Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 13. For thorns, there shall grow fir trees: for nettles, shall grow the myrrh tree; and it shall be to the Lord for a name, and for an everlasting sign that shall not be taken away.

Vers. 13. For thornes, there shall grow firre trees: for nettles, shall grow the mirrhe tree; and it shall bee to the Lord for a name, and for an euerlasting signe that shall not bee taken away.

Again he extols Gods power, which should appear in the peoples deliverance: for he teacheth that there shall be such a change, that the way shall be made very easy for their return. Some expound this allegorically; and by thorns, understand that such as endeavour to hurt and hinder others, should now become fir trees: that is to say, bearing fruit, and bringing profit to their neighbours: but this exposition is too curious. I deny not but these things indeed appertain to Christs kingdom, and therefore ought to be spiritually understood. For the §1Prophet begins at the return from Babylon, and comprehends the whole estate of §2the Church, until the manifestation of Christ to the world. But it doth not therefore follow that this allegory is any thing to the purpose, because Isaiah speaks of the peoples return into Judea. For, that they might the better pass, the Lord promiseth to remove all impediments out of the way, and would furnish them with all things necessary, that so they might be free from all annoyances.

AGaine hee extolles Gods power, which should appeare in the peoples deliuerance: for he teacheth that there shall be such a change, that the way shall bee made verie easie for their returne. Some expound this allegorically; and by thornes, vnderstand that such as indeuour to hurt and hinder others, should now become firre trees: that is to say, bearing fruit, and bringing profite to their neighbours: but this exposition is too curious. I denie not but these things indeed appertaine to Christs kingdome, and therefore ought to be spiritually vnderstood. For the §1