Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 5. Moreover, the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of strong men shall be as chaff that passeth away, and it shall be in a moment even suddenly.

Vers. 5. Moreouer, the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of strong men shall be as chaffe that passeth away, and it shall be in a moment euen suddenlie.

I Will first recite the opinions of others, and then that which to me seems most probable. All (in a manner) do think that this should be spoken of the enemies of the Jews; for they take the word Strangers for enemies, and so they affirm that the multitude of those who should oppress the Jews shall be like the dust, that is to say, infinite. But considering all things circumspectly, I incline rather to another opinion, to wit, that the Prophet speaks by way of contempt of the fortresses and garrisons whereupon the Jews relied. For they had soldiers out of foreign Countries that were valiant under their pay. And thus I interpret the word Aritsim, which properly signifies so much; neither do I wonder a little that some of the Rabbins should take it for the heathen or wicked. In regard the Jews then drew unto themselves divers garrisons out of strange Countries, they thought they were cock-sure, and out of danger. The Prophet on the contrary threatens that their garrisons shall skirmish in vain, notwithstanding their companies be many in number, for they shall be but as dust or chaff, that is to say, like unprofitable offscourings, so as they shall have neither strength nor activity. Hence may we observe,¹ that be our riches or abundance never so much, yet all shall turn to smoke as soon as the Lord shall but blow upon it. The preparations which men make last awhile it may be, but when the Lord shall once but lift up his hand, all strength must vanish, and become like chaff.

I Will first recite the opinions of others, and then that which to me seemes most probable. All (in a maner) do thinke that this should be spokē of the enemies of the Iewes; for they take the word Strangers for enemies, and so they affirme that the multitude of those who should oppresse the Iewes shall be like the dust, that is to say, infinite. But considering all things circumspectlie, I incline rather to another opinion, to wit, that the Prophet speakes by way of contempt of the fortresses and garisons whereupon the Iewes relied. For they had souldiers out of forreine Countries that were valiant vnder their pay. And thus I interpret the word Aritsim, which properlie signifies so much; neither do I wonder a little that some of the Rabbins should take it for the heathen or wicked. In regard the Iewes then drew vnto themselues diuers garisons out of strange Countries, they thought they were cock-sure, and out of danger. The Prophet on the cōtrarie threatens that their garisons shall skirmish in vaine, notwithstanding their companies be many in number, for they shall be but as dust or chaffe, that is to say, like vnprofitable ofscourings, so as they shall haue neither strength nor actiuitie. Hence may we obserue,