Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 20. He feedeth of ashes: a seduced heart hath deceived him, that he cannot deliver his soul, and say; Is there not a lie in my right hand?

Vers. 20. He feedeth of ashes: a seduced heart hath deceiued him, that hee cannot deliuer his soule, and say; Is there not a lie in my right hand?

This verse again confirms the former sentence. To feed of ashes, ¹signifies as much as to be replete with ashes: as, to feed upon wind, Hos. 12.1. signifies to be filled with wind; for the same may be said of the one, that is said of the other. As on the contrary, Thou shalt feed the truth; Psal. 37.3. for thou shalt be satiate with truth: that is to say, filled. Others again expound, Thou shalt administer spiritual food: others, Thou shalt feed faithfully. But I had rather follow the first interpretation. Here his meaning is to say, that men are swollen indeed, but in the mean while they are windy and empty: for they are only stuffed with vanity, which hath no steadfastness in it. And therefore they rather burst with pride, then by being any way satisfied with good nourishment.

THis verse againe confirmes the former sentence. To feede of ashes, ¹signifies as much as to be repleat with ashes: as, to feede vpon winde, Hos. 12.1. signifies to bee filled with winde; for the same may be said of the one, that is said of the other. As on the contrary, Thou shalt feede the truth; Psal. 37.3. for thou shalt be saciate with truth: that is to say, filled. Others againe expound, Thou shalt administer spirituall foode: others, Thou shalt feede faithfully. But I had rather follow the first interpretation. Heere his meaning is to say, that men are swollen indeed, but in the meane while they are windie and emptie: for they are onely stuffed with vanity, which hath no stedfastnesse in it. And therefore they rather burst with pride, then by being any way satisfied with good nourishment.