Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

AH.] Although he had reproved their fault sharply enough, yet notwithstanding the more to amplify it, he yet further adds this exclamation: by which he shows his detestation against so horrible and foul an ingratitude. Some think this particle Ah, is put here in sign of lamenting. Saint Jerome hath interpreted it, Woe: but me thinks it should more fitly agree to an exclamation, arising partly from astonishment, and partly from sorrow. For we are wont to burst into outcries, when so unworthy a thing is committed, that words cannot express it; or rather when words answerable to the greatness of the grief fails us. In stead of sinful nation as we have translated it, the Greeks have turned sinful woman, the vulgar translation also bearing the same. But the Hebrew word signifies those who are given over to wickedness, and it is not to be doubted, but the Prophet here accuseth them of their desperate malice.

AH.] Although he had reproued their fault sharpely enough, yet notwithstanding the more to amplifie it, he yet further addes this exclamatiō: by which he shewes his detestation against so horrible and foule an ingratitude. Some thinke this particle Ah, is put here in signe of lamenting. Saint Ierome hath interpreted it, Woe: but me thinks it should more fitly agree to an exclamation, arising partly from astonishment, and partly from sorrow. For wee are wont to burst into outcries, when so vnwotthie a thing is committed, that words cannot expresse it; or rather when words answerable to the greatnes of the griefe failes vs. In stead of sinfull nation as we haue translated it, the Greeks haue turned sinfull woman, the vulgar translation also bearing the same. But the Hebrew word signifies those who are giuen ouer to wickednes, and it is not to be doubted, but the Prophet here accuseth them of their desperate malice.

A people laden] &c. We must note the force of the similitude; for he not only means that they were plunged in their iniquities, as in a deep miry pit; but also reproacheth them that they sinned not so much of ignorance or infirmity (as the weak often do) but that they followed on and continued in their rebellion of set purpose. As if he should have said, They are given up to all injustice, and have wholly sold over themselves to commit evil. Where he adds, Seed of the wicked; it is as much, as mischievous seed. Some expounding it more wittily, say, that they declared themselves unworthy to hold any place among the children of Abraham: because they were become bastards, and degenerate. As in other places they are called a seed of Canaan; yea they are reproached with the name of uncircumcised; even as though they had bin begotten of profane or a strange people. But it is an usual manner of speech among the Hebrews; which the Greeks also observed in their speech, when they say, sons of the good, for good children.