Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Some think the Prophet hath respect to the similitude of the vine, whereof he spake in the beginning of this Chapter; and therefore they translate, When the branches shall die. I grant that the word Kesirah, is ambiguous: but because the similitude of the harvest agrees better; as also that the Hebrew word may be so expounded, therefore I had rather take it in this sense. And yet I translate not, When the harvest shall be dried; but, When the harvest shall dry. Now, To dry in this place signifies nothing else but to come to ripeness; as if he should say, Before the crop be ripe it shall be cut down: and so the Lord will deprive thee of that which thou thoughtest thou hadst sure enough in thine hand. Where he saith, the women shall come; his meaning is, that God shall need no strong army of men to finish this business, but poor weak women shall suffice: and thus he amplifies the indignity that shall be offered them in this chastisement. For he threatens that the calamity shall be full of shame and reproach, in regard that it is a greater disgrace to be prayed upon and spoiled by the hands of silly women, who were never expert in feats of arms, then by men who are soldiers by profession.

SOme thinke the Prophet hath respect to the similitude of the vine, whereof hee spake in the beginning of this Chapter; and therefore they translate, When the branches shall die. I grant that the word Kesirah, is ambiguous: but because the similitude of the haruest agrees better; as also that the Hebrew word may be so expounded, therefore I had rather take it in this sense. And yet I trāslate not, When the haruest shall be dried; but, Whē the haruest shal dry. Now, To dry in this place signifies nothing else but to come to ripenesse; as if hee should say, Before the crop be ripe it shall be cut downe: and so the Lord will depriue thee of that which thou thoughtest thou hadst sure enough in thine hand. Where he saith, the women shall come; his meaning is, that God shall neede no strong armie of men to finish this businesse, but poore weake women shall suffice: and thus he amplifies the indignitie that shall bee offered them in this chastisement. For he threatens that the calamitie shall be full of shame and reproach, in regard that it is a greater disgrace to be praied vpon and spoiled by the hands of sillie women, who were neuer expert in feates of armes, then by men who are souldiers by profession.