Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 4. And in that day the glory of Jacob shall be impoverished, and the fatness of his flesh shall be made lean. 5. And it shall be as when the harvest man gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm: and he shall be as he that gathereth the ears in the valley of Rephaim.

Vers. 4. And in that day the glory of Iacob shall be impouerished, and the fatnesse of his flesh shall be made leane. 5. And it shall be as when the haruest man gathereth the corne, and reapeth the eares with his arme: and he shall be as he that gathereth the eares in the valley of Rephaim.

Although he had promised to speak of Syria and Damascus,¹ yet now he joins the Israelites with the Syrians: and the reason is, because they were confederates in one and the same quarrel. The Syrians, to whom Isaiah especially directs his speech, were even as a firebrand to kindle the wrath of the Israelites, as hath been said: but the Israelites were no less guilty, and therefore justly are they wrapped in the same afflictions, as if they had been yoked with them. It is uncertain whether he means all the elect people, when he speaks of Jacob; so as he should comprehend the Tribe of Judah also. Yet is it very likely it should be referred to the ten Tribes only, who challenged this name unto themselves: so as he calls them glorious, by way of derision, because when they waxed proud of their strength, multitude, and confederacies, they despised their brethren the Jews. Whereas he threatens them afterward with leanness, he doth it to tax their insolence: as on the contrary the Prophets scorn and reproach them for being become fat. For their prosperity made them proud, being puffed up with the fruitfulness of their country, even as fat horses overmuch pampered, are wont to kick with the heel; which is the cause why Amos calls them fat kine: Amos. 4.1.² How wanton and lusty soever they were then, the Lord protests, that he will take down their fat, which caused them to be so glorious.