Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

This Shebna caused a sepulchre to be built in Jerusalem, as if there he must of necessity always live, and there be buried also. The Prophet therefore asks to what purpose he had prepared himself so rich and sumptuous a tomb in so high a place above others, as those are wont to do, which mean to eternize their remembrance in this world. Now he seems to tax the ambition of a stranger, and one unknown, for desiring to be thus honourably buried out of his own country: and yet in the mean while, complotted with the enemy to destroy Judea. What greater folly could be imagined, then to erect a sepulchre in that land, whose ruin and destruction he practised? And therefore he adds,

THis Shebna caused a sepulchre to be built in Ierusalem, as if there he must of necessitie alwaies liue, and there bee buried also. The Prophet therefore askes to what purpose he had prepared himselfe so rich and sumptuous a tombe in so high a place aboue others, as those are wont to doe, which meane to eternize their remembrance in this world. Now hee seemes to taxe the ambition of a stranger, and one vnknowne, for desiring to be thus honourably buried out of his owne country: and yet in the meane while, complotted with the enemie to destroy Iudea. What greater follie could be imagined, then to erect a sepulchre in that land, whose ruine and destruction he practised? And thererefore hee addes,