Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

IT seems that Isaiah utters nothing here but that which every one knows, neither would any man stand to call the truth thereof into question. For who would be so mad as to affirm either that the Egyptians were God, or to deny that they were men? This was out of controversy; and therefore every one would willingly assent unto it for the general. But to come to particularities; there, they were so blockish, or stood in such a mammering, that they called that truth into question, of which before they were fully resolved.

IT seemes that Isaiah vtters nothing here but that which euery one knowes, neither would any man stand to call the truth thereof into question. For who would be so mad as to affirme either that ye Egyptians were God, or to denie that they were men? This was out of controuersie; and therefore euery one would willingly assent vnto it for the generall. But to come to particularities; there, they were so blockish, or stood in such a mammering, that they called that truth into question, of which before they were fully resolued.

Thus they waxed proud, taking themselves to be no more men; and that they might utterly free themselves from yielding obedience unto God. For this cause we are often admonished in the holy Scriptures, not to trust in man, because nothing is more vain than he: Psa. 146.3. Cursed be he (saith Jeremiah) that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm: Jer. 17.5. Yet we see that all, none excepted, determine and conclude of matters in themselves, as if they were able to bring their designs to pass an hundred years after, which they have plotted in their brain: yea, as if they could rule both heaven,¹ earth, and seas, and could govern all things even as they listed. Seeing there is such pride in all of us, let us not marvel that the Prophet proclaims, that the Egyptians are not God, but men. For the Jews attributed that unto them, which appertained unto God. What is that? Even the protection and safeguard of the Church; which he so reserves to himself, that he will have none to meddle with this office. Isaiah doth therefore tauntingly tax the Jews in this place with the contempt of God, and their false confidence wherewith they were puffed up.