Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

He adds the Judge, and the Prophet. We know that amongst the Hebrews, Judges are taken for all governors whatsoever. Also it is not to be doubted but that all Teachers whatsoever, are to be understood by the §1name of Prophet. He threatens the Jews then, §2that after the civill government shall be abolished,¹ and teaching extinct, that then they shall be cut off. And to speak the truth, the Magistrates & Teachers have the same place in the Common-wealth, that the eyes have in a mans head. To the same rank also I refer the word ancients, who are the fittest to govern: because age obtains prudence, counsel and gravity. As touching the name divine, although it be taken in the evil part in the Scriptures, yet it should seem to be taken in the good part here; seeing Isaiah reckons up those things which are necessary to defend, or conserve the estate of a kingdom or city. We may well call this man then, one that knows wisely how to forecast matters, and who hath a deep• insight into dark & obscure things, which are necessary; not by divinations or superstitious Arts, but with a quick and prompt judgement, and with great dexterity of wit. Also in regard that God had forbidden them to go to ask counsel of Magicians, Enchanters, Diviners; and that Balaam himself testifies that there was no soothsaying in Israel; Numb. 23.23. if any had rather understand this place of divinations made by Enchantments, I do not gainsay it: neither will there any absurdity follow, to reckon it among the number of their chastisements, to wit, that this people so full of wickedness shall be also deprived even of all unlawful succours: as in Hosea, ²the Idols are joined with the Altar and the sacrifices.

He addes the Iudge, and the Prophet. Wee know that amongst the Hebrewes, Iudges are taken for all gouernors whatsoeuer. Also it is not to be doubted but that all Teachers whatsoeuer, are to be vnderstood by the §1name of Prophet. He threatens the Iewes then, §2