Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

This verse is diversly expounded; and there is also some difficulty in regard of two Hebrew particles, Im, and Ci. Im is often taken for an interrogation, sometimes for an affirmation, which is the cause that some take it for Truly. Moreover, they take the word Haphac for Subversion, as if he should say, Your subversion shall be esteemed as the clay. Others, for Thought, that is to say, for the counsels which are working in the brain. But the exposition most received is, to take this word for Subversion or destruction: as if he should say, It will be no more mastery for me to root you out, then for a potter to turn his clay in his hand: for you are like unto it, in regard that I have formed you: yet because the Prophet seems to oppose the two foresaid particles one to the other, I incline to another opinion, but so, that I reject not the former exposition, which in it self contains a very profitable doctrine. Thus I understand it then, Your turning, or removing; that is to say, the counsels and devices which run to and fro in your minds, shall they not be esteemed as the potters clay? for is it not as if the vessel should say to him that made it, Hast thou formed me?¹ Your pride is strange therefore, for you do as if your selves ⟨p. 291⟩