Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

He prosecutes the same argument, and sundry ways taxeth the superstitions which reigned in Judea; for there was no place exempt from idolatry: there was neither rocks, rivers, valleys, nor any corner free, wherein they had not left some memorial of their superstitions. They had their woods and mountains, where they sacrificed according to the customs of the heathen.

HEe prosecutes the same argument, and sundry waies taxeth the superstitions which raigned in Iudea; for there was no place exempt from idolatry: there was neither rockes, riuers, vallies, nor any corner free, wherein they had not left some memoriall of their superstitions. They had their woods and mountaines, where they sacrificed according to the customes of the heathen.

Whether we read it polished stones here, or Parts of the river, the sense will be always one. For the Prophets meaning is that the Jews chose a service of God after their own fantasy, and turned themselves away from that rule which he had prescribed them in his law. Also, that by means hereof all the sacrifices by them devised were wicked and abominable, in regard God only ought to be heard, when there is any question touching his religion and worship. If you will turn it polished stones, then Isaiah taxeth them for the contempt of the law, wherein God had forbidden them to cut or polish any stones with hammers for the framing of his Altar. Exod. 20.25. Deut. 27.5.6. because he would have them sacrifice no where else but upon one only Altar. But in respect that it was the fashion of the Heathen to erect Temples near unto fountains and rivers, the other sense agrees well also.

Whether we reade it polished stones here, or Parts of the riuer, the sense will be alwaies one. For the Prophets meaning is that the Iewes chose a seruice of God after their owne fantasie, and turned themselues away from that rule which he had prescribed them in his law. Also, that by meanes hereof all the sacrifices by them deuised were wicked and abominable, in regard God only ought to be heard, when there is any question touching his religion and worship. If you will turne it polished stones, then Isaiah taxeth them for the contempt of the law, wherein God had forbidden them to cut or polish any stones with hammers for the framing of his Altar.