Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Josephus tells how Onias ¹abused this place, when he fled to Ptolemeus Philometor: for he persuaded him that it should be a very profitable course to set up an Altar in the Country, upon which the Jews, that dwelt there, might offer sacrifice: and alleged this text, affirming, that this prophecy ought now to be fulfilled. And in the end this wicked Priest made the King believe it to be true, although the Jews openly gainsaid him: for the King regarded his own benefit; and this bad fellow, who had been deposed from his office, meant to obtain new credit and favour. So by this means what opposition soever there was, yet could not this wicked counsel be hindered. But Isaiah under these figurative signs plainly describes the pure worship of God which was then in use: for he hath respect to his own time, and to those with whom he had to deal. Onias then did wickedly pervert this place to serve his own turn.

Iosephus tels how Onias ¹abused this place, when he fled to Ptolemeus Philometor: for he perswaded him that it should be a very profitable course to set vp an Altar in the Countrey, vpon which the Iewes, that dwelt there, might offer sacrifice: and alledged this text, affirming, that this prophesie ought now to be fulfilled. And in the end this wicked Priest made the King beleeue it to be true, although the Iewes openlie gainsaid him: for the King regarded his owne benefit; and this bad fellow, who had been deposed from his office, meant to obteine new credit and fauour. So by this meanes what opposition soeuer there was, yet could not this wicked counsell be hindred. But Isaiah vnder these figuratiue signes plainely describes the pure worship of God which was then in vse: for he hath respect to his owne time, and to those with whom he had to deale. Onias then did wickedlie peruert this place to serue his own turne.

1. 1Onias.

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