The Hebrew word Cherem, which I have translated execration, is as much to say, as cutting off: but it also signifies execration; and therefore I have judged it to suit best with this place,1 because reproach follows. The Prophet borrows all these words from Moses, whom he follows so near, that we may well discern the stile of the one, in the writings of the other. The Prophets therefore forged nothing of their own heads: for thus saith Moses; Thou shalt be an astonishment, a proverb, and a scorn to all nations, whether the Lord thy God shall lead thee: Deut. 28.20.37. Thus then he threatens to afflict this people in such wise, that they should be a reproach unto all; for whosoever he were that gave himself to cursing, this people should be a fit subject for such a one to exercise his execrations upon, so as he might make them the foot of his cursing song. Every one should have such a fling at them, that their name should fly abroad as a common proverb from one to another, in every ones mouth that were disposed to scorn. As for example,2 the name of a Jew at this day (howsoever it be honourable in it self) yet how odious and hateful is it? The Lord then pronounceth by Isaiah these horrible threatenings, to teach them that they could not be too severely punished for their heinous offences; and that when God should begin to visit them, they should have no cause to complain of over hard measure, neither should they think that the Prophet was too sharp in his reprehensions.
The Hebrew word Cherem, which I haue translated execration, is as much to say, as cutting off: but it also signifies execration; and therefore I haue iudged it to sute best with this place,1 because reproch followes. The Prophet borrowes all these words from Moses, whom he followes so neere, that we may well discerne the stile of the one, in the writings of the other. The Prophets therefore forged nothing of their owne heads: for thus saith Moses; Thou shalt be an astonishment, a prouerbe, and a scorne to all nations, whether the Lord thy God shall leade thee: Deut. 28.20.37. Thus then hee threatens to afflict this people in such wise, that they should be a reproch vnto all; for whosoeuer hee were that gaue himselfe to cursing, this people should bee a fit subiect for such a one to exercise his execrations vpon, so as hee might make them the foote of his cursing song. Euery one should haue such a fling at them, that their name should flie abroad as a common prouerbe from one to another, in euery ones mouth that were disposed to scorne. As for example,2 the name of a Iew at this day (howsoeuer it bee honourable in it selfe) yet how odious and hatefull is it? The Lord then pronounceth by Isaiah these horrible threatnings, to teach them that they could not bee too seuerely punished for their hainous offences; and that when God should beginne to visit them, they should haue no cause to complaine of ouer hard measure, neither should they thinke that the Prophet was too sharpe in his reprehensions.
- 1Isaiah follows Moses stile.Isaiah followes Moses stile.
- 2The name of a Jew justly execrable at this day, howsoever it be honourable in it self.The name of a Iew iustly execrable at this day, howsoeuer it be honourable in it selfe.
