Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The Prophet once again sets himself against the wicked and profane contemners of God, whom before he called mockers;¹ who thought themselves wise in nothing more, then in setting light by the word of the Lord. For religion was become a thing too base for them: and therefore they shrouded themselves under their crafty inventions, as in a labyrinth; by reason whereof, they boldly contemned all the admonitions & threatenings of the Prophet: yea, not only that, but even the whole doctrine of salvation. It sufficiently appears by this verse then, that this plague (which afterwards spread it self further) was then in the world; to wit,² hypocrites were wont pleasantly to scorn God in their hearts, and to despise the prophecies. Isaiah cries out against them therefore, and calls them Hammaamikim, that is to say, Diggers: even as if they digged themselves caves and hiding places, thinking thereby to deceive Gods sight.

THe Prophet once againe sets himselfe against the wicked and prophane contemners of God, whom before he called mockers;¹ who thought themselues wise in nothing more, then in setting light by the word of the Lord. For religion was become a thing too base for them: and therefore they shrowded themselues vnder their craftie inuentions, as in a labyrinth; by reason whereof, they boldly contemned all the admonitions & threatnings of the Prophet: yea, not onely that, but euen the whole doctrine of saluation. It sufficiently appeares by this verse then, that this plague (which afterwards spread it selfe further) was then in the world; to wit,² hypocrits were wont pleasantly to scorne God in their hearts, and to despise the prophecies. Isaiah cries out against them therefore, and calles them Hammaamikim, that is to say, Diggers: euen as if they digged themselues caues and hiding places, thinking thereby to deceiue Gods sight.

1. 1Chap. 28.22.
2. 2Hypocrites have used of old to scorn both God and the prophecies.