Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 1. Woe unto them that go down into Egypt for help, and stay upon horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they be very strong: but they look not unto the holy one of Israel, nor seek unto the Lord.

Vers. 1. Woe vnto them that goe downe into Egypt for help, and stay vpon horses, and trust in charets because they are many, and in horsemen because they be very strong: but they looke not vnto the holie one of Israell, nor seeke vnto the Lord.

HE now returns to that which he handled in the beginning of the former Chapter: for he lifts up his voice again against the Jews, who were accustomed when they were in any danger to slay rather to Egypt for succour then to the Lord. We have declared before why this was so displeasing a thing in Gods sight. And to be short, there are two reasons wherefore the Prophet doth so sharply reprove this sin.¹ First, because it is unpossible we should put our trust in creatures and in God together, touching the means of our safety: for as soon as we once fix our eyes upon them, it follows by good consequence that we therewithal turn them away from God.² Besides, God had straightly forbidden them to make any contract or league with the Egyptians. Thus there was rebellion mixed with a disloyal confidence, as if they meant wittingly and willingly to provide for their own welfare, by despising and forsaking of God. It behoves us therefore to consider from whence this sin sprang if we would understand the Prophets meaning aright.

HE now returnes to that which he handled in the beginning of the former Chapter: for he lifts vp his voice againe against ye Iewes, who were accustomed whē they were in any danger to slee rather to Egipt for succor then to the Lord. Wee haue declared before why this was so displeasing a thing in Gods sight. And to be short, there are two reasons wherefore the Prophet doth so sharplie reprooue this sinne.