeth the counsell of his messengers, saying to Ierusalem, Thou shalt bee inhabited: and to the cities of Iudah, Yee shall be built vp, and I will repayre the decayed places thereof.

27 He saith to the [Note: [e] He sheweth that Gods worke should be no lesse notable in this their deliuerance, then when he brought them out of Egypt through the Sea. ] deepe, Be drye and I will drye vp thy floods.

28 He saith to [Note: [f] To assure them of their deliuerance, he nameth the person by whom it shoulde be, more then an hundreth yeere before he was borne. ] Cyrus, Thou art my shepheard: and he shall performe all my desire: saying also to Ierusalem, Thou shalt be built: and to the Temple, Thy foundation shall be surely layed.



CHAP. XLV.


1 The deliuerance of the people by Cyrus. 9 God is iust in all his workes. 20 The calling of the Gentiles.

1 Thus sayeth the Lord vnto [Note: [a] To assure the Iewes of their deliuerance against the great tentations that they should abide, he nameth the person & the meanes. ] Cyrus his [Note: [b] Because Cyrus should execute the office of a deliuerer, God called him his anointed for a time, but after another sort then he called Dauid. ] anointed, whose right hand I haue holden to [Note: [c] To guide him in the deliuerance of my people. ] subdue nations before him: therefore will I weaken the loynes of Kings and open the doores before him, and the gates shall not be shut:

2 I will goe before thee and make the [Note: [d] I will take away all impediments and lets. ] crooked streight: I will breake the brasen doores, and burst the yron barres.

3 And I will giue thee the treasures of darkenesse, and the things hid in secret places, that thou maist [Note: [e] Not that Cyrus did know God to worship him aright, but he had a certaine particular knowledge, as prophane men may haue of his power, and so was compelled to deliuer Gods people. ] know that I am the Lord which call thee by thy name, euen the God of Israel.

4 For Iaakob my seruants [Note: [f] Not for any thing that is in thee, or for thy worthines. ] sake, and Israel mine elect, I will euen call thee by thy name and name thee, though thou hast not knowen me.

5 I am the Lorde and there is none other: there is no God besides me: I [Note: [g] I haue giuen thee strength, power and authoritie. ] girded thee though thou hast not knowen me,

6 That they may knowe from the rising of the sunne and from the West, that there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is none other.

7 I forme the [Note: [h] I send peace and warre, prosperitie and aduersitie, as Amos 3.6. ] light and create darkenes: I [Page]

[Against Idolaters.]



make peace and create euill: I the Lorde doe all these things.

8 Ye heauens, send the dewe from aboue, and let the cloudes droppe downe [Note: [i] He comforteth the Iewes, as if he would say, Though when ye looke to the heauens and earth for succour, ye see nothing nowe but signes of Gods wrath, yet I will cause them to bring foorth most certaine tokens of your deliuerance, and of the performance of my promes, which is meant by righteousnesse. ] righteousnesse: let the earth open, and let saluation and iustice growe foorth: let it bring them foorth together: I the Lord haue [Note: [k] I haue appointed Cyrus to this vse and purpose. ] created him.

9 [Note: [l] Hereby hee brideleth their impaciencie, which in aduersitie and trouble murmure against God and will not tarie his pleasure: willing that man shoulde matche with his like and not contend against God. ] Woe be vnto him that striueth with his maker, the potsherd with the potsherds of the earth: shall the clay say to him that facioneth it, What makest thou? or thy worke, [Note: [m] That is, it is not perfitely made. ] It hath none hands?

10 Woe vnto him that sayeth to his father, What hast thou begotten? or to his mother, What hast thou brought foorth?

11 Thus saith the Lord, the holy one of Israel, and his maker, Aske me [Note: [n] In steade of murmuring, humble your selues, and aske what ye wil for the consolation of my children, and you shall be sure of it, as ye are of these things which are at your commaundement. Some reade it with an interrogation, and make it the application of the similitude. ] of things to come concerning my sonnes, and concerning the workes of mine hands: commande you me.

12 I haue made the earth, and created man vpon it: I, whose hands haue spred out the heauens, I haue euen commanded all their [Note: [o] That is, the starres. ] armie.

13 I haue raised [Note: [p] To wit, Cyrus, that I may shewe by him the faithfulnesse of my promes in deliuering my people. ] him vp in righteousnesse, and I will direct all his wayes: he shall build my citie, and he shall let goe my captiues, not for [Note: [q] Meaning, freely and without ransome, or any grienous condition. ] price nor rewarde, saith the Lord of hostes.

14 Thus sayth the Lorde, The labour of [Note: [r] These people were tributaries to the Persians, and so King Artahshashte gaue this money toward the building of the Temple, Ezra 7.21. ] Egypt, and the marchandise of Ethiopia, and of the Sabeans, men of stature shall come vnto thee, and they shall be [Note: [s] Whereas tofore they were thine enemies, they shall nowe honour thee, and thou shalt rule them: which was accomplished in the time of Christ. ] thine: they shall followe thee, and shall goe in chaines: they shall fall downe before thee, and make supplication vnto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee, and there is none other God besides.

15 Verely thou, O God, [Note: [t] Hereby he exhorteth the Iewes to patience, though their deliuerance be deferred for a time: shewing that they should not repent their long patience, but the wicked and idolaters shall be destroyed. ] hidest thy selfe, O God, the Sauiour of Israel.

16 All they shalbe ashamed and also confounded: they shall goe to confusion together, that are the makers of images.

17 But Israel shall be saued in the Lorde, with an euerlasting saluation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded worlde without ende.

18 For thus saith the Lorde (that created heauen, God himselfe, that formed the earth, & made it: he that prepared it, he created it not in vaine: he formed it to be [Note: [u] To wit, of man, but chiefely of his Church. ] inhabited) I am the Lord, and there is none other.

19 I haue not spoken in secrete, neither [Note: [x] As do the false gods, which giue vncertaine answeres. ] in a place of darkenes in the earth: I saide not in vaine vnto the seede of Iaakob, Seeke you me: I the Lord doe speake righteousnesse, and declare righteous things.

20 Assemble your selues, & come: drawe neere together, [Note: [y] All ye idolaters, which though you seeme to haue neuer so much worldly dignitie, yet in Gods sight you are vile and abiect. ] ye abiect of the Gentiles: they haue no knowledge, that set vp the wood of their idole, and pray vnto a god, that cannot saue them.

21 Tell ye and bring them, and let them take counsell together, who hath declared this from the beginning? or hath tolde it of olde? Haue not I the Lord? and there is none other God beside me, a iust God, and a Sauiour: there is none beside me.

22 Looke vnto me, and ye shall be saued: all

[God beareth his.]



[Note: [z] He calleth the idolaters to repentance, willing them to looke vnto him with the eye of faith. ] the endes of the earth shall be saued: for I am God, and there is none other.

23 I haue sworne by my selfe: the worde is gone out of my mouth in [Note: [a] That is, that the thing, which I haue promised shalbe faithfully performed. ] righteousnesse, and shall not returne, That euery [Note: [b] The knowledge of God and the true worshipping shall be through all the worlde, Rom.14.11. Phil.2.10. whereby he signifieth that wee must not onely serue God in heart, but declare the same also by outwarde profession. ] knee shall bowe vnto me, and euery tongue shall sweare by me.

24 Surely [Note: [c] Meaning, the faithfull shall feele and confesse this. ] he shall say, In the Lorde haue I righteousnesse and strength: he shall come vnto him, and all that [Note: [d] All the contemners of God. ] prouoke him, shall be ashamed.

25 The whole seede of Israel shall be iustified, and glorie in the Lord.


CHAP. XLVI.


1 The destruction of Babylon and of their idoles. 3 He calleth the Iewes to the consideration of his workes.

1 Bel is bowed downe: [Note: [a] These were the chiefe idoles of Babylon. ] Nebo is fallen: their idoles were vpon the [Note: [b] Because they were of golde and siluer, the Medes and Persians caried them away. ] beastes, and vpon the cattell: they which did beare you, were laden with a wearie burden.

2 [Note: [c] The beasts that caried the idoles, fell downe vnder their burden. ] They are bowed downe, and fallen together: for they coulde not rid them of the burden, and their [Note: [d] He derideth the idoles, which had neither soule nor sense. ] soule is gone into captiuitie.

3 Heare ye me, O house of Iaakob, & all that remaine of the house of Israel, which are [Note: [e] He sheweth the difference betweene the idoles and the true God: for they must be caried of others, but God himselfe carieth his, as Deu. 32.11. ] borne of me from the wombe, and brought vp of me from the birth.

4 Therefore vnto olde age, I the same, euen I will beare you vntill the hoare heares: I haue made you: I will also beare you, and I will cary you [Note: [f] Seeing I haue begotten you, I will nourish and preserue you for euer. ] and I will deliuer you.

5 ¶ To whom will ye make me like or make me equall, or [Note: [g] The people of God, seeing their owne calamitie and the florishing estate of the Babylonians, should be tempted to thinke that their God was not so mightie as the Idoles of their enemies: therefore he describeth the original of al the idoles, to make them to be abhorred of all men: shewing that the most that can be spoken in their commendation, is but to proue the vile, Baruc.6.25. ] copare me, yt I should be like him?

6 They draw gold out of the bagge & weigh siluer in the balance, and hire a goldsmith to make a god of it, and they bowe downe, and worship it.

7 They beare it vpon the shoulders: they carie him and set him in his place: so doeth he stand, and cannot remoue from his place. Though one crie vnto him, yet can he not answere, nor deliuer him out of his tribulation.

8 Remember this, and be ashamed: bring it againe [Note: [h] Become wise, meaning, that all idolaters are without wit or sense, like mad men. ] to minde, O you transgressers.

9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none other God, and there is nothing like me,

10 Which declare the last thing from the beginning: and from of olde, the things that were not done, saying, My counsell shall stand, and I will doe whatsoeuer I will.

11 I call a [Note: [i] That is, Cyrus, which shall come as swift as a bird and fight against Babylon. ] birde from the East, and the man of my [Note: [k] Him by whom I haue appointed to execute that, which I haue determined. ] counsell from farre: as I haue spoken, so will I bring it to passe: I haue purposed it, and I will doe it.

12 Heare me, ye stubburne hearted, that are farre from [Note: [l] Which by your incredulitie woulde let the performance of my promes. ] iustice.

13 I bring [Note: [m] He sheweth that mans incredulitie cannot abolish the promes of God, Rom.3.3. ] neere my iustice: it shall not be farre off, and my saluation shall not tarie: for I wil giue saluation in Zion, and my glory vnto Israel.


CHAP. XLVII.


The destruction of Babylon and the causes wherefore.

1 Come downe and sit in the dust: O [Note: [a] Which hast liued in wealth, and wantonnesse, and hast not yet beene ouercome by any enemie. ] virgine, daughter Babel, sit on the ground: there is no

[Page 56]

[Vaine sciences.]



[Note: [b] Thy gouernement shalbe taken from thee. ] throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called, Tender and delicate.
2 Take the mill stones, and [Note: [c] Thou shalt be brought to most vile seruitude: for to turne the mill was the office of slaues. ] grinde meale: loose thy lockes: [Note: [d] The thinges wherein shee setteth her greatest pride, shalbe made vile, euen from the head to the foote. ] make bare the feete: vncouer the legge, and passe through the floods.

3 Thy filthinesse shall be discouered, and thy shame shall be seene: I will take vengeance, and I will not meete thee as a [Note: [e] I wil vse no humanitie nor pitie toward thee. ] man.

4 [Note: [f] The Israelites shall confesse, that the Lord doth this for his Churches sake. ] Our redeemer, the Lorde of hostes is his Name, the holy one of Israel.

5 [Note: [g] For very shame, and hide thy selfe. ] Sit still, and get thee into darkenesse, O daughter of the Chaldeas: for thou shalt no more be called, The ladie of kingdomes.

6 I was wroth with my people: I haue polluted mine inheritance, and giuen them into thine had: thou diddest shew them no [Note: [h] They abused Gods iugements, thinking that hee punished the Israelites, because he would vtterly cast them off, & therefore in steade of pitying their miserie, thou diddest increase it. ] mercy, but thou didest lay thy very heauy yoke vpon the ancient.

7 And thou saidest, I shal be a ladie for euer, so yt thou diddest not set thy mind to these things, neither diddest thou remeber ye latter end therof.

8 Therefore nowe heare, thou that art giuen to pleasures, and dwellest carelesse, Shee sayeth in her heart, I am and none els: I shall not sit as a widowe, neither shall knowe the losse of children.

9 But these two thinges shall come to thee suddenly on one day, the losse of children and widowhoode: they shall come vpon thee in their [Note: [i] So that thy punishment shall be so great, as is possible to be imagined. ] perfection, for the multitude of thy diuinations, and for the great abundance of thine inchanters.

10 For thou hast trusted in thy wickednesse: thou hast sayd, None seeth me. Thy [Note: [k] Thou diddest think yt thine own wisedome and policie would haue saued thee. ] wisdom and thy knowledge, they haue caused thee to rebel, & thou hast saide in thine heart, I am, and none els.

11 Therefore shall euill come vpon thee, and thou shalt not knowe the morning thereof: destruction shall fal vpon thee, which thou shalt not be able to put away: destruction shall come vpon thee suddenly, or thou beware.

12 Stand now among thine inchanters, and in the multitude of thy southsaiers (with whome thou hast [Note: [l] Hee derideth their value confidence, that put their trust in any thing, but in God, condemning also such vaine sciences, which serue to no vse, but to delude the people, and to bring them from depending onely on God. ] wearied thy selfe from thy youth) if so be thou maist haue profit, or if so be thou maist haue strength.

13 Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels: let now the astrologers, the starre gasers, and prognosticatours stand vp, & saue thee from these things, that shall come vpon thee.

14 Beholde, they shall be as stubble: the fire shall burne them: they shal not deliuer their owne liues from the power of the flame: there shalbe no coles [Note: [m] They shall vtterly perish and no part of them remaine. ] to warme at, nor light to sit by.

15 Thus shal they serue thee, with whom thou hast wearied thee, euen thy marchants from thy youth: euery one shall wander to his owne [Note: [n] They shall flee euery one to that place, which hee thought by his speculations to be most sure: but that shal deceiue them. ] quarter: none shall saue thee.



CHAP. XLVIII.


1 The hypocrisie of the Iewes is reproued. 11 The Lord alone wil be worshipped. 20 Of their deliuerance out of Babylon.

1 Heare yee this, O house of Iaakob, which are [Note: [a] He detecteth their hypocrisie which vaunted the selues to be Israelites and were not so in deede. ] called by the name of Israel, and are come out of [Note: [b] Meaning, the fountaine and stocke. ] the waters of Iudah: which sweare by the Name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousnesse.

2 For they are called of the holy citie, & staie themselues [Note: [c] They make a shewe, as though they would haue none other God. ] vpon the God of Israel, whose Name is the Lord of hostes.

3 I haue declared ye former things of old, and they went out of my mouth, & I shewed [Note: [d] He sheweth that they could not accuse him in any thing, for as much as he had performed whatsoeuer he had promised. ] them: I did them suddenly, and they came to passe.

[God trieth his.]




4 Because I knewe, that [Note: [e] I haue done for thee more then I promised that thy stubbernnesse and impudencie might haue beene ouercome. ] thou art obstinate, & thy necke is an yron sinew, & thy brow brasse,

5 Therefore I haue declared it to thee of old: before it came to passe, I shewed [Note: [f] How thou shouldest be deliuered out of Babylon. ] it thee, lest thou shouldest say, Mine idole hath done them, and my carued image, and my molten image hath commanded them.

6 Thou hast heard, behold all this, & wil not yee [Note: [g] Will ye not acknowledge this my benefite and declare it vnto others? ] declare it? I haue shewed thee newe things, euen now, & hid things, which thou knewest not.

7 They are created now, and not of olde, and euen before this thou heardest them not, lest thou shouldest say, Beholde, I [Note: [h] Shewing that mans arrogancie is the cause why God doeth not declare all thinges at once, lest they shoulde attribute this knowledge to their owne wisdome. ] knewe them.

8 Yet thou heardest them not, neither diddest know them, neither yet was thine eare opened of olde: for I knewe that thou wouldest grieuously transgresse: therefore haue I called thee a transgressour from the [Note: [i] From the time that I brought thee out of Egypt: for that deliuerance was at the birth of ye Church. ] wombe.

9 For my Names sake will I defer my wrath, and for my praise will I refraine it from thee, [Note: [k] As it was my free mercie that I did chuse thee: so is it my free mercie that must saue thee. ] that I cut thee not off.

10 Behold, I haue fined thee, but [Note: [l] For I had respect to thy weakenesse and infirmitie: for in siluer there is some purenes, but in vs there is nothing but drosse. ] not as siluer: I haue [Note: [m] I tooke thee out of the fornace where thou shouldest haue beene consumed. ] chosen thee in the fornace of affliction.

11 For mine owne sake, for mine owne sake wil I doe it: for how should my Name [Note: [n] God ioyneth the saluation of his wt his owne honour: so that they can not perish, but his glorie shoulde be diminished, as Deut 32.27. ] be polluted? [Note: [o] Reade Chap. 42.8. ] surely I wil not giue my glory vnto another.

12 Heare me, O Iaakob and Israel, my called, [Note: [p] Read Chap.41.4. ] I am, I am the first, and I am the last.

13 Surely mine hand hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heaues: when I cal them, [Note: [q] To obey me, and to doe whatsoeuer I command them. ] they stand vp together.

14 All you, assemble your selues, and heare: which among them hath declared these thinges? The Lorde hath loued [Note: [r] Meaning, Cyrus, whom he had chosen to destroy Babylon. ] him: he wil doe his will in Babel, and his arme shalbe against the Chaldeans.

15 I, euen I haue spoken it, and I haue called him: I haue brought him, and his way shal prosper.

16 Come neere vnto me: heare ye this: I haue not spoken it in secret from the [Note: [s] Since the time that I declared my selfe to your fathers. ] beginning: from the time that the thing was, I was there, and now the Lord God and his Spirit hath [Note: [t] Thus the Prophet speaketh for himselfe, and to assure them of these things. ] sent me.

17 Thus saith the Lord thy redeemer, the Holy one of Israel, I am the Lorde thy God, which teach thee [Note: [u] What thinges shal do thee good. ] to profite, and lead thee by the way, that thou shouldest goe.

18 Oh that thou haddest hearkened to my commaundements! then had thy prosperitie bene as the floude, and thy righteousnesse as the waues of the sea.

19 Thy seede also had beene as the sande, and the fruite of thy body like the grauell thereof: his [Note: [x] That is, the prosperous estate of Israel. ] name should not haue bene cut off nor destroied before me.

20 [Note: [y] After that he had forewarned them of their captiuitie, and of the cause thereof, he sheweth them the great ioy, that shall come of their deliuerance. ] Goe yee out of Babel: flee yee from the Chaldeans, with a voice of ioy: tel and declare this: shewe it foorth to the ende of the earth: say yee, The Lord hath redeemed his seruant Iaakob.

21 And they [Note: [z] He sheweth that it shall be as easie to deliuer them. as hee did their fathers out of Egypt. ] were not thirstie: hee led them through the wildernesse: hee caused the waters to flowe out of the rocke for them: for he claue the rocke, and the water gushed out.

22 There is no [Note: [a] Thus he speaketh that the wicked hypocrites shoulde not abuse Gods promes, in whome was neither faith nor repentance, as Chap.57.21. ] peace, sayeth the Lorde, vnto the wicked.


CHAP. XLIX.


1 The Lorde exhorteth all nations to beleeue his promises. 6 Christ is the saluation of all that beleeue, and will deliuer them from the tyrannie of their enemies.
[Page]

[Gods great loue.]




1 Heare yee me, O yles, and hearken, yee people from farre. The Lorde hath called [Note: [a] This is spoken in the person of Christ to assure the faithfull, that these promises shoulde come to passe: for they were al made in him, and in him shoulde be perfourmed. ] me from [Note: [b] This is meant of the time that Christ shoulde be manifested to the world, as Psal.2.7. ] the wombe, and made mention of my name from my mothers bellie.

2 And hee hath made my mouth like a sharpe [Note: [c] By the sworde and shaft, he signifieth the vertue & efficacie of Christes doctrine. ] sworde: vnder the shadowe of his hande hath he [Note: [d] God hath taken me to his protection and defence: this chiefly is meant of Christ, & may also be applied to the ministers of his word. ] hid mee, and made me a chosen shafte, and hid me in his quiuer,

3 And sayd vnto me, Thou art my seruaunt, [Note: [e] By Israel is meant Christ, and all the body of the faithfull, as the mebers & their head. ] Israel, for I will be glorious in thee.

4 And I said, I haue [Note: [f] Thus Christ in his members complaineth, that his labour, and preaching take none effect, yet hee is contented that his doings are approued of God. ] labored in vaine: I haue spent my strength in vaine and for nothing: but my iudgement is with the Lorde, and my woorke with my God.

5 And now sayeth the Lord, that formed me from the wombe to be his seruaunt, that I may bring Iaakob againe to him (though Israel be not gathered, [Note: [g] Though the Iewes refuse my doctrine, yet God will approue my ministerie. ] yet shall I bee glorious in the eyes of the Lord: and my God shall be my strength)

6 And hee sayde, It is a small thing that thou shouldest be my seruaunt, to raise vp the tribes of Iaakob, and to restore the desolations of Israel: I will also giue [Note: [h] To declare my Gospel to ye Gentiles, Chap.42.6. acts 13.47. lu.2.31. ] thee for a light of the Gentiles, that thou maiest bee my saluation vnto the ende of the worlde.

7 Thus sayeth the Lorde the redeemer of Israel, and his Holie one, to him that is despised in soule, to a nation that is abhorred, to a [Note: [i] Meaning, the Iewes whome tyrants kept in bondage. ] seruaunt of rulers, Kinges shall see, and [Note: [k] The benefite of their deliuerance shalbe so great, that great & small shall acknowledge it, and reuerence God for it. ] arise, and princes shall worship, because of the Lord, that is faithfull: and ye Holy one of Israel, which hath chosen thee.

8 Thus sayeth the Lorde, [Note: [l] Thus he speaketh of his Church, whe he would shew his mercy toward it, 2.Cor.6.2. ] In an acceptable time haue I heard thee, and in a day of saluation haue I helped thee: and I will preserue thee, & wil giue [Note: [m] Meaning, Christ alone. ] thee for a couenant of ye people, that thou maiest raise vp the [Note: [n] Signifying, that before Christ renue the earth by his worde, there is nothing but confusio and disorder. ] earth, and obtaine the inheritance of the desolate heritages:

9 That thou maiest say to the [Note: [o] To them that are in the prison of sinne, and death. ] prisoners, Goe foorth: and to them that are in darkenesse, Shewe your selues: they shall feede in the waies, and their [Note: [p] Being in Christs protection they shalbe safe against al dangers, & free from the feare of the enemies. ] pastures shall bee in all the toppes of the hilles.

10 They shal not be hungrie, neither shal they be thirstie, neither shall the heat smite them, nor the sunne: for he that hath compassion [Note: [q] Meaning, that there shoulde bee nothing in their way from Babylon, that shoulde hinder or hurt them: but this is accomplished spiritually. ] on them, shall leade them: euen to the springs of waters shal he driue them.

11 And I will make all my mountaines, as a way, and my paths shalbe exalted.

12 Beholde, these shall come from farre: and loe, these from the North and from the West, and these from the land of [Note: [r] Meaning, the South countrey, so that Christ shall deliuer his from all the partes of the worlde. ] Sinim.

13 Reioyce, O [Note: [s] Reade Chap.44.23. ] heauens: and bee ioyfull, O earth: brast foorth into praise, O mountaines: for God hath comforted his people, and will haue mercie vpon his afflicted.

14 But Zion saide, The Lorde hath [Note: [t] He obiecteth what the faithful might say in their long affliction, and answereth thereunto to comfort them, with a most proper similitude, and full of consolation. ] forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.

15 Can a woman forget her childe, & not haue compassion on the sonne of her wombe? though they should forget, yet wil I not forget thee.

16 Behold, I haue grauen thee vpon the palme

[The calling of the Gentiles.]



of mine [Note: [u] Because I would not forget thee. ] hands: thy [Note: [x] Meaning, the good order of pollicie & discipline. ] walles are euer in my sight.

17 Thy builders make [Note: [y] I haue a cotinuall care to builde thee vp againe, and to destroy thine enemies. ] haste: thy destroiers and they that made thee waste, are departed from thee.

18 Lift vp thine eies round about and behold: all these gather themselues together and come to thee: as I liue, sayeth the Lorde, thou shalt surely [Note: [z] Hee sheweth what are the ornaments of the Church: to haue many children, which are assembled by the worde of God and gouerned by his Spirite. ] put them all vpon thee as a garment, and girde thy selfe with them like a bride.

19 For thy desolations, and thy waste places, and thy land destroied, shall surely be now narow for them that shall dwell in it, and they that did deuoure thee, shalbe farre away.

20 The children of thy barennesse shall say againe in thine eares, The place is straict for mee: giue place to me that I may dwell.

21 Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten mee these, seeing I am baren and desolate, a captiue and a wanderer to and fro? and who hath nourished them? beholde, I was left alone: whence are these?

22 Thus sayeth the Lord God, Beholde, I will lift vp mine hande to the [Note: [a] Hee sheweth that Christ will not onely gather this great number of the Iewes, but also of the Gentiles. ] Gentiles and set vp my stadart to the people, and they shall bring thy sonnes in their armes: and thy daughters shall be caried vpon their shoulders.

23 And Kings [Note: [b] Meaning, that Kings shalbe conuerted to the Gospel and bestowe their power, and authoritie for the preseruation of the Church. ] shalbe thy nourcing fathers, and Queenes shalbe thy nources: they shall worship thee with their faces towarde the earth, and licke vp the [Note: [c] Being ioyned with the Church they shall humble themselues to Christ their head, and giue him all honour. ] dust of thy feete: and thou shalt knowe that I am the Lord: for they shall not be ashamed that waite for me.

24 Shall the pray be [Note: [d] He maketh this as an obiection, as though the Caldeans were strong, and had them in iust possession. ] taken from the mightie? or the iust captiuitie deliuered?

25 But thus sayeth the Lord, [Note: [e] This is the answere to their obiection, that none is stronger then the Lord, neither hath a more iust title vnto them. ] euen the captiuitie of the mightie shall be taken away: and the pray of the tyrant shal be deliuered: for I wil contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will saue thy children,

26 And will feede them that spoile thee, with [Note: [f] I will cause them to destroy one another, as Iudges 7.22. 2.Chronicles 20.22. Chapter 19.2. ] their owne flesh, and they shall be drunken with their owne bloode, as with sweete wine: and all flesh shall know that I the Lorde am thy sauiour and thy redeemer, the mighty one of Iaakob.


CHAP. L.


1 The Iewes forsaken for a time. 2 Yet the power of God is not diminished. 5 Christs obedience and victorie.

1 Thus sayeth the Lorde, Where is that [Note: [a] Meaning, that he had not forsaken her, but through her owne occasion, as Hosea.2.2. ] bill of your mothers diuorcement, [Note: [b] Which should declare that I haue cut her off: meaning, yt they could shewe none. ] whome I haue cast off? or who is the creditour [Note: [c] Signifying that he solde them not for any dette or pouertie, but that they solde themselues to sinnes to buy their owne lusts and pleasures. ] to whome I solde you? Beholde, for your iniquities are yee solde, and because of your transgressions is your mother forsaken.

2 Wherefore [Note: [d] Hee came by his prophets and ministers, but they wold not beleeue their doctrine and conuert. ] came I, & there was no man? I called, & none answered: is mine hand so [Note: [e] Am I not able to helpe you, as I haue holpen your fathers of olde, when I dried vp the red Sea, and killed the fish in the riuers, and also afterward in Iorden? ] shortened, that it cannot helpe? or haue I no power to deliuer? Beholde, at my rebuke I drie vp the Sea: I make the floods desert: their fish rotteth for wat of water, and dieth for thirst.

3 I clothe the heauens with darkenesse, and make a [Note: [f] As I did in Egypt in token of my displeasure, Exod.10. 21. ] sacke their couering.

4 The Lorde God hath giuen [Note: [g] The Prophet doeth represent here the person and charge of them that are iustly called to the ministerie of Gods worde. ] me a tongue of the learned, that I shoulde knowe to minister a woord in time to him that is [Note: [h] To him that is oppressed by affliction and miserie. ] weary: he will raise

[Page 57]

[To seeke vnto the Lord.]



me vp in the morning: in the morning hee will waken mine eare to heare, [Note: [i] As they that are taught, and made meete by him. ] as the learned.
5 The Lord God hath opened mine eare and I was not rebellious, neither turned I backe.

6 I gaue my backe vnto the [Note: [k] I did not shrinke from God for any persecution or calamitie. Whereby he sheweth, that the true ministers of God can looke for none other recompence of the wicked but after this sort, and also what is their comfort. ] smiters, and my cheekes to the nippers: I hidde not my face from shame and spitting.

7 For the Lord God will helpe me, therefore shall I not bee confounded: therefore haue I set my face like a flint, and I knowe that I shall not be ashamed.

8 Hee is neere that iustifieth mee: who will contend with me? Let vs stande together: who is mine aduersarie? let him come neere to me.

9 Beholde, the Lord God will helpe me: who is he that can condemne me? loe, they shall waxe olde as a garment: the mothe shall eate them vp.

10 [Note: [l] Shewing that it is a rare thing that any should obey aright Gods true ministers, though they labour to bring them from hell to heauen. ] Who is among you that feareth the Lord? let him heare the voyce of his seruant: hee that walketh in darkenesse, and hath no light, let him trust in the Name of the Lorde, and staye vpon his God.

11 Beholde, all you kindle [Note: [m] You haue sought cosolation by your owne deuises, and haue refused the light, and consolation, which God hath offered: therefore ye shall remaine in sorowe, and not be comforted. ] a fire, and are compassed about with sparkes: walke in the light of your fire, and in the sparkes that ye haue kindled. This shall ye haue of mine hand: ye shall lye downe in sorowe.



CHAP. LI.


1 To trust in God alone by Abrahams example. 7 Not to feare men. 17 The great affliction of Ierusalem, and her deliuerance.

1 Heare me, ye [Note: [a] He comforteth the Church, that they should not be discouraged for their smal nomber. ] that followe after righteousnes, and ye that seeke the Lorde: looke vnto the [Note: [b] That is, to Abraham, of whome ye were begotten, and to Sarah, of whome ye were borne. ] rocke, whence ye are hewen, and to the hole of the pit, whence ye are digged.

2 Consider Abraham your father, and Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.

3 Surely the Lord shall comfort Zion: he shal comfort all her desolations, and he shall make her desert [Note: [c] As plentifull as Paradise, Gen.2.3. ] like Eden, and her wildernes like the garden of the Lord: ioy and gladnesse shalbe founde therein: praise, and the voyce of singing.

4 Hearken ye vnto me, my people, and giue eare vnto me, O my people: for a [Note: [d] I will rule, and gouerne my church by my word, and doctrine. ] Law shall proceede from me, and I will bring foorth my iudgement for the light of the people.

5 My [Note: [e] The time that I will accomplish my promes. ] righteousnes is neere: my saluation goeth foorth, and mine [Note: [f] My power, and strength. ] armes shall iudge the people: the yles shall waite for me, and shall trust vnto mine arme.

6 Lift vp your eyes to the heauens, and looke vpon the earth beneath: for the [Note: [g] He forewarneth them of the horrible changes and mutations of all things, and how he will preserue his Church in the mids of all these dangers. ] heauens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall waxe olde like a garment, and they that dwell therein, shall perish in like maner: but my saluation shall be for euer, and my righteousnesse shall not bee abolished.

7 Hearken vnto me, ye that know righteousnesse, the people in whose heart is my Lawe. Feare ye not the reproche of men, neither be ye afraide of their rebukes.

8 For the mothe shall eate them vp like a garment, & the worme shall eate them like wool: but my righteousnesse shalbe for euer, and my saluation from generation to generation.

9 Rise vp, rise vp, and put on strength, O arme of the Lorde: rise vp as [Note: [h] He putteth them in remembrance of his great benefite for their deliuerace out of Egypt, that thereby they might learne to trust in him constantly. ] in the olde time in the generations of the worlde. Art not thou the same, that hath cutte [Note: [i] Meaning, Egypt, Psalme 87.4. ] Rahab, and wounded the [Note: [k] To wit, Pharaoh, Ezek.29.3. ] dragon?

[Not to feare man.]




10 Art not thou the same, which hath dried the Sea, euen the waters of the great deepe, making the depth of the Sea a way for the redeemed to passe ouer?

11 Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall [Note: [l] From Babylon. ] returne, and come with ioy vnto Zion, and euerlasting ioy shalbe vpon their head: they shall obtaine ioy, and gladnesse: and sorow and mourning shall flee away.

12 I, euen I am he, that comfort you. Who art thou, that thou shouldest feare a mortall man, and the sonne of man, which shalbe made as grasse?

13 And forgettest the Lorde thy maker, that hath spred out the heauens, and layde the foundations of the earth? and hast feared continually all the day, because of the rage of the oppressour, which is readie to destroy? Where is now the rage of the oppressour?

14 The captiue [Note: [m] He comforteth them by the short time of their banishment: for in seuentie yeres they were restored, and the greatest empire of the world destroyed. ] hasteneth to be loosed, and that hee should not die in the pitte, nor that his bread should faile.

15 And I am the Lorde thy God that deuided the Sea, when his waues roared: the Lord of hostes is his Name.

16 And I haue put my wordes in thy [Note: [n] Meaning, of Isaiah, and of all true ministers, who are defended by his protection. ] mouth, and haue defended thee in the shadowe of mine hand, that I may plant the [Note: [o] That all things may be restored in heauen and earth, Ephes.1.20. ] heauens, and lay the foundation of the earth, and say vnto Zion, Thou art my people.

17 Awake, awake, and stande vp, O Ierusalem, which hast drunke at the hande of the Lorde the [Note: [p] Thou hast bene iustly punished and sufficiently as Chap.40.2. and this punishment in the elect is by measure, and according as God giueth grace to beare it: but in the reprobate it is the iust vengeance of God to driue them to an insensiblenesse and madnesse, as Iere.25.16. ] cup of his wrath: thou hast drunken the dregges of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.

18 There is none to guide her among all the sonnes, whome she hath brought foorth: there is none that taketh her by the hand of all the sonnes that she hath brought vp.

19 These two [Note: [q] Whereof the one is outward, as of the things that come to the body: as warre and famine: and the other is inward, and apperteineth to the minde: that is, to be without comfort: therefore he saith, how shalt thou be coforted? ] thinges are come vnto thee: who will lament thee? desolation and destruction and famine, and the sworde: by whome shall I comfort thee?

20 Thy sonnes haue fainted, and lye at the head of all the streetes as a wilde bull in a nette, and are full of the wrath of the Lorde, and rebuke of thy God.

21 Therefore heare nowe this, thou miserable and drunken, but [Note: [r] But with trouble and feare. ] not with wine.

22 Thus saith thy Lorde God, euen God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Beholde, I haue taken out of thine hande the cuppe of trembling, euen the dregges of the cuppe of my wrath: thou shalt drinke it no more.

23 But I will put it into their hande that spoile thee: which haue said to thy soule, Bowe downe, that wee may goe ouer, and thou hast layde thy bodie as the grounde, and as the streete to them that went ouer.


CHAP. LII.


1 A consolation to the people of God. 7 Of the meßengers thereof.

1 Arise, arise: put on thy strength, O Zion: put on thy garments of thy beautie, O Ierusalem, the holy citie: for hencefoorth there shall no [Note: [a] No wicked tyrant, which shall subuert Gods true religion, and oppresse the consciences. ] more come into thee the vncircumcised and the vncleane.

2 Shake thy selfe from the [Note: [b] Put off the garments of sorowe and heauinesse, and put on the apparell of ioye and gladnesse. ] dust: arise, and sit downe, O Ierusalem: loose the bandes of thy necke, O thou captiue daughter, Zion.

3 For thus sayeth the Lorde, Yee were solde [Page]

[Peace published.]



for [Note: [c] The Babylonians payde nothing to mee for you: therefore I will take you againe without ransome. ] naught: therefore shall ye be redeemed without money.

4 For thus saith the Lorde God, My people went [Note: [d] When Iaakob went thither in time of famine. ] downe afore time into Egypt to soiourne there, and Asshur [Note: [e] The Egyptians might pretende some cause to oppresse my people because they went thither and remained among them, but the Assyrians haue no title to excuse their tyrannie by: and therefore will I punish them more then I did the Egyptians. ] oppressed them without cause.

5 Nowe therefore what haue I here, saith the Lorde, that my people is taken away for naught, & they that rule ouer them, make them to howle, saith the Lorde? and my Name all the day continually is [Note: [f] To wit, by the wicked, which thinke that I haue no power to deliuer them. ] blasphemed?

6 Therefore my people shal know my Name: therefore they shall know in that day, that I am he that doe speake: beholde, it is I.

7 How [Note: [g] Signifying, that the ioye and good tidings of their deliuerance should make their affliction in the meane time more easie: but this is chiefly meant of the spirituall ioye, as Nahum 1.15. rom. 10.15. ] beautifull vpon the mountaines are the feete of him, that declareth and publisheth peace? that declareth good tidings, and publisheth saluation, saying vnto Zion, Thy God reigneth?

8 [Note: [h] The Prophetes which are thy watchmen, shall publish this thy deliuerance: this was begun vnder Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah, but was accomplished vnder Christ. ] The voyce of thy watchmen shalbe heard: they shall lift vp their voyce, and shoute together: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring againe Zion.

9 O ye desolate places of Ierusalem, bee glad and reioyce together: for the Lorde hath comforted his people: he hath redeemed Ierusalem.

10 The Lorde hath made [Note: [i] As ready to smite his enemies and to deliuer his people. ] bare his holy arme in the sight of all the Gentiles, and all the endes of the earth shall see the saluation of our God.

11 [Note: [k] He warneth the faithfull not to pollute themselues with the superstitions of the Babylonians, as Chapter 48.20. 2.Corinth.6 17. ] Depart, depart ye: goe out from thence and touche no vncleane thing: goe out of the middes of her: be ye cleane, that [Note: [l] For the time is at hande, that the Priestes and Leuites chiefely (and so by them all the people which shalbe as Leuites in this office) shall carrie home the vessels of the Temple, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken away. ] beare the vessels of the Lord.

12 For ye shall not goe out [Note: [m] As your fathers did out of Egypt. ] with haste, nor depart by fleeing away: but the Lorde will goe before you, and the God of Israel will gather you together.

13 Beholde, my [Note: [n] Meaning, Christ, by whom our spirituall deliuerance should bee wrought, whereof this was a figure. ] seruant shall prosper: he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very hie.

14 As many were astonied at thee (his visage was so [Note: [o] In the corrupt iudgement of man, Christ in his person was not esteemed. ] deformed of men, and his forme of the sonnes of men) so [Note: [p] Hee shall spread his worde through many nations. ] shall hee sprinkle many nations: the Kings shall shut their [Note: [q] In signe of reuerence, and as being astonished at his excellencie. ] mouthes at him: for that which had not bene tolde them, shall they see, and that which they had not heard, shall they [Note: [r] By the preaching of the Gospel. ] vnderstande.


CHAP. LIII.


1 Of Christ and his kingdome, whose worde fewe will beleeue. 6 All men are sinners. 11 Christ is our righteousnesse, 12 And is dead for our sinnes.

1 Who [Note: [a] The Prophet sheweth, that very fewe shall receiue this their preaching of Christ, and of their deliuerance by him, Iohn 12.38. rom.10.16. ] will beleeue our report? and to whom is the [Note: [b] Meaning, that none can beleeue, but whose heartes God toucheth with the vertue of his holy Spirite. ] arme of the Lord reueiled?

2 But hee shall growe vp before him as a branche, and as a [Note: [c] The beginning of Christes kingdome shall bee small and contemptible in the sight of man, but it shall growe wonderfully, and flourish before God. ] roote out of a dry [Note: [d] Reade Chap.11.1. ] grounde: he hath neither forme nor beautie: when we shall see him, there shall be no forme that wee should desire him.

3 He is despised and reiected of men: he is a man full of sorowes and hath experience of [Note: [e] Which was by Gods singular prouidence for the comfort of sinners, Ebrewes 4.15. ] infirmities: we hidde as it were our faces from him: he was despised and we esteemed him not.

[Christ and his office.]




4 Surely hee hath borne our infirmities, and caried [Note: [f] That is, the punishment due to our sinnes: for the which hee hath both suffered, and made satisfaction, Matth.8.17. 1 pet. 2.24. ] our sorowes: yet wee did iudge him, as [Note: [g] Wee iudged euil, thinking that he was punished for his owne sinnes, and not for ours. ] plagued, and smitten of God, and humbled.

5 But hee was wounded for our transgressions, hee was broken for our iniquities: the [Note: [h] He was chastised for our reconciliation, 1.Corin. 15.3. ] chastisement of our peace was vpon him, and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheepe haue gone astraye: wee haue turned euery one to his owne way, and the Lord hath layed vpon him the [Note: [i] Meaning, the punishment of our iniquitie, and not the fault it selfe. ] iniquitie of vs all.

7 Hee was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet did he not [Note: [k] But willingly, and paciently obeyed his fathers appointment, Mat. 26.63. acts.8.32. ] open his mouth: hee is brought as a sheepe to the slaughter, and as a sheepe before her shearer is dumme, so he openeth not his mouth.

8 Hee was taken out from [Note: [l] From the crosse, and graue after that he was condemned. ] prison, and from iudgement: [Note: [m] Though he died for sinne, yet after his resurrection he shall liue for euer: and this his death is to restore life to his members, Rom.6.9. ] and who shall declare his age? for he was cut out of the lande of the liuing: for the transgression of my people was he plagued.

9 [Note: [n] God the Father deliuered him into the hands of the wicked, and to the powers of the world to doe with him what they would. ] And he made his graue with the wicked, and with the riche in his death, though hee had done no wickednesse, neither was any deceite in his mouth.

10 Yet the Lord would breake him, and make him subiect to infirmities: when [Note: [o] Christ by offering vp him selfe shall giue life to his Church, and so cause them to liue with him for euer. ] hee shall make his soule an offring for sinne, he shall see his seede and shall prolong his dayes, and the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

11 Hee shall see of the [Note: [p] That is, the fruite and effect of his labour, which is the saluatio of his Church. ] trauaile of his soule, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my [Note: [q] Christ shall iustifie by faith through his worde, whereas Moses coulde not iustifie by the Lawe. ] righteous seruant iustifie many: for hee shall beare their iniquities.

12 Therefore will I giue him a portion with the great, and he shall deuide the spoyle with the strong, because hee [Note: [r] Because he humbled himselfe, therefore hee shalbe exalted to glorie, Phil.2.7. &c. to verse 12. ] hath powred out his soule vnto death: and he was counted with the transgressers, & he bare the sinne [Note: [s] That is, of all that beleeue in him. ] of many, and prayed for the trespassers.


CHAP. LIIII.


1 Moe of the Gentiles shall beleeue the Gospell then of the Iewes. 7 God leaueth his for a time, to whome afterward he sheweth mercie.

1 Reioyce, O [Note: [a] After that he hath declared the death of Christ, he speaketh to the Church, because it should feele the fruit of the same, and calleth her barren, because that in the captiuitie she was as a widowe without hope to haue any children. ] barren that diddest not beare: breake forth into ioy and reioyce, thou that diddest not trauaile with childe: for the [Note: [b] The Church in this her affliction, and captiuitie shall bring foorth moe childre then when she was at libertie: or this may be spoken by admiration, considering the great nomber that should come of her. Her deliuerance vnder Cyrus was as her childehoode, and therefore this was accomplished, when shee came to her age, which was vnder the Gospell. ] desolate hath moe children then the married wife, sayeth the Lorde.

2 [Note: [c] Signifying, that for the great nomber of children, that God should giue her, she should seeme to lacke roume to lodge them. ] Enlarge the place of thy tents, & let them spread out the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, stretch out thy cords & make fast thy stakes.

3 For thou shalt increase on the right hande and on the left, and thy seede shall possesse the Gentiles, and dwell in the desolate cities.

4 Feare not: for thou shalt not be ashamed, neither shalt thou be confounded: for thou shalt not bee put to shame: yea, thou shalt forget the shame of thy [Note: [d] The afflictions which thou sufferedst at the beginning. ] youth, and shalt not remember the reproch of thy [Note: [e] When as thou wast refused for thy sinnes, Chap. 50.1. ] widdowhoode any more.

5 For hee that [Note: [f] That did regenerate thee by his holy Spirit. ] made thee, is thine husband (whose Name is the Lorde of hostes) and thy redeemer the Holy one of Israel, shall be called the

[Page 58]

[The Church comforted.]



God of the whole [Note: [g] His glory shall shine through the whole worlde, which seemed before to be shut vp in Iudea. ] world.
6 For the Lord hath called thee, being as a woman forsaken, and afflicted in spirite, and as a [Note: [h] As a wife which wast forsaken in thy youth. ] yong wife when thou wast refused, sayth thy God.

7 For a litle while haue I forsaken thee, but with great compassion will I gather thee.

8 For a moment, in mine anger, I hid my face from thee for a litle season, but with euerlasting mercy haue I had compassion on thee, sayth the Lord thy redeemer.

9 For this is vnto me as the [Note: [i] As sure as the promes that I made to Noah, that the waters should no more ouerflowe the earth. ] waters of Noah: for as I haue sworne that the waters of Noah should no more goe ouer the earth, so haue I sworne that I would not be angrie with thee, nor rebuke thee.

10 For the mountaines shall remoue and the hilles shall fall downe: but my mercy shall not depart from thee, neither shall the couenant of my peace fall away, saith the Lord, that hath compassion on thee.

11 O thou afflicted and tossed with tempest, that hast no comfort, beholde, I wil lay thy stones with [Note: [k] Hereby he declareth the excellent estate of the Church vnder Christ. ] the carbuncle, and lay thy foundation with saphirs,

12 And I will make thy windowes of [Note: Or, iasper, or, pearle. ] emeraudes, and thy gates shining stones, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

13 And all thy children shalbe [Note: [l] By the hearing of his worde and inward mouing of his Spirit. ] taught of the Lord, and much peace shalbe to thy children.

14 In [Note: [m] In stabilitie and surenes so that it shall stand for euer. ] righteousnes shalt thou be established, and be farre from oppression: for thou shalt not feare it: and from feare, for it shall not come neere thee.

15 Beholde, the enemie shall gather himselfe, but without [Note: [n] And therefore shall not preuaile. ] me: whosoeuer shall gather himselfe in thee, [Note: [o] Meaning, the domesticall enemies of ye Church as are the hypocrites. ] against thee, shall fall.

16 Beholde, I haue created the [Note: [p] Signifying hereby that man can doe nothing, but so farre as God giueth power: for seeing that all are his creatures, hee must needes gouerne and guide them. ] smith that bloweth the coales in the fire, and him that bringeth forth an instrument for his worke, & I haue created the destroyer to destroy.

17 But all the weapons that are made against thee, shall not prosper: and euery tongue that shall rise against thee in iudgement, thou shalt condemne. This is the heritage of the Lords seruants, and their righteousnesse is of me, sayth the Lorde.



CHAP. LV.


1 An exhortation to come to Christ. 8 Gods counsels are not as mans. 12 The ioy of the faithfull.

1 Ho, euery one that [Note: [a] Christ by proposing his graces and giftes to his Church exempteth the hypocrites which are full with their imagined workes, and the Epicures, which are full with their worldly lustes and so thirst not after these waters. ] thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and ye that haue [Note: [b] Signifying, that Gods benefits can not be bought for money. ] no siluer, come, bye and eate: come, I say, bye [Note: [c] By waters, wine, milke and bread, he meaneth all things necessarie to the spirituall life, as these are necessarie to this corporall life. ] wine and milke without siluer and without money.

2 Wherefore doe ye lay out siluer and not for bread? [Note: [d] Hee reproueth their ingratitude which refuse those things that God offreth willingly, & in the meane time spare neither cost nor labour to obteine those, which are nothing profitable. ] and your labour without being satisfied? hearken diligently vnto me, and eate that which is good, and let your soule delite in [Note: [e] You shalbe fed abundantly. ] fatnes.

3 Encline your eares, and come vnto me: heare, and your soule shal liue, and I will make an euerlasting couenant with you, euen the [Note: [f] The same couenant, which through my mercie, I ratified and confirmed to Dauid, that it should be eternall, 2.Sam.7.13. actes 19.34. ] sure mercies of Dauid.

4 Beholde, I gaue [Note: [g] Meaning, Christ, of whome Dauid was a figure. ] him for a witnes to the people, for a prince and a master vnto the people.

[Gods counsels not as mans.]




5 Beholde, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, [Note: [h] To wit, the Gentiles, which before thou diddest not receiue to be thy people. ] and a nation that knew not thee, shall runne vnto thee, because of the Lorde thy God, and the holy one of Israel: for hee hath glorified thee.

6 Seeke ye the Lord while he may [Note: [i] When he offreth himself by ye preaching of his word. ] be found: call ye vpon him while he is neere.

7 Let the wicked [Note: [k] Hereby he sheweth that repentace must be ioyned with fayth, & how we cannot call vpon God aright, except the fruite of our fayth appeare. ] forsake his wayes, and the vnrighteous his owne imaginations, and returne vnto the Lord, and he wil haue mercy vpon him: and to our God, for hee is very ready to forgiue.

8 For my [Note: [l] Although you are not soone reconciled one to an other and iudge mee by your selues, yet I am most easie to be reconciled, yea I offer my mercies to you. ] thoughtes are not your thoughts, neither are your wayes my wayes, sayth the Lord.

9 For as ye heauens are higher then the earth, so are my wayes higher then your wayes, and my thoughtes aboue your thoughts.

10 Surely as the raine commeth downe and the snow from heauen, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth and maketh it to bring forth and bud, that it may giue seede to the sower, and bread vnto him that eateth,

11 So shall my [Note: [m] If these small things haue their effect, as dayly experience sheweth, much more shall my promes which I haue made and confirmed, bring to passe the thing which I haue spoken for your deliuerance. ] worde be, that goeth out of my mouth: it shall not returne vnto me voyde, but it shall accomplish that which I will, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

12 Therefore ye shall go out with ioy, and be led forth with peace: the [Note: [n] Reade Chap. 44.23. and 49.13. ] mountaines and the hilles shall breake foorth before you into ioye, and all the trees of the fielde shall clap their handes.

13 For thornes there shall grow firre trees: for nettles shall growe the myrrhe tree, and it shalbe to the Lord [Note: [o] To set foorth his glory. ] for a name, and for an euerlasting [Note: [p] Of Gods deliuerance, and that he wil neuer forsake his Church. ] signe that shall not be taken away.


CHAP. LVI.


1 An exhortation to iudgement and iustice. 10 Against shepheards that deuoure their flocke.

1 Thus saith the Lorde, [Note: [a] God sheweth what he requireth of them after that he hath deliuered them: to wit, the workes of charitie whereby true faith is declared. ] Keepe iudgement and doe iustice: for my saluation is at hand to come, and my [Note: [b] Which I will declare towarde you and powre into your hearts by my Spirit. ] righteousnes to be reueiled.

2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the sonne of man which layeth holde on it: hee that keepeth the [Note: [c] Vnder the Sabbath he comprehendeth ye whole seruice of God and true religion. ] Sabbath and polluteth it not, and keepeth his hand from doing any euill.

3 And let not the sonne of the stranger, which [Note: [d] Let none thinke himselfe vnmeete to receiue the graces of the Lorde: for the Lord will take away all impediments, and wil forsake none which wil keepe his true religion and beleeue in him. ] is ioyned to the Lord, speake and say, The Lord hath surely separate me from his people: neither let the Eunuch say, Beholde, I am a drye tree.

4 For thus saith the Lord vnto the Eunuches, that keepe my Sabbaths, and chuse the thing that pleaseth me, and take holde of my couenant,

5 Euen vnto them wil I giue in mine [Note: [e] Meaning, in his Church. ] House and within my walles, a place and a [Note: [f] They shall be called after my people and be of the same religion: yea, vnder Christ the dignitie of the faythfull shall be greater then the Iewes were at that time. ] name better then of the sonnes and of the daughters: I will giue them an euerlasting name, that shall not be put out.

6 Also the strangers that cleaue vnto the Lord, to serue him, and to loue the Name of the Lord, and to be his seruants: euery one that keepeth the Sabbath, and polluteth it not and imbraceth my couenant,

7 Them wil I bring also to mine holy mountaine, and make them ioyfull in mine House of prayer: their burnt [Note: [g] Hereby hee meaneth the spirituall seruice of God, to whome the faythfull offer continuall thankesgiuing, yea themselues and all that they haue as a liuely and acceptable sacrifice. ] offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted vpon mine altar: for mine [Page]

[Spirituall whoredome.]



House shall be called an house of prayer for [Note: [h] Not onely for the Iewes but for all others, Matth. 21.13. ] all people.

8 The Lord God sayth, which gathereth the scattered of Israel, Yet wil I gather to them those that are to be gathered to them.

9 All ye [Note: [i] Meaning, the enemies of the Church, as the Babylonians, Assyrians, &c. thus he speaketh to feare the hypocrites and to assure the faithfull, that when this commeth, they may know it was tolde them before. ] beastes of the fielde, come to deuoure, euen all ye beastes of the forest.

10 Their [Note: [k] Hee sheweth that this affliction shal come through the fault of the gouernours, Prophets and pastours, whose ignorance, negligence, auarice and obstinacie prouoked Gods wrath against them. ] watchmen are all blinde: they haue no knowledge: they are all dumme dogs: they can not barke: they lie and sleepe and delite in sleeping.

11 And these griedy dogs can neuer haue ynough: and these shepheards cannot vnderstand: for they all looke to their owne way, euery one for his aduantage, and for his owne purpose.

12 Come, I wil bring wine, and we wil fill our selues with strong drinke, and to [Note: [l] We are well yet, and to morowe shall be better: therefore let vs not feare the plagues before they come: thus the wicked contemned the admonitions and exhortations which were made them in the Name of God. ] morowe shalbe as this day, and much more abundant.


CHAP. LVII.


1 God taketh away the good, that he should not see the horrible plagues to come. 3 Of the wicked idolaters, 9 And their vaine confidence.

1 The righteous perisheth, and no man considereth it in heart: and mercifull men are taken away, and no man vnderstandeth that the righteous is taken away [Note: [a] From the plague that is at hand, and also because God will punish the wicked. ] from the euill to come.

2 [Note: [b] The soule of the righteous shal be in ioy & their body shall rest in the graue vnto the time of the resurrection, because they walked before the Lord. ] Peace shall come: they shall rest in their beds, euery one that walketh before him.

3 But you [Note: [c] He threatneth the wicked hypocrites, who vnder the pretence of the name of Gods people derided Gods word & his promises: boasting openly that they were the children of Abraham, but because they were not faithfull and obedient as Abraham was, he calleth them bastards, and the children of sorcerers, which forsooke God and fled to wicked meanes for succour. ] witches children, come hither, the seede of the adulterer and of the whore.

4 On whome haue ye iested? vpon whome haue ye gaped and thrust out your tongue? are not ye rebellious children, and a false seede?

5 Inflamed with idoles vnder euery greene tree? and sacrificing the [Note: [d] Reade Leuit.18. 21. 2.king.23.10. ] children in the valleys vnder the tops of the rocks?

6 Thy portion is in the smooth stones [Note: [e] Meaning, euery place was polluted with their idolatrie: or euery faire stone that they found, they made an idole of it. ] of the riuer: they, they are thy lot: euen to them hast thou powred a drinke offering: thou hast offered a sacrifice. Should I delite in [Note: [f] In the sacrifices which you, offring before these idoles, thought you did serue God. ] these?

7 Thou hast made thy [Note: [g] To wit, thine altars, in an open place like an impudent harlot that careth not for the sight of her husband. ] bed vpon a very hie mountaine: thou wentest vp thither, euen thither wentest thou to offer sacrifice.

8 Behinde the [Note: [h] In steade of setting vp the worde of God in the open places on the postes and doores to haue it in remembrance, Deut.6.9. & 27.1. thou hast set vp signes and markes of thine idolatrie in euery place. ] doores also and postes hast thou set vp thy remembrance: for thou hast discouered thy selfe to another then me, and wentest vp, and diddest [Note: [i] That is, diddest increase thine idolatrie more and more. ] enlarge thy bed, and make a couenant betweene thee & them, and louedst their bed in euery place where thou sawest it.

9 Thou wentest [Note: [k] Thou diddest seeke the fauour of the Assyrians by giftes and presents, to helpe thee against the Egyptians: and when they failed, thou soughtest to the Babylonians and more and more diddest torment thy selfe. ] to the Kings with oyle, and diddest increase thine oyntments and sende thy messengers farre off, and diddest humble thy selfe vnto hell.

10 Thou weariedst thy selfe in thy manifolde iourneys, yet saydest thou not, [Note: [l] Although thou sawest all thy labours to be in vaine, yet wouldest thou neuer acknowledge thy fault and leaue off. ] There is no hope: thou [Note: [m] Hee derideth their vnprofitable diligence which thought to haue made all sure, and yet were deceiued. ] hast found life by thine hand, therefore

[No peace to the wicked.]



thou wast not grieued.

11 And whome diddest thou reuerence or feare, seeing thou hast [Note: [n] Broken promes with me. ] lyed vnto me, and hast not remembred me, neither set thy minde thereon? is it not because I holde my peace, & that of long [Note: [o] Meaning, that the wicked abuse Gods lenitie and growe to farther wickednes. ] time? therefore thou fearest not me.

12 I will declare thy [Note: [p] That is, thy naughtines, idolatries, and impieties: which the wicked call Gods seruice: thus he derideth their obstinacie. ] righteousnes and thy workes, and they shall not profite thee.

13 When thou cryest, let them that thou hast gathered together deliuer thee: but the winde shal [Note: [q] Meaning, the Assyrians and other, whose helpe they looked for. ] take them all away: vanitie shal pull them away: but he that trusteth in me, shall inherite the lande, and shall possesse mine holy Mountaine.

14 [Note: [r] God shall say to Darius and Cyrus. ] And he shall say, Cast vp, cast vp: prepare the way: take vp the stumbling blocks out of the way of my people.

15 For thus sayth he that is hie and excellent, he that inhabiteth the eternitie, whose Name is the Holy one, I dwell in the high and holy place: with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirite to reuiue the spirite of the humble, and to giue life to them that are of a contrite heart.

16 For I will not contende for euer, neither will I be alwayes wroth, [Note: [s] I will not vse my power against fraile man whose life is but a blast. ] for the spirite should fayle before me: and I haue made the breath.

17 For his wicked [Note: [t] That is, for the vices and faultes of the people, which is meant here by couetousnesse. ] couetousnesse I am angry with him, and haue smitten him: I hid mee and was angry, yet he went away, and turned after the way of his owne heart.

18 I haue seene his wayes, and wil [Note: [u] Though they were obstinate, yet I did not withdrawe my mercy from them. ] heale him: I wil leade him also, & restore comfort vnto him, and to those that lament him.

19 I create the [Note: [x] That is, I frame the speach and wordes of my messengers which shall bring peace. ] fruite of the lips, to be peace: peace vnto them that are [Note: [y] As wel to him that is in captiuitie as to him that remaineth at home. ] farre off, and to them that are neere, sayth the Lorde: for I will heale him.

20 But the wicked are like the raging sea, that can [Note: [z] Their euill conscience doeth euer torment them, and therefore they can neuer haue rest, reade Chap.48.22. ] not rest, whose waters cast vp myre and dirt.

21 There is no peace, sayth my God, to the wicked.


CHAP. LVIII.


1 The office of Gods ministers. 2 The workes of the hypocrites. 6 The first of the faithfull. 13 Of the true Sabbath.

1 Crye [Note: [a] The Lord thus speaketh to the Prophet, willing him to vse all diligence and seueritie to rebuke the hypocrites. ] aloude, spare not: lift vp thy voyce like a trumpet, and shewe my people their transgression, and to the house of Iaakob, their sinnes.

2 Yet they [Note: [b] They wil seeme to worship me and haue outward holinesse. ] seeke me dayly, and will knowe my wayes, euen as a nation that did righteously, and had not forsaken the statutes of their God: they aske of me the ordinances of iustice: they wil drawe neere vnto God, saying,

3 [Note: [c] Hee setteth forth the malice and disdaine of the hypocrites, which grudge against God, if their workes be not accepted. ] Wherefore haue we fasted, and thou seest it not? we haue punished our selues, and thou regardest it not. Beholde, in the day of your fast you will seeke [Note: [d] Thus he conuinceth the hypocrites by the second table and by their duetie toward their neighbour that they haue neither fayth nor religion. ] your will, and require all your dettes.

4 Beholde, ye fast to strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickednesse: ye shall not fast as ye doe to day, to make your voyce to be [Note: [e] So long as you vse contention and oppression, your fasting and prayer shall not be heard. ] heard aboue.

5 Is it such a fast that I haue chosen, that a man should afflict his soule for a day, and to bowe

[Page 59]

[Of the true fast.]



downe his head, as a bull rush, and to lie downe in sackecloth and ashes? wilt thou call this a fasting, or an acceptable day to the Lord?
6 Is not this the fasting, that I haue chosen, to loose the bandes of wickednes, to take off the heauie burdens, and to let the oppressed goe free, and that ye breake euery [Note: [f] That you leaue off all your extortions. ] yoke?

7 Is it not to deale thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poore that wander, vnto thine house? when thou seest the naked, that thou couer him, and hide not thy selfe from [Note: [g] For in him thou seest thy selfe as in a glasse. ] thine owne flesh?

8 Then shall thy [Note: [h] That is, the prosperous estate, wherewith God will blesse thee. ] light breake foorth as the morning, and thine health shal grow speedily: thy [Note: [i] The testimonie of thy goodnesse shall appeare before God and man. ] righteousnes shall goe before thee, and the glorie of the Lord shall embrace thee.

9 Then shalt thou call, and the Lorde shall answere: thou shalt cry and hee shall say, Here I am: if thou take away from the mids of thee the yoke, the putting foorth of the [Note: [k] Whereby is ment all maner of iniurie. ] finger, and wicked speaking:

10 If thou [Note: [l] That is, haue compassion on their miseries. ] powre out thy soule to the hungrie, and refresh the troubled soule: then shall thy light spring out in the [Note: [m] Thine aduersitie shalbe turned into prosperitie. ] darkenes, and thy darkenes shalbe as the noone day.

11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfie thy soule in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watred garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters faile not.

12 And they shalbe of thee, that shall builde the olde [Note: [n] Signifying, that of the Iewes should come such, as should builde againe the ruines of Ierusalem and Iudea: but chiefly this is ment of the spirituall Ierusalem: whose builders were the Apostles. ] waste places: thou shalt rayse vp the foundations for many generations, and thou shalt be called the repairer of the breach and the restorer of the pathes to dwell in.

13 If thou [Note: [o] If thou refraine thy selfe from thy wicked workes. ] turne away thy foote from the Sabbath, from doing thy will on mine holy day, and call the Sabbath a delite, to consecrate it, as glorious to the Lorde, and shalt honour him, not doing thine owne wayes, nor seeking thine owne will, nor speaking a vaine word,

14 Then shalt thou delite in the Lord, & I wil cause thee to mount vpon the hie places of the earth, and feede thee with the heritage of Iaakob thy father: for the mouth of ye Lord hath spoken it.



CHAP. LIX.


1 The wicked perish through their owne iniquities. 12 The confession of sinnes. 16 God alone will preserue his Church, though all men faile.

1 Beholde, [Note: Nomb.11.23. chap.50.2. ] the Lordes hande is not shortened, that it can not saue: neither is his eare heauie, that it cannot heare.

2 But [Note: Iere.5.25. ] your iniquities haue separated betweene you and your God, and your sinnes haue hidde his face from you, that he will not heare.

3 For your handes are defiled with [Note: [a] Reade Chap. 1.15. ] blood, and your fingers with iniquitie: your lips haue spoken lies & your tongue hath murmured iniquitie.

4 No man calleth for iustice: no man [Note: [b] All men winke at the iniuries and oppressions, and none go about to remedie them. ] contendeth for trueth: they trust in vanitie, & speake vaine things: they conceiue mischiefe, and [Note: [c] According to their wicked deuises, they hurt their neighbours. ] bring foorth iniquitie.

5 They hatch cockatrice [Note: [d] Whatsoeuer commeth from them, is poyson and bringeth death. ] egges, and weaue the spiders [Note: [e] They are profitable to no purpose. ] webbe: he that eateth of their egges, dieth, and that which is trode vpon, breaketh out into a serpent.

6 Their webbes shall be no garment, neither shall they couer themselues with their labours: for their workes are workes of iniquitie, & the worke of crueltie is in their handes.

7 Their feete runne to euill, and they make

[The iust is a praye.]



haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are wicked thoughts: desolation and destruction is in their paths.

8 The way of peace they knowe not, & there is none equitie in their goings: they haue made them crooked paths: whosoeuer goeth therein, shall not knowe peace.

9 Therefore is [Note: [f] That is, Gods vengeance to punish our enemies. ] iudgement farre from vs, neither doeth [Note: [g] Gods protection to defend vs. ] iustice come neere vnto vs: we waite for light, but loe, it is darkenesse: for brightnesse, but we walke in darkenesse.

10 Wee grope for the wall like the [Note: [h] We are altogether destitute of counsell and can finde no ende of our miseries. ] blinde, and we grope as one without eyes: we stumble at the noone day as in the twilight: we are in solitarie places, as dead men.

11 We roare all like [Note: [i] We expresse our sorowes by outward signes, some more some lesse. ] beares, and mourne like dooues: wee looke for equitie, but there is none: for health, but it is farre from vs.

12 For our trespasses are many before thee, and our [Note: [k] This confession is generall to the Church to obtaine remission of sinnes, and the prophets did not exempt themselues from the same. ] sinnes testifie against vs: for our trespasses are with vs, and we knowe our iniquities

13 In trespassing and lying against the Lorde, and wee haue departed away from our God, and haue spoken of crueltie and rebellion, conceiuing and vttering out of the heart false [Note: [l] To wit, against our neighbours. ] matters.

14 Therefore [Note: [m] There is neither iustice nor vprightnesse among men. ] iudgement is turned backewarde, and iustice standeth farre off: for trueth is fallen in the streete, and equitie cannot enter.

15 Yea, trueth faileth, and hee that refraineth from euill, maketh himselfe [Note: [n] The wicked wil destroy him. ] a praye: and when the Lorde sawe it, it displeased him, that there was no iudgement.

16 And when he sawe that there was no man, hee wondered that none woulde offer him selfe. [Note: [o] Meaning, to doe iustice and to remedie the things that were so farre out of order. ] Therefore his arme did [Note: [p] That is, his Church: or his arme did helpe it selfe, and did not seeke ayde of any other. ] saue it, and his righteousnes it selfe did sustaine it.

17 For he put on righteousnes, as an habergeon, and an [Note: [q] Signifying, that God hath all meanes at hand to deliuer his Church, and to punish their enemies. ] helmet of saluation vpon his head, and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeale as a cloke.

18 As to make recompence, as to requite the furie of the aduersaries with a recompence to his enemies: he will fully repaire the [Note: [r] To wit, your enemies, which dwel in diuers places, and beyonde the sea. ] ylands.

19 So shall they feare the Name of the Lorde from the West, and his glory from the rising of the sunne: for the enemie shall [Note: [s] Hee sheweth that there shall be great affliction in the Church, but God will euer deliuer his. ] come like a flood: but the Spirit of the Lord shall chase him away.

20 And the Redeemer shall come vnto Zion, and vnto [Note: [t] Whereby hee declareth that the true deliuerance from sinne and Satan belongeth to none, but to the children of God, whome he iustifieth. ] them that turne from iniquitie in Iaakob, saith the Lord.

21 And I will make this my couenant with them, saith the Lorde. My Spirit that is vpon thee, and my wordes, which I haue put in thy mouth, [Note: [u] Because the doctrine is made profitable by the vertue of the spirite, hee ioyneth the one with the other, and promiseth to giue them both to his Church for euer. ] shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seede, nor out of the mouth of the seede of thy seede, saith the Lord, from hencefoorth euen for euer.


CHAP. LX.


3 The Gentiles shall come to the knowledge of the Gospell. 8 They shall come to the Church in abundance. 16 They shall haue abundance, though they suffer for a time.

1 Arise, O Ierusalem: be bright, for thy [Note: [a] The time of thy prosperitie and felicitie: whereas speaking of Babylon he commaunded her to goe downe, Chap.47.1. ] light is come, and the glorie of the Lorde is risen vpon thee.

2 For beholde, darkenesse shall couer the [Note: [b] Signifying, that all men are in darkenes till God giue them the light of his spirit, and that this light shineth to none but to those that are in his Church. ] earth, and grosse darkenesse the people: but the [Page]

[The Gentiles shalbe in light.]



Lord shall arise vpon thee, and his glory shall be seene vpon thee.

3 And the Gentiles shall walke in [Note: [c] Meaning, that Iudea should be as the morning starre, and that the Gentiles should receiue light of her. ] thy light, and Kings at the brightnesse of thy rising vp.

4 Lift vp thine eyes round about, & beholde: all [Note: [d] An infinite nomber from all countries, as chap.49.18. ] these are gathered, and come to thee: thy sonnes shall come from farre, and thy daughters shalbe nourished at thy side.

5 Then thou shalt see and shine: thine heart shall be astonied [Note: [e] For ioy, as the heart is drawen in for sorowe. ] and enlarged, because the multitude of the sea shalbe conuerted vnto thee, and the riches of the Gentiles shall come vnto thee.

6 The [Note: [f] Meaning, that euery one shall honour the Lorde with that, wherewith he is able: signifying, that it is no true seruing of God, except wee offer our selues to serue his glory, and all that wee haue. ] multitude of camels shall couer thee: and the dromedaries of Midian and of Ephah: all they of Sheba shall come: they shall bring golde and incense, and shewe foorth the prayses of the Lorde.

7 All the sheepe [Note: [g] That is, the Arabians, that haue great abundance of cattell. ] of Kedar shall be gathered vnto thee: the rammes of Nebaioth shall serue thee: they shall come vp to bee accepted vpon mine [Note: [h] Because the altar was a figure of Christ, Ebr.13.10: he sheweth that nothing can be acceptable to him, which is not offered to him by this altar, who was both the offering and the altar it selfe. ] altar: and I will beautifie the house of my glorie.

8 Who are these [Note: [i] Shewing what great nomber shall come to the Church, and with what great diligence and zeale. ] that flee like a cloude, and as the doues to their windowes?

9 Surely the yles shall waite for mee, and the shippes [Note: [k] The Gentiles that are now enemies, shall become friendes and setters foorth of the Church. ] of Tarshish, as at the beginning, that they may bring thy sonnes from farre, and their siluer, and their golde with them, vnto the Name of the Lord thy God, and to the Holy one of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

10 And the sonnes of strangers shall builde vp thy walles, and their [Note: [l] Meaning, Cyrus and his successours: but chiefly this is accomplished in them that serue Christ being conuerted by his Gospel. ] Kings shall minister vnto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my mercie I had compassion on thee.

11 Therefore thy gates shalbe open cotinually: neither day nor night shall they be shutte, that men may bring vnto thee the riches of the Gentiles, and that their Kings may be brought.

12 For the nation and the [Note: [m] Hee sheweth that God hath giuen all power and authoritie here in earth for the vse of his Church: and that they which will not serue and profite the same, shalbe destroyed. ] kingdome, that will not serue thee, shall perish: and those nations shalbe vtterly destroyed.

13 The [Note: [n] There is nothing so excellent which shall not serue the necessitie of the Church. ] glory of Lebanon shall come vnto thee, the firre tree, the elme and the boxe tree together, to beautifie the place of my Sanctuarie: for I will glorifie the place of my [Note: [o] Signifying, that Gods maiestie is not included in the Temple, which is but the place for his feete, that wee may learne to rise vp to the heauens. ] feete.

14 The sonnes also of them that afflicted thee, shall come and bowe vnto thee: and all they that despised thee, shall fall [Note: [p] To worship their head Christ by obeying his doctrine. ] downe at the soles of thy feete: and they shall call thee, The citie of the Lord, Zion of the Holy one of Israel.

15 Where as thou hast bene forsaken and hated: so that no man went by thee, I will make thee an eternall glorie, and a ioye from generation to generation.

16 Thou shalt also sucke ye milke of the Gentiles, and shalt sucke the [Note: [q] Both hie and low shall be readie to helpe and succour thee. ] breastes of Kings: and thou shalt know, that I the Lord am thy Sauiour, and thy Redeemer, the mightie one of Iaakob.

17 For brasse will I bring golde, and for yron will I bring siluer, and for wood brasse, and for stones yron. I will also make thy gouernement [Note: [r] Thy gouernours shall loue thee and seeke thy wealth and prosperitie. ] peace, and thine exactours righteousnesse.

18 Violence shall no more be heard of in thy land, neither desolation, nor destructio within thy borders: but thou shalt call [Note: [s] Meaning, not a temporall felicitie, but a spirituall, which is fulfilled in Christes kingdome. ] saluation, thy walles, and praise, thy gates.

[The Churches glory.]




19 Thou shalt haue no more sunne to shine by day, neither shall the brightnesse of the [Note: [t] Signifying, that all worldly meanes shal cease, and that Christ shalbe all in all, as Reuel.21.22. and 22.5. ] moone shine vnto thee: for the Lord shall be thine euerlasting light, and thy God, thy glorie.

20 Thy sunne shall neuer goe downe, neither shall thy moone be hid: for the Lord shalbe thine euerlasting light, and the dayes of thy sorowe shalbe ended.

21 Thy people also shalbe all righteous: they shall possesse the land for euer, the [Note: [u] The children of the Church. ] grasse of my planting shalbe the worke of mine handes, that I may be glorified.

22 A litle one shall become as a [Note: [x] Meaning, that the Church should be miraculously multiplied. ] thousande, and a small one as a strong nation: I the Lord wil hasten it in due time.


CHAP. LXI.


1 He prophecieth that Christ shalbe anointed and sent to preach. 10 The ioy of the faithfull.

1 The [Note: Luke 4.18. ] Spirit of the Lorde God is [Note: [a] This apperteineth to all the Prophetes and ministers of God, but chiefly to Christ, of whose aboundant graces euery one receiueth according as it pleaseth him to distribute. ] vpon mee, therefore hath the Lorde anoynted mee: hee hath sent mee to preache good tidings vnto the poore, to binde vp the [Note: [b] To them that are liuely touched with the feeling of their sinnes. ] broken hearted, to preach libertie to the [Note: [c] Which are in the bondage of sinne. ] captiues, and to them that are bound, the opening of the prison,

2 To preache the [Note: [d] The time when it pleased God to shewe his good fauour to man, which S. Paul calleth the fulnesse of time, Galat.4.4. ] acceptable yeere of the Lorde, and the day of [Note: [e] For when God deliuereth his Church, hee punisheth his enemies. ] vengeance of our God, to comfort all that mourne,

3 To appoint vnto them that mourne in Zion, and to giue vnto them beautie for [Note: [f] Which was the signe of mourning. ] ashes, the oyle of ioye for mourning, the garment of gladnesse for the spirit of heauinesse, that they might be called [Note: [g] Trees that bring foorth good fruits, as Matth.3.8. ] trees of righteousnesse, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

4 And they shall builde the olde waste places, and raise vp the former desolations, and they shal repaire the cities that were desolate and waste through many [Note: [h] That is, for a long time. ] generations.

5 And the strangers shall [Note: [i] They shalbe readie to serue you in al your necessities. ] stande and feede your sheepe, and the sonnes of the strangers shall be your plowmen and dressers of your vines.

6 But ye shall be named [Note: [k] This is accomplished in the time of Christ, by whome all the faithfull are made Priestes and Kings, 1.Peter 2.9. reuel. 1.6. and 5.10. ] the Priestes of the Lord, and men shall say vnto you, The ministers of our God, Ye shall eate the [Note: [l] Reade Chap.60. 16. and chapter 60.11. ] riches of the Gentiles, and shalbe exalted with their glorie.

7 For your shame you shall receiue [Note: [m] Abundant recompence, as this worde is vsed, Chap.40.2. ] double, and for confusion [Note: [n] That is, the Iewes. ] they shall reioyce in [Note: [o] To wit, of the Gentiles. ] their portion: for in their lande they shall possesse the [Note: [p] Where as the Gentiles had dominion ouer the Iewes in times past, nowe they shall haue double authoritie ouer them and possesse twise so much. ] double: euerlasting ioy shall be vnto them.

8 For I the Lorde loue iudgement and hate [Note: [q] I will not receiue their offering, which are extortioners, deceiuers, hypocrites, or that depriue mee of my glorie. ] robberie for burnt offering, and I wil direct their worke in trueth, and will make an euerlasting couenant with them.

9 And [Note: [r] That is, of the Church. ] their seede shall be knowen among the Gentiles, and their buddes among the people. All that see them, shall know them, that they are the seede which the Lord hath blessed.

10 [Note: [s] Hee sheweth what shall bee the affection, when they feele this their deliuerance. ] I will greatly reioyce in the Lord, and my soule shall be ioyfull in my God: for he hath clothed mee with the garments of saluation, and couered me with the robe of righteousnes: hee hath decked me like a bridegrome, and as a bride tireth herselfe with her iewels.

11 For as the earth bringeth foorth her bud, and as the garden causeth to growe that which is sowen in it: so the Lord God will cause righteousnesse to grow and praise before all the heathen.


[Page 60]

[Watchmens duetie.]





CHAP. LXII.


1 The great desire that the Prophets haue had for Christs comming. 6 The diligence of the Pastours to preach.

1 For Zions sake I will not [Note: [a] The Prophet sayth that he wil neuer cease to declare vnto the people the good tidings of their deliuerance. ] holde my tongue, and for Ierusalems sake I wil not rest, vntil the righteousnes thereof breake foorth as the [Note: [b] Till they haue full deliuerance: and this the Prophet speaketh to incourage al other ministers to ye setting forth of Gods mercies towarde his Church. ] light, and saluation thereof as a burning lampe.

2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousnesse, and all Kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by [Note: [c] Thou shalt haue a more excellent fame then thou hast had hitherto. ] a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shal name.

3 Thou shalt also be a [Note: [d] He shal esteeme thee as deare and precious, as a King doeth his crowne. ] crowne of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royall diademe in the hand of thy God.

4 It shall no more be sayd vnto thee, [Note: [e] Thou shalt no more be contemned as a woman forsaken of her husband. ] Forsaken, neither shal it be said any more to thy land, Desolate, but thou shalt be called [Note: Or, my delite in her. ] Hephzi-bah, and thy land [Note: Or, married. ] Beulah: for the Lorde deliteth in thee, and thy land shall haue an [Note: [f] That it may be replenished with children. ] husband.

5 For as a yong man marieth a virgine, so shall thy sonnes [Note: [g] Forasmuch as they confesse one fayth and religion with thee, they are in the same bond of mariage with thee, and they are called the children of the Church, inasmuch as Christ maketh her plentifull to bring forth children vnto him. ] marry thee: and as a bridegrome is glad of the bride, so shall thy God reioyce ouer thee.

6 I haue set [Note: [h] Prophets, pastours, and ministers. ] watchmen vpon thy walles, O Ierusalem, which all the day & all the night continually shal not cease: [Note: [i] He exhorteth the ministers neuer to cease to call vpon God by prayer for the deliuerance of his Church, and to teach others to doe the same. ] ye that are mindfull of the Lord, keepe not silence,

7 And giue him no rest, till hee repaire and vntill hee set vp Ierusalem the [Note: [k] For the restauration whereof all the world shal prayse him. ] prayse of the worlde.

8 The Lorde hath sworne by his right hand and by his strong arme, Surely I wil no more giue thy corne to be meate for thine enemies, & surely the sonnes of the strangers shall not drinke thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured.

9 But they that haue gathered it, shall eate it, and prayse the Lorde, and the gatherers thereof shal drinke it in the courtes of my Sanctuarie.

10 [Note: [l] Signifying the great number that should come to the Church, and what meanes hee woulde prepare for the restitution of the same, as Chap.57.14. ] Go through, go through the gates: prepare you the way for the people: cast vp, cast vp the way, and gather out the stones and set vp a standart for the people.

11 Beholde, the Lorde hath proclaimed vnto the endes of the world: [Note: [m] Ye Prophets and ministers shewe the people of this their deliuerance: which was chiefly meant of our saluation by Christ, Zach.9.9. mat.21.5. ] tell the daughter Zion, Beholde, thy Sauiour commeth: beholde, his wages [Note: [n] Hee shall haue all power to bring his purpose to passe, as Chap.40.10. ] is with him, and his worke is before him.

12 And they shal call them, The holy people, the redeemed of the Lord, and thou shalt be named, A [Note: [o] That is, one ouer whome God hath had a singular care to recouer her when she was lost. ] citie sought out and not forsaken.


CHAP. LXIII.


1 God shall destroy his enemies for his Churches sake. 7 Gods benefites towards his Church.

1 Who is this that commeth [Note: [a] This prophecie is against the Idumeans, and enemies which persecuted the Church, on whome God will take vengeance, and is here set forth all bloody after that hee hath destroyed them in Bozrah, the chiefe citie of the Idumeans: for these were their greatest enemies, and vnder the title of circumcision and the kinred of Abraham claimed to themselues the chiefe religion, and hated the true worshippers, Psalme 137.7. ] from Edom, with red garments from Bozrah? hee is glorious in his apparel and walketh in his great strength: [Note: [b] God answered them that asked this question, Who is this? &c. and sayth, Ye see nowe perfourmed in deede the vengeance which my Prophetes threatned. ] I speake in righteousnesse, and am mightie to saue.

2 [Note: [c] Another question to the which the Lorde answereth. ] Wherefore is thine apparel red, and thy

[Deliuerance of the Church.]



garments like him that treadeth in ye wine presse?

3 I haue troden the wine presse alone, and of all people there was none with mee: for I will treade them in mine anger, and tread them vnder foote in my wrath, and their blood shalbe sprinkled vpon my garments, and I will staine all my raiment.

4 For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the [Note: [d] Shewing, that when God punisheth his enemies, it is for the profite and deliuerance of his Church. ] yeere of my redeemed is come.

5 And I looked, and there was none to helpe, and I wondered that there was none to vpholde: therefore mine owne [Note: [e] God sheweth that hee hath no neede of mans helpe for the deliuerance of his, and though men refuse to doe their duetie through negligence, and ingratitude, yet he himselfe wil deliuer his Church, and punish the enemies, Reade Chap.59.16. ] arme helped me, and my wrath it selfe sustained me.

6 Therefore I wil tread downe the people in my wrath, and make them drunken [Note: [f] I wil so astonysh them and make them so giddy, that they shall not know, which way to goe. ] in mine indignation, and wil bring downe their strength to the earth.

7 I wil [Note: [g] The Prophet speaketh this to moue the people to remember Gods benefites in times past, that they may be confirmed in their troubles. ] remember the mercies of the Lord and the prayses of the Lorde according vnto all that the Lord hath giuen vs, and for the great goodnesse toward the house of Israel, which hee hath giuen them according to his tender loue, and according to his great mercies.

8 For he saide, Surely they are my [Note: [h] For I did chuse them to be mine, that they should be holy, and not deceiue mine expectation. ] people, children that wil not lie: so he was their Sauiour.

9 In all their troubles he was [Note: [i] He bare their afflictions & griefes as though they had bene his owne. ] troubled, and the Angel [Note: [k] Which was a witnes of Gods presence: and this may be referred to Christ, to whome belongeth the office of saluation. ] of his presence saued them: in his loue and in his mercie he redeemed them, and he bare them and caried them alwayes continually.

10 But they rebelled and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore was hee turned to be their enemie and he fought against them.

11 Then he [Note: [l] That is, the people of Israel being afflicted, called to remembrance Gods benefites, which he had bestowed vpon their fathers in times past. ] remembred the olde time of Moses and his people, saying, Where is hee that brought them vp out of the Sea with the [Note: [m] Meaning, Moses. ] shepheard of his sheepe? where is he that put his holy Spirit within [Note: [n] That is, in Moses, that he might wel gouerne the people: some referre this giuing of the Spirit to the people. ] him?

12 He led them by the right hand of Moses with his owne glorious arme, deuiding the water before them, to make himselfe an euerlasting Name.

13 Hee led them through the deepe, as an [Note: [o] Peaceably and gently, as an horse is led to his pasture. ] horse in the wildernesse, that they should not stumble,

14 As the beast goeth downe into the valley, the Spirite of the Lorde gaue them rest: so diddest thou leade thy people, to make thy selfe a glorious Name.

15 [Note: [p] Hauing declared Gods benefites shewed to their forefathers, he turneth himselfe to God by prayer, desiring him to continue the same graces toward them. ] Looke downe from heauen, and beholde from the dwelling place of thine holines, and of thy glory. Where is thy [Note: [q] Thy great affection which thou barest towards vs. ] zeale and thy strength, the multitude of thy mercies, and of thy compassions? they are restrained from [Note: [r] Meaning, from the whole body of the Church. ] me.

16 Doutles thou art our Father: though [Note: [s] Though Abraham would refuse vs to be his children, yet thou wilt not refuse to be our father. ] Abraham be ignorant of vs, and Israel knowe vs not, yet thou, O Lord, art our Father, and our redeemer: thy Name is for euer.

17 O Lorde, why hast [Note: [t] By taking away thy holy Spirit from vs, by whome we were gouerned, and so for our ingratitude diddest deliuer vs vp to our owne concupiscence, and diddest punish sinne by sinne according to thy iust iudgement. ] thou made vs to erre from thy wayes? and hardened our heart from thy feare? Returne for thy [Note: [u] Meaning, for the couenants sake made to Abraham, Izhak and Iaakob his seruants. ] seruants sake, and for the tribes of thine inheritance.

18 The people of thine holinesse haue possessed [Page]

[Mans righteousnes.]



it, but a litle [Note: [x] That is, in respect of the promes, which is perpetuall albeit they had now possessed the land of Canaan, a thousand and foure hundreth yeere: and thus they lament, to mooue God rather to remember his couenant then to punish their sinnes. ] while: for our aduersaries haue troden downe thy Sanctuarie.

19 We haue bene as they, ouer whome thou neuer barest rule, and vpon whom thy Name was not called.


CHAP. LXIIII.


1 The Prophet prayeth for the sinnes of the people. 6 Mans righteousneßsse is like a filthie cloth.

1 Oh, that thou wouldest [Note: [a] The Prophet continueth his prayer, desiring God to declare his loue towarde his Church by miracles, and mightie power as he did in mount Sinai. ] breake the heauens, and come downe, and that the mountaines might melt at thy presence!

2 As the melting fire burned, as the fire caused [Note: [b] Meaning, the raine, haile, fire, thunder, and lightnings. ] the waters to boyle, (that thou mightest declare thy Name to thy aduersaries) the people did tremble at thy presence.

3 When thou diddest terrible things, which we looked not for, thou camest downe, and the mountaines melted at thy presence.

4 For since the beginning of the world they haue not [Note: [c] Saint Paul vseth the same kinde of admiration, 1.Cor. 2.9. marueiling at Gods great benefite shewed to his Church by the preaching of the Gospel. ] heard nor vnderstande with the eare, neither hath ye eye seene another God beside thee, which doeth so to him that waiteth for him.

5 Thou diddest meete him, [Note: [d] Thou shewedst fauour toward our fathers, when they trusted in thee, and walked after thy commandements. ] that reioyced in thee, and did iustly: they remembred thee in thy [Note: [e] They considered thy great mercies. ] wayes: beholde, thou art angrie, for we haue sinned: yet in [Note: [f] That is, in thy mercies, which he calleth the wayes of the Lord. ] them is continuance, and we [Note: [g] Thou wilt haue pitie vpon vs. ] shal be saued.

6 But we haue all bene as an vncleane thing, and all our [Note: [h] We are iustly punished and brought into captiuitie, because we haue prouoked thee to anger, and though we would excuse our selues, yet our righteousnes, and best vertues are before thee as vile clouts, or, (as some reade) like the menstruous clothes of a woman. ] righteousnes is as filthie cloutes, and we all doe fade like a leafe, and our iniquities like the winde haue taken vs away.

7 And there is none that calleth vpon thy Name, neither that stirreth vp himselfe to take holde of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from vs, and hast consumed vs because of our iniquities.

8 But now, O Lord, thou art our Father: we are the [Note: [i] Albeit, O Lord, by thy iust iudgement thou mayest vtterly destroy vs, as the potter may his pot, yet we appeale to thy mercies, whereby it hath pleased thee to adopt vs to be thy children. ] clay, and thou art our potter, and we all are the worke of thine hands.

9 Be not angry, O Lorde, [Note: [k] For so the flesh iudgeth when God doeth not immediatly send succour. ] aboue measure, neither remember iniquitie for euer: lo, we beseech thee beholde, we are all thy people.

10 [Note: [l] Which were dedicate to thy seruice & to call vpon thy Name. ] Thine holy cities lye waste: Zion is a wildernes, and Ierusalem a desart.

11 The House of our Sanctuarie & of our glorie, [Note: [m] Wherein we reioyced and worshipped thee. ] where our fathers praysed thee, is burnt vp with fire and all our pleasant things are wasted.

12 Wilt thou holde thy selfe still [Note: [n] That is, at the contempt of thine owne glory? though our sinnes haue deserued this, yet thou wilt not suffer thy glory thus to be diminished. ] at these things, O Lorde? wilt thou holde thy peace and afflict vs aboue measure?


CHAP. LXV.


1 The vocation of the Gentiles and the reiection of the Iewes. 13 The ioy of the elect and the punishment of the wicked.

1 I haue bene sought of them that [Note: [a] Meaning, the Gentiles which knew not God, should seeke after him when he had moued their hearts with his holy Spirit, Rom.10.20. ] asked not: I was found of them that sought me not: I sayd, Beholde me, beholde me, vnto a nation that called not vpon my Name.

2 I haue [Note: [b] Hee sheweth the cause of the reiection of the Iewes, because they woulde not obey him for any admonition of his Prophets, by whome hee called them continually and stretched out his hande to drawe them. ] spred out mine handes all the day vnto a rebellious people, which walked in a way that was not good, euen after their owne

[The Gentiles called.]



[Note: [c] He sheweth that to delite in our owne fantasies, is the declining from God & the beginning of all superstition & idolatrie. ] imaginations:

3 A people that prouoked me euer vnto my face: that sacrificeth in [Note: [d] Which were dedicate to idols. ] gardens, and burneth incense vpon [Note: [e] Meaning their altars, which hee thus nameth by contempt. ] brickes.

4 Which remaine among the [Note: [f] To consult with spirits and to coniure deuils, which was forbidden, Deut.18.11. ] graues, and lodge in the desarts, which eate [Note: [g] Which was contrary to Gods comandement, Leuit. 11.7. deut.14.8. ] swines flesh, and the broth of things polluted are in their vessels.

5 Which say, [Note: [h] He sheweth that hypocrisie is euer ioyned with pride and contempt of other. ] Stand apart, come not nere to me: for I am holier then thou: these are a smoke in my wrath & a fire that [Note: [i] Their punishment shall neuer haue end. ] burneth all the day.

6 Beholde, it is [Note: [k] So that the remembrance thereof can not be forgotten. ] written before me: I wil not keepe silence, but will render it and recompense it into their bosome.

7 Your iniquities and the iniquities of your fathers shalbe [Note: [l] Shalbe both punished together: & this declareth how the children are punished for their fathers faultes: to wit, when the same faultes or like are found in them. ] together (sayth the Lorde) which haue burnt incense vpon the mountaines, & blasphemed me vpon the hilles: therefore wil I measure their olde worke into their bosome.

8 Thus sayth the Lord, As the wine is found in the cluster, and one sayth, Destroy it not, for a [Note: [m] That is, it is profitable: meaning, that God wil not destroy the faythfull branches of his vineyarde when he destroyeth the rotten stocks, that is, the hypocrites. ] blessing is in it, so will I doe for my seruants sakes, that I may not destroy them whole.

9 But I will bring a seede out of Iaakob, and out of Iudah, that shal inherit my mountaine: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my seruants shall dwell there.

10 And Sharon [Note: [n] Which was a plentifull place in Iudea to feede sheepe, as Achor was for cattell. ] shalbe a sheepefolde, and the valley of Achor shalbe a resting place for the cattell of my people, that haue sought me.

11 But ye are they that haue forsaken the Lord and forgotten mine holy Mountaine, and haue prepared a table for the [Note: [o] By the multitude and number he meaneth their innumerable idols, of whome they thought they could neuer haue inough. ] multitude, and furnish the drinke offerings vnto the number.

12 Therefore wil I [Note: [p] Seeing you can not number your gods, I will number you with the sword. ] number you to the sword, and all you shal bowe downe to the slaughter, because I called, and ye did not answere: I [Note: [q] By my Prophets, whome ye would not obey. ] spake, and ye heard not, but did euil in my sight, and did chuse that thing which I would not.

13 Therefore thus saith the Lorde God, Beholde, my seruants shal [Note: [r] By these words, Eate and drinke, he meaneth the blessed life of the faithfull, which haue alwayes consolation, & full contentment of all things in their God, though sometimes they lacke these corporall things. ] eate, and ye shalbe hungrie: beholde, my seruants shal drinke, and ye shal be thirstie: beholde, my seruants shal reioyce, and ye shalbe ashamed.

14 Beholde, my seruants shal sing for ioye of heart, and ye shal crye for sorow of heart, and shal howle for vexation of minde.

15 And ye shal leaue your name as a curse vnto my [Note: [s] Meaning, that he would call the Gentiles, who should abhorre euen ye very name of ye Iewes for their infidelities sake. ] chosen: for the Lord God shall slay you and call his seruants by [Note: [t] Then by the name of the Iewes. ] another name.

16 He that shal blesse in the [Note: [u] By blessing, and by swearing is meant the praysing of God for his benefites, and the true worshipping of him, which shal not be onely in Iudea, but through all the world. ] earth, shal blesse himselfe in the true God, and he that sweareth in the earth, shall sweare by the true God: for the former [Note: [x] I wil no more suffer my Church to be desolate as in times past. ] troubles are forgotten, and shall surely hide themselues from mine eyes.

17 For lo, I will create [Note: [y] I will so alter and change the state of my Church, that it shall seeme to dwell in a newe world. ] newe heauens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembred nor come into minde.

18 But be you glad and reioyce for euer in the things that I shall create: for beholde, I will create Ierusalem, as a reioycing and her people as a ioye,

19 And I wil reioyce in Ierusalem, and ioye in my people, and the voyce of weeping shall be

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[God comforteth them that are troubled.]



no more heard in her, nor the voyce of crying.
20 There shall be no more there a childe of yeeres, nor an olde man that hath [Note: [z] Meaning, in this wonderfull restauration of the Church, there should be no weakenesse of youth, nor infirmities of age, but all should be fresh, and florishing: and this is accomplished in the heauenly Ierusalem, when all sinnes shall cease, and the teares shall be wiped away. ] not filled his dayes: for he that shall be an hundreth yeeres old, shall dye as a yong man: but the sinner being [Note: [a] Whereby he sheweth that the infidels and vnrepentant sinners haue no part of this benediction. ] an hundreth yeeres olde shall be accursed.

21 And they shall [Note: [b] He proposeth to the faithfull the blessings which are conteined in the Lawe, and so vnder temporall things comprehendeth the spirituall promises. ] build houses and inhabite them, and they shall plant vineyards, and eate the fruite of them.

22 They shall not build, and another inhabite: they shall not plant, and another eate: for as the dayes of the tree are the dayes of my people, and mine elect shall inioye in olde age the worke of their handes.

23 They shall not labour in vaine, nor bring forth in feare: for they are the seede of the blessed of the Lord, and their buds with them.

24 Yea, before they call, I will answere, and whiles they speake, I will heare.

25 The [Note: [c] Reade Chap.11.6. ] wolfe and the lambe shall feede together, and the lyon shall eate strawe like the bullocke: and to the serpent dust shall be his meate. They shall no more hurt nor destroy in all mine holy Mountaine, saith the Lord.



CHAP. LXVI.


1 God dwelleth not in temples made with handes. 3 He despiseth sacrifices done without mercie and faith. 5 God comforteth them that are troubled for his sake. 19 The vocation of the Gentiles. 23 The perpetuall Sabbath. 24 The punishment of the wicked is euerlasting.

1 Thus saith the Lorde, [Note: Actes 7.48, 49. ] The [Note: [a] My maiestie is so great that it filleth both heauen and earth, and therefore cannot be included in a temple like an idole: condemning hereby their vaine confidence, which trusted in the Temple and sacrifices. ] heauen is my throne, and the earth is my footestoole: where is that house that ye will builde vnto me? and where is that place of my rest?

2 For all these things hath mine hand made, [Note: [b] Seeing that both the Temple and the thinges therein with the sacrifices were made and done by his appointment, he sheweth that he hath no neede thereof, and that he can bee without them, Psalm.50.10. ] and all these things haue bene, sayth the Lorde: and to him will I looke, euen to him, that is poore, and of [Note: [c] To him that is humble and pure in heart, which receiueth my doctrine with reuerence and feare. ] a contrite spirite and trembleth at my wordes.

3 He that killeth a bullocke, is as if he [Note: [d] Because the Iewes thought themselues holy by offering of their sacrifices, and in the meane season had neither faith nor repentance, God sheweth that he doth no lesse detest these ceremonies, then he doth the sacrifices of the heathen, who offered men, dogges, and swine to their idoles, which things were expressely forbidden in the lawe. ] slewe a man: he that sacrificeth a sheepe, as if he cut off a dogges necke: he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swines blood: he that remembreth incense, as if he blessed an idole: yea, they haue chosen their owne wayes, and their soule deliteth in their abominations.

4 Therefore will I [Note: [e] I will discouer their wickednesse & hypocrisie, wherewith they thinke to blinde mine eyes, to all the worlde. ] chuse out their delusions, and I will bring their feare vpon them, because I called, and none woulde answere: I spake and they woulde not heare: but they did euill in my sight, and chose the things which I would not.

5 Heare the worde of the Lorde, all ye that tremble at his [Note: [f] He incourageth the faithfull by promising to destroy their enemies which pretended to bee as brethren, but were hypocrites, and hated them that feared God. ] worde, Your brethren that hated you, and cast you out for my Names sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but he shall appeare to your ioy, and they shall be ashamed.

6 [Note: [g] The enemies shall shortly heare a more terrible voyce, euen fire and slaughter, seeing they woulde not heare the gentle voyce of the Prophets which called them to repentance. ] A voyce soundeth from the citie, euen a voyce from the Temple, the voyce of the Lorde, that recompenseth his enemies fully.

7 Before [Note: [h] Meaning, that the restauration of the Church shoulde be so sudden and contrary to all mens opinion: as when a woman is deliuered before shee looked for it, and that without paine in trauaile. ] she trauailed, she brought foorth:

[The vocation of the Gentiles.]



and before her paine came, she was deliuered of a man childe.

8 Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seene such things? shall ye earth be brought forth in one [Note: [i] This shall passe the capacitie of man to see such a multitude that shall come vp at once, meaning vnder the preaching of the Gospel, whereof they that come vp out of Babylon, were a figure. ] day? or shall a nation be borne at once? for assoone as Zion trauailed, she brought foorth her children.

9 Shall I [Note: [k] Declaring hereby, that as by his power, and prouidence woman traiueileth and is deliuered: so hath he power to bring forth his Church at his time appointed. ] cause to trauaile, and not bring forth? shall I cause to bring forth, and shall be baren, saith thy God?

10 Reioyce ye with Ierusalem, and be gladde with her, all ye that loue her: reioyce for ioy with her, all ye that mourne for her,

11 That ye may sucke [Note: [l] That ye may reioyce for all the benefites that God bestoweth vpon his Church. ] and be satisfied with the brestes of her consolation: that ye may milke out and be delited with ye brightnes of her glorie.

12 For thus saith the Lord, Beholde, I will extend [Note: [m] I will giue her felicitie, and prosperitie in great abundance. ] peace ouer her like a flood, and the glorie of the [Note: [n] Reade Chap. 60.16. ] Gentiles like a flowing streame: then shall ye sucke, ye shall be [Note: [o] Ye shall be cherished as her dearely beloued children. ] borne vpon her sides, and be ioyfull vpon her knees.

13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you, and ye shall be comforted in Ierusalem.

14 And when ye see this, your hearts shall reioyce, and your [Note: [p] Ye shall haue newe strength and newe beautie. ] bones shall flourish like an herbe: and the hand of the Lord shall be knowen among his seruants, and his indignation against his enemies.

15 For beholde, the Lord will come with fire, and his charets like a whirlewinde, that he may [Note: [q] This vengeance God beganne to execute at the destruction of Babylon, and hath euer continued it against the enemies of his Church and will doe till the last day, which shalbe the accomplishment thereof. ] recompence his anger with wrath, & his indignation with the flame of fire.

16 For the Lord will iudge with fire, and with his sworde all flesh, and the slaine of the Lorde shall be many.

17 They that sanctifie [Note: [r] Meaning, the hypocrites. ] themselues, and purifie themselues in the gardens behinde one tree in the middes eating [Note: [s] Whereby are meant them that did maliciously transgresse the Lawe, by eating beastes forbidden, euen to the mouse which abhorreth nature. ] swines flesh, and such abomination, euen the mouse, shall be consumed together, sayeth the Lord.

18 For I will visite their workes, and their imaginations: for it shall come that I will gather all nations, and tongues, and they shall come, and see my [Note: [t] The Gentiles shall be partakers of that glorie, which before I shewed to the Iewes. ] glorie.

19 And I will set a [Note: [u] I will marke these that I chuse that they perish not with the rest of the infidels: whereby hee alludeth to the marking of the postes of his people, whom hee preserued, Exod.12.7. ] signe among them, and will send those that [Note: [x] I will scatter the rest of the Iewes, which escape destruction, into diuers nations. ] escape of them, vnto the nations of [Note: [y] That is, Cilicia. ] Tarshish, [Note: [z] Meaning Affrica. ] Pul, and [Note: [a] To wit, Lydia, or Asia minor. ] Lud, and to them that drawe the [Note: [b] Signifying, the Parthians. ] bowe, to [Note: [c] Italie. ] Tubal and [Note: [d] Grecia. ] Tauan, yles afarre off, that haue not heard my fame, neither haue seene my glorie, and [Note: [e] Meaning, the Apostles, disciples, and others which hee did first chuse of the Iewes to preache vnto the Gentiles. ] they shall declare my glorie among the Gentiles.

20 And they shall bring all your [Note: [f] That is, the Gentiles, which by faith shall be made the children of Abraham as you are. ] brethren for an offering vnto the Lord out of all nations, vpon [Note: [g] Whereby hee meaneth that no necessarie meanes shall want when God shall call the Gentiles to the knowledge of the Gospel. ] horses, and in charets, and in horse litters, and vpon mules, and swift beastes, to Ierusalem mine holy Mountaine, saith the Lord, as the children of Israel, offer in a cleane vessell in the House of the Lorde.

21 And I will take of them for [Note: [h] To wit, of the Gentiles, as he did Luke, Timothie, and Titus first, and others after to preache his worde. ] Priestes, and for Leuites, saith the Lord.
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[Ieremiahs imperfection is cured.]




22 For as the newe [Note: [i] Hereby he signifieth the kingdome of Christ wherein his church shall be renued, and whereas before there were appointed seasons to sacrifice: in this there shall be one continuall Sabbath, so that all times and seasons shall be meete. ] heauens, and the newe earth which I will make, shall remaine before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seede and your name continue.

23 And from moneth to moneth, and from Sabbath to Sabbath shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.

24 And they shall goe forth, and looke vpon the [Note: [k] As he hath declared the felicitie that shalbe within the Church for the comfort of the godly, so doeth hee shewe what horrible calamitie shall come to the wicked, that are out of the Church. ] carkases of the men that haue transgressed against me: for their [Note: [l] Meaning, a continuall torment of conscience, which shall euer gnawe them and neuer suffer them to bee at rest, Marke 9.44. ] worme shall not dye, neither shall their fire be quenched, and they shalbe an abhorring [Note: [m] This is the iust recompence for the wicked, which contemning God and his worde, shall be by Gods iust iudgement abhorred of all his creatures. ] vnto all flesh.