Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The Prophets meaning is, that the riches of Tyre shall not deliver it from destruction. He therefore sets forth the rich estate thereof so highly, to the end every one might know, first Gods judgment; and secondly, §1that this was no small plague that was light §2upon her. And in the third place, the work §3of God did appear to be so much the more ⟨p. 224⟩manifest, in regard that her destruction came suddenly, when she thought on no such matter. Moreover, he describes the wealthiness of Tyre elegantly: for because Nilus furnished her with corn and other necessary provisions, and that great quantity of wheat was sent thither out of Egypt; the Prophet saith, she had her fields as it were, and her seed growing in the stream of Nilu•. The Venetians use to say;¹ Their revenue is in the sea; because nothing grows upon the land: but they get all provision of victuals by their trade of merchandise. And the Prophet saith the same of the Tyrians: for it was almost unpossible they should want food, because Nilus furnished them therewith in great abundance. But he takes this prop away from them as a vain hope; for they shall destitute them utterly. Isaiah therefore, as hath been said, describes these things, that all might the better perceive the vengeance and wrath of God fallen upon her.