Isaiah 64: Oh That You Would Break the Heavens and Come Down

"Oh that you would break the heavens!" The Hebrew particle, as I take it, comprehends a wish. For though it has many significations, yet the scope of the text shows that this agrees better to this place than any other. For the faithful here enter into a more ardent prayer; as often it falls out when, in the sharpest afflictions, a set form of words would want sufficient vehemence to express our desires. He says that God breaks the heavens when he suddenly shows some memorable and rare sign of his power. And the reason for this manner of speech is not only in regard that men being in great distress are accustomed to lift up their eyes to heaven, from where they expect help; but because miracles also make way for them, by breaking the ordinary course of nature. Now it seems that God is shut up in heaven, while he neglects to help us, and lets all things in the world go at six and seven. For this cause then it is said that he opens and breaks the heavens when he gives us some sign of his presence at such a time as we judge him to be far remote from us. But these things are spoken according to our natural reason, as is also the clause, "That you would come down": for what need is there that God should change his place? He applies himself thus to our weakness, that we might the better comprehend that which is said to us of him.

"That the mountains would melt." That is to say: Oh, cause your Majesty and glory to appear in such a way, as the elements being astonished at the feeling thereof might bow, to give way to you: as shall be declared more at large by and by.