Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Whereas he bends the force of his speech in particular against women, the Hebrews under this word (according to the use of their tong) understand Cities: but I think this should be no figurative manner of speech, and therefore I rather rest in the bare letter. Now he speaks to women rather then unto men, to signify the greatness of this desolation: for women and maidens are commonly spared in such times, by reason of their sex, being also destitute of warlike defences. Well, he saith the destruction shall be so barbarous, that none shall scape scot-free.

Wheras he bends the force of his speech in particular against women, the Hebrews vnder this word (according to the vse of their tong) vnderstand Cities: but I thinke this should be no figuratiue maner of speech, and therefore I rather rest in the bare letter. Now he speaks to women rather then vnto men, to signifie the greatnesse of this desolation: for women and maidens are commonly spared in such times, by reason of their sex, being also destitute of warlike defences. Well, he saith the destruction shall be so barbarous, that none shall scape scotfree.

And note that he speaks expressly of women of rest, who commonly are the most delicate: for according to their abundance, so they may better shift for themselves, and may more easily escape dangers, when the poor must be fain to go to the wall. But Isaiah tells them that they shall be constrained to rise and tremble: therein opposing this trembling, to that rest and ease which they quietly enjoyed. For he commands them to arise, as giving them to understand, that it was no time for them now to sit still, because the Lord was about to awaken them out of their secure course of life.

And note that he speakes expresly of women of rest, who cōmonly are the most delicate: for according to their abundance, so they may better shift for themselues, and may more easilie escape dangers, when the poore must be faine to goe to the wall. But Isaiah telles them that they shal be constrained to rise and tremble: therein opposing this trembling, to that rest and ease which they quietly inioyed. For he commands them to arise, as giuing them to vnderstand, that it was no time for them now to sit still, because the Lord was about to awaken them out of their secure couse of life.