Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

But yet me thinks I can not let pass the answering of these words Peer, and Epher, one to another, which signify magnificence, and ashes. For by the transposition of the letters, they signify things clean contrary: by which elegant turning of the words upside down, he meant to note out the change of their estate.

But yet me thinks I can not let passe the answering of these words Peer, and Epher, one to another, which signifie magnificence, and ashes. For by the transposition of the letters, they signifie things cleane contrarie: by which elegant turning of the words vpside downe, he meant to note out the change of their estate.

Trees of righteousness.] By these words he sets out the peoples restoration. As if he should say; Whereas in times past you were rooted up, and resembled a withered stock; now you shall be planted again and established. He brings them then to the consideration of Gods power, to the end that howsoever they should be overwhelmed & brought to deaths door, yet were they notwithstanding to assure themselves to be so revived, that they should take root, gather strength, and grow.

Trees of righteousnesse.] By these words hee sets out the peoples restauration. As if hee should say; Whereas in times past you were rooted vp, and resembled a withered stocke; now you shall be planted againe and established. He brings them then to the consideration of Gods power, to the end that howsoeuer they should be ouerwhelmed & brought to deaths doore, yet were they notwithstanding to assure themselues to bee so reuiued, that they should take roote, gather strength, and grow.

Hence we may gather a general doctrine,¹