The great commentary of Saint Thomas Aquinas on Isaiah is now online. We are going to take advantage of this during Advent and take a look at what the Angelic Doctor has to say about Isaiah 7: 11-14 where the great prophet predicts the coming of Christ. Go here to read the first part. Go here to read the second part. Go here to read the third part. Here is the conclusion:
260. And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow. Here he sets out the effect of the punishment, or the sign of destruction.
First, in the scarcity of animals: a young cow, and two sheep, because the animals are few, above: and strangers shall eat the deserts turned into fruitfulness (Isa 5:17).
Second, from the slightness of provisions: butter and honey, because of the lack of bread: they that were fed delicately have died in the streets (Lam 4:5).
Third, from the scarcity of men.
First, in the worthlessness of their property: every place where there were a thousand vines: buy a field for money, and take witnesses, whereas the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans (Jer 32:25); I passed by the field of the slothful man, and by the vineyard of the foolish man: and behold it was all filled with nettles, and thorns had covered the face thereof (Prov 24:30–31).
In the multitude of thieves: with arrows and with bows, namely, when you flee, they will enter, below: fear, and the pit, and the snare are upon you and upon the inhabitants of the earth (Isa 24:17).
Fourth, in the fear of their enemies, for they will tend the mountains and abandon the plains: and as for the hills: and all her cities shall be wastes (Jer 49:13), and: you endeavor to lay hold on the height of the hill (Jer 49:16).
261. It is to be noted on the words, his name shall be called Emmanuel (Isa 7:14), that is, “God with us,” that Christ is with us in many ways.
First, as a brother, through fellowship of nature: who shall give you to me for my brother, sucking the breasts of my mother, that I may find you without, and kiss you? (Song 8:1).
Second, as a bridegroom, through the bond of love: if any one love me, he will keep my word (John 14:23).
Third, as a shepherd, through the solace of inner consolation: behold, I stand at the gate and knock. If any man shall hear my voice and open to me the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him (Rev 3:20).
Fourth, as a savior, through the help of defense: therefore fear you not, my servant Jacob, says the Lord, neither be dismayed, O Israel: for behold, I will save you from a country afar off (Jer 30:10).
Fifth, as a leader, through the example of his work: the Lord alone was his leader (Deut 32:12).
262. It is to be noted on the words, behold a virgin (Isa 7:14), that behold is said because of her singular eminence:
first, because she is above women because of her virginity: hence he says, behold a virgin;
second, she is above virgins because of her fruitfulness: hence he says, she shall conceive;
third, she is above all angels because of the worthiness of her fruit: hence he says, she shall bear a son: never doth he take hold of the angels: but of the seed of Abraham he takes hold (Heb 2:16).
