Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 2. Which walk forth to go down into Egypt, (and have not asked at my mouth) to strengthen themselves with the strength of Pharaoh, and trust in the shadow of Egypt.

Vers. 2. Which walke forth to goe downe into Egypt, (and haue not asked at my mouth) to strengthen themselues with the strength of Pharoh, and trust in the shadow of Egypt.

WE have told you before why the Prophet blames this descent, or going down. But because so gross a rebellion did much amplify their sin, he once again repeats it, that they did this without consulting with his mouth, nay expressly against his inhibition. He also brings them to the fountain of this evil, when he tells them that they did it to strengthen themselves, because they relied upon the strength of the Egyptians. From hence then sprung that perverse desire of theirs to make a league with them, in which they sufficiently showed that they made slight account of Gods power, not much caring whether they trusted in him or not; and thus made their impiety manifest to all the world. Object.

VVE haue told you before why the Prophet blames this descent, or going downe. But because so grosse a rebellion did much amplifie their sinne, he once againe repeates it, that they did this without consulting with his mouth, nay expresly against his inhibition. He also brings them to the fountaine of this euill, when he tels them that they did it to strengthen themselues, because they relied vpon the strength of the Egyptians. From hence then sprung that peruerse desire of theirs to make a league with them, in which they sufficientlie shewed that they made slight account of Gods power, not much caring whether they trusted in him or not; and thus made their impietie manifest to all the world. Obiect.