Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

I let pass the fables of the old writers, and of those who have affirmed, that it contained twenty thousand Cities. Yet it must not be denied, but there were a great number in a Country so renowned and well peopled; in a Kingdom that flourished as it did, and was so frequented, and in so sweet and well tempered an air. Let us put the case then, that there were a thousand Cities, or a few more. He saith, that the sixth part only shall perish, and that the rest shall be restored: so as the number of the destroyed, shall be little in comparison. Now it appears sufficiently by that which follows anon after, that this restoration is to be understood of the worship and service of God.

I let passe the fables of the old writers, and of those who haue affirmed, that it contained twenty thousand Cities. Yet it must not be denied, but there were a great number in a Country so renowned and well peopled; in a Kingdome that florished as it did, and was so frequented, and in so sweete and well tempered an aire. Let vs put the case then, that there were a thousand Cities, or a few more. Hee saith, that the sixt part only shall perish, and that the rest shall be restored: so as the number of the destroyed, shall bee little in comparison. Now it appeares sufficiently by that which followes anon after, that this restauration is to be vnderstood of the worship and seruice of God.

By the word lip, he understands the tongue; taking a part for the whole: meaning thereby, to show the agreement that the Egyptians should have with the people of God, and the faith whereby they should make profession of his name. By the tongue, he also notes out by a figurative manner of speech, a confession. For in regard there was but one tongue only which acknowledged and called upon the true God, to wit, of this people that dwelt in the land of Canaan; it thereby appears sufficiently, that by this word tongue, we must also understand their consent in religion. To speak the same or divers language, whereby either agreement or discord are signified; are phrases of speech very frequent in the Scripture. But let us observe that every consent is not sufficient: for example; if men should agree together to retain a worship of their own devising and approbation, ought they not to come and consent to that truth which was revealed to the fathers? Neither doth he only say, that the Egyptians should speak one and the same language; but the language of Canaan: for they were to change their speech, & to use that which Gold had sanctified: not that the pronunciation of this language was more holy; but it is commended, because it contains the doctrine of truth. We are to observe this diligently, to the end we may learn the true manner of consenting.