Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Let us go up.] That is to say, let us make ready an army. Some turn the verb Nekitsennah, let us trouble or afflict: the which indeed shows the original of the word: but in this conjugation it signifies rather, To awaken. And howsoever I reject not this first interpretation; yet notwithstanding I had rather follow the second, because it agrees best with the Text. By Awakening, I understand, To trouble; and to practise some new stratagem: as we commonly say, raise up stirs, that this kingdom may no longer be in quiet. As touching that which follows, ⟨p. 77⟩many expound Nanquiennah: Let us enter into it by force: others; Let us so handle the matter, that it shall not be able to stand before us. I have translated, Let us make an entrance into it. For the verb Baqua signifies that which we commonly say, let us make a breach, or entrance. Now the mean to break into Judea, was either to stop the passages by force of arms: or by fears to solicit those which should be timorous and wavering, to revolt: for whilst subjects hold their obedience, all passage is shut up; but when all is on a hurly burly, by seditions and factions; an easy entrance is made to pass even to the strongest and best fortified places. Thus these two Kings hoped as soon as they should be arrived in Judea, that they should terrify all the hearts of the people with their great and mighty army, so as they should have neither power nor will to resist. For it is not likely that having so great a multitude of men, they meant to hold any long siege. True it is, that Jerusalem was well fortified: but they thought the city would be frighted and troubled with this great army; and therefore would by and by yield it self to their mercy. Yet notwithstanding I leave it to the liberty of every one, touching the interpretation of these words: seeing the Prophets meaning is plain enough. But we cannot easily gather from the histories who this Thabeal was. It is very likely that he was some Israelite; who being an enemy to the house of David, these Kings would bind and oblige unto them.