Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

¹Now this description is lively and full of efficacy, when he saith, Who is this? For such an interrogation ravisheth the minds of the hearers into an admiration, and affects them more, then if it had been uttered in plain terms. The Prophet did the rather use it, that he might thereby awaken the Jews, who were become drowsy and besotted. We know that the Idumeans were somewhat akin to the Jews, in regard they were descended from the same ancestors with them. For they were thus called of Esau, who was also called Edom: Gen. 36.1. These having corrupted the pure worship of God,² though they had the same mark of circumcision, notwithstanding persecuted the Jews most despitefully. And besides, they exasperated the rage of other enemies against the Jews; manifesting to all what great pleasure they took in the ruin of this poor people, as it appears by their egging on of the Babylonians. Remember O Lord, saith the Church, Psalm. 137.7. the children of Edom, who in the day of Jerusalems ruin, said, down with it, down with it even to the ground. Thus then the Prophet denounceth, that the Edomites shall also keep their turn, in being judged according to their deserts, that none might otherwise think, but they should surely be punished for the barbarous cruelty by them exercised against their brethren. For the Lord will so avenge himself of the wicked and enemies of the Church, that he will thereby show what care he hath over her.

¹Now this description is liuely and full of efficacie, when hee saith, Who is this? For such an interrogation rauisheth the minds of the hearers into an admiration, and affects them more, then if it had been vttered in plaine termes. The Prophet did the rather vse it, that hee might thereby awaken the Iewes, who were become dr•uzie and besotted. We know that the Idumeans were somewhat akin to the Iewes, in regard they were descended from the same ancestors with them. For they were thus called of Esau, who was also called Edom: