Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 12. The Nobles thereof shall call to the Kingdom, and there shall be none: and all the Princes shall be as nothing.

Vers. 12. The Nobles thereof shall call to the Kingdome, and there shall be none: and all the Princes shall bee as nothing.

This text is diversly expounded: but I will not trouble you with the reciting of the expositions; for in refuting of them, I should make my self more work then needs. That which is most probable, is this, They shall call ⟨p. 346⟩the Nobles of Edom to rule, but it shall be in vain: As if he should say, In so miserable an estate there shall none be found that will willingly bear rule, or take upon him the government of state-matters.¹ This sentence is read elsewhere, yea, we have had the same in a manner before, albeit somewhat differing in words. Now this manner of speech leads me to think, that the Prophet meant closely to tax the pride of this people, who were waxen overhaughtie, by reason of their peace and abundance. For as much then as the Idumeans being seated upon high mountains grew proud, the Prophet shows, that they should be brought down with shame, so as none of the Nobility should be left, neither should there remain any man of great place: for when kingdoms are ruinated, all government is also abolished. The people are as a body without an head, neither is there any distinction of persons, or places.

THis text is diuersly expounded: but I will not trouble you with the reciting of the expositions; for in refuting of them, I should make my selfe more worke then needes. That which is most probable, is this, They shall call ⟨p. 346⟩the Nobles of Edom to rule, but it shall be in vaine: As if he should say, In so miserable an estate there shall none be found that will willinglie beare rule, or take vpon him the gouernment of state-matters.