Isaias — Book front (modern spelling)

The Argument of the Book of Isaias

Isaie the son of Amos,¹ and nephew (as S. Ierom insinuateth)² to king Amasias, prophesied in the times of Osias, Joathan, Achaz, Ezechias, and in the beginning of Manasses, Kings of Juda; in all above three score years, and was cruelly put to death, sawed into parts by commandment of Manasses. He is commonly called the Evangelical Prophet³,⁴ for his ample and particular speeches of Christ, more large and more plain then in any other of the old Prophets. His style is high and eloquent, according to his liberal education being of the royal blood. For so it pleaseth the Holy Ghost,⁵ to utter his divine prophecies diversely according to the qualities, and conditions of the persons, by whom he speaketh: by Isaie in a lofty, and by Amos in a mean style: as a musician soundeth the same song, by a simple pipe, & by a cornet, trumpet or other musical instrument. Which S. Paul also witnesseth, saying: Diversely and by divers means,⁶ God spake to the fathers in the Prophets. Isaie therefore conversing in the kingdom of Juda⁷, especially in the Imperial and Metropolitan city of Jerusalem, preached & prophesied many things pertaining to the Tribes of Juda and Benjamin, as also to the tribe of Levi. Which after the schism of Jeroboam, repaired in manner all to the kingdom of Juda, where God was rightly served. He prophesied also of the ten Tribes, the kingdom of Israel: & of the future captivities of them both, and of the reduction of Juda. Also he prophesied of other nations, and peoples, with whom the Jews had either enmity, or friendly conversation: and of all the world. But most especially of the coming of Christ, to redeem, and deliver mankind from captivity of sin.

The whole prophecy containeth two general parts⁸. First more principally the Prophet admonisheth, and threateneth the people, that they shall be punished for their manifold sins. in the 39. former chapters. In the other 27. he comforteth them, signifying that God of his mercy, will after chastisement, & their repentance, deliver them from their adversaries. Yet so that each part participateth of the principal contents with the other. More particularly the whole book may be divided into eight parts. In the twelve first chapters,⁹ the Prophet admonisheth all sorts in the kingdom of Juda, of their ingratitude towards God, with many other sins and of just punishment, but mixt with consolation of Gods mercy, and thanksgiving for the same. In eleven chapters following,¹⁰ he directeth his speech to other Nations, adversaries to the Jews. In four more he extendeth his admonitions to¹¹ all the world, still intermixing some consolations. In other four he reprehendeth both the kingdoms¹², of Israel and Juda, for seeking help of strange nations. In the next eight chapters he¹³ prophesieth of divers dangers imminent to the kingdom of Juda, of their captivity in Babylon, of Gods benignity delivering them, & very much in every part of Christ, and his Church. Then in five chapters he¹⁴ prophesieth very particularly of the comfortable delivery from sin by Christ. In other four from temporal captivity by¹⁵ Cyrus King of Assyrians. And finally in the last eighteen chapters,¹⁶ he prophesieth largely of the perfect delivery by Christ, conversion of all Nations, rejection of the Jews, till near the end of the world, when they shall also return to Christ.