Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

He bringeth out their armies by number.] Under the word army he comprehends two things. First, a number in a manner infinite: secondly, §1the excellent disposing of them. For a small §2number of men will not make an army, unless there be many bands. Moreover, we call not a troop of men gathered disorderly together, an army; but that where there are Lieutenants, Sergeants of the band, Captains, Colonels, and other leaders, who are to bring their soldiers in a right array. Thus then the infinite numbers, order, and certain courses and marchings of the stars, do very well deserve this name of an army.

He bringeth out their armies by number.] Vnder the word armie he comprehends two things. First, a number in a maner infinit: secondly, §1the excellent disposing of them. For a small §2number of men will not make an armie, vnlesse there be many bands. Moreouer, we call not a troope of men gathered disorderly together, an armie; but that where there are Lieuetenants, Sergants of the band, Captaines, Colonels, and ohter leaders, who are to bring their souldiers in a right aray. Thus then the infinite numbers, order, and certaine courses and marchings of the starres, doe very well deserue this name of an armie.

By the word number, he signifies that God hath this army always at a beck. Soldiers you know love to be wandering this way and that way, and the Captain cannot easily get them by and by together, though he cause the trumpet to be sounded; neither can he forthwith put them in array being assembled. But it is far otherwise with God, he hath always his soldiers at a beck, yea by number: that is to say, he knows the tale of them, so as none absents himself.

By the word number, hee signifies that God hath this armie alwaies at a becke. Souldiers you know loue to be wandring this way and that way, and the Captaine cannot easilie get them by and by together, though hee cause the trumpet to be sounded; neither can hee forthwith put them in aray being assembled. But it is far otherwise with God, hee hath alwaies his souldiers at a becke, yea by number: that is to say, he knowes the tale of them, so as none absents himselfe.