Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Object. But Babylon began not to molest the Jews, till she had subdued the Assyrians, and transported the Monarchy. To what end then should the Prophet speak of the judgement which God would bring to avenge the wrong done to his people, when as the Jews had as yet nothing to do with the Babylonians? There is no absurdity to say, Ans. that a thing already come to pass, should be mingled with a prophecy: neither were it amiss to say, that the Assyrians should here be put for the Chaldeans.¹ For although they had no Monarchy, yet is it very likely they were always first prepared, as oft as war was to be made with the Jews: and so fought under the leading of others, that in the mean while they made the greatest part of the army. First, they were nearer hand then the Chaldeans, and those which then ruled, knew well that such people would be loyal and obedient, because of the ancient hatred which they bare to the Jews. Add hereunto, that it was the benefit of the Conquerors to subject the conquered by continual wars, until they were inured to bear the yoke. All which considered, it is not amiss that Isaiah speaking of Babylon, comprehends all the forces thereof under the name of Ashur; so taking a part for the whole.

Obiect. But Babylon beganne not to molest the Iewes, till she had subdued the Assyrians, and transported the Monarchy. To what end then should the Prophet speake of the iudgement which God would bring to auēge the wrong done to his people, when as the Iewes had as yet nothing to doe with the Babylonians? There is no absurditie to say, Ans. that a thing alreadie come to passe, should be mingled with a prophecie: neither were it amisse to say, that the Assyrians should here be put for the Caldeans.¹ For although they had no Monarchy, yet is it very likely they were alwaies first prepared, as oft as war was to be made with the Iewes: and so fought vnder the leading of others, that in the meane while they made the greatest part of the armie. First, they were neerer hand then the Caldeans, and those which then ruled, knew well that such people would be loyall and obedient, because of the ancient hatred which they bare to the Iewes. Adde hereunto, that it was the benefit of the Conquerours to subiect the conquered by continuall warres, vntill they were inured to beare the yoke. All which considered, it is not amisse that Isaiah speaking of Babylon, comprehends all the forces thereof vnder the name of Ashur; so taking a part for the whole.