John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 51:7

"Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye dismayed at their revilings." — Isaiah 51:7 (ASV)

Listen to me. Because wicked men, when they enjoy prosperity, laugh at our faith and ridicule our distresses and afflictions, for this reason the Prophet exhorts believers to patience, so that they may not fear their criticisms or be discouraged by their false accusations. The reason given is that their prosperity will not last long. Regardless of their arrogant boasting, they are already pronounced (Isaiah 51:8) to be the food of moths and worms; while God holds in His hand the salvation of believers, from which they appear to be thrown to the greatest possible distance.

Here we should again observe the repetition of the word Listen. This is now the third time that the Lord demands a “hearing;” because, when we tremble with anxiety because of our distresses, we find it very difficult to rely on His promises, and therefore we often need to be roused and stimulated, until we have overcome every difficulty.

You who know righteousness, Here he does not address unbelievers, but those who “know righteousness;” because, although they do not intentionally reject the word of God, they often shut the door against His “righteousness,” so that it does not reach them, when, under the influence of adversity, they shut their ears and almost despair. Therefore, so that they may receive the promises, and that they may admit consolation, the Prophet stirs them up and arouses them.

A people in whose heart is My law. We must follow the train of thought. First, he describes what kind of people the Lord wishes to have, namely, “those who know righteousness;” and next he explains the nature of this knowledge: that is, when the people have “the law” fixed and deeply rooted in their hearts.

Without the word of the Lord there can be no “righteousness.” No human laws, however well framed, will lead us to true righteousness, of which they may indeed give us a faint idea, but which they can never accurately describe.

At the same time, he shows how we ought to make progress in the law of the Lord; namely, by embracing it with the heart. For the seat of the law is not in the brain but in the heart, so that, being filled with heavenly doctrine, we may be completely renewed.