Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 13. Even upon all the Cedars of Lebanon, that are high and exalted, and upon all the Oaks of Bashan, 14. And upon all the mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up, 15. And upon every hie tower, and upon every strong wall.

Vers. 13. Euen vpon all the Cedars of Lebanon, that are high and exalted, and vpon all the Okes of Bashan, 14. And vpon all the mountaines, and vpon all the hilles that are lifted vp, 15. And vpon euery hie tower, and vpon euery strong wall.

All these allegories which are here inserted of Libanus, and of the high mountains, are so far off from darkening the matter, that they do rather give light unto it. For let mortal man exalt himself as high as he will, yet shall he never be able to match the mountains, and highest trees in height: which the Lord will as easily beat down, as it is easy for the wind with a puff to scatter the light chaff here and there. Isaiah then shows the proud here, as it were in a glass, how vain and foolish they were to think that their haughtiness could keep them that God should not overtop them. There is also here an excessive manner of speech, which was of great weight, in respect of amplifying the threatening. For it is not like that God was angry with the mountains and trees; or as if having changed his purpose he should now bring to nought, that which himself had established and settled: but Isaiah sets the judgement of God before their eyes in the guiltless creatures, to the end they might the more assuredly persuade themselves that their presumptions and bold wickedness should not remain unpunished. We see then wherefore he intermingles these figures of Cedars, Oaks and mountains.

ALl these allegories which are here inserted of Libanus, and of the high mountaines, are so far off from darkning the matter, that they do rather giue light vnto it. For let mortall man exalt himselfe as high as he will, yet shal he neuer be able to match ye mountaines, and highest trees in height: which the Lord will as easily beate downe, as it is easie for the winde with a puffe to scatter the light chaffe here and there. Isaiah then shewes the proud here, as it were in a glasse, how vaine and foolish they were to think yt their hautines could keepe them that God should not ouertop them. There is also here an excessiue manner of speech, which was of great weight, in respect of amplifying the threatning. For it is not like that God was angrie with the mountaines and trees; or as if hauing changed his purpose hee should now bring to nought, that which himselfe had established and setled: but Isaiah sets the iudgement of God before their eies in the guiltles creatures, to the end they might the more assuredly peswade themselues that their presumptions and bold wickednes should not remaine vnpunished. We see then wherfore he intermingles these figures of Cedars, Okes and mountaines.