Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Shiloh, as S. Jerome saith, was a little fountain, whence proceeded a river running softly through the middest of Jerusalem. And because this little river was insufficient to defend them, they desired and asked after those great rivers which environed, and greatly enriched the cities. For there is nothing which brings more renown and riches to a country, then these great navigable rivers, by which one may fetch in and carry out all sorts of merchandise, the more easily. He compares Euphrates then, (which is the most renowned river in the East) with Shilvah; and follows the same similitude: understanding by violent waters, the Assyrians, which should waste Judea, and spoil it wholly,¹ as it were with a deluge. I will show you, saith the Lord, what it is to wish for these mighty and violent waters.

Shilo, as S. Ierom saith, was a little fountaine, whence proceeded a riuer running softly thorow the middest of Ierusalem. And because this little riuer was insufficient to defend them, they desired and asked after those great riuers which inuironed, and greatly inriched the cities. For there is nothing which brings more renowne and riches to a countrie, then these great nauigable riuers, by which one may fetch in and carrie out all sorts of merchandize, the more easily. He compares Euphrates then, (which is ye most renowned riuer in the East) with Shilvah; and followes the same similitude: vnderstanding by violent waters, the Assyrians, which should waste Iudeah, and spoile it wholely,¹ as it were with a deluge. I wil shew you, saith the Lord, what it is to wish for these mightie and violent waters.

1. 12. King. 18.

And shall come up.] This place ought to be diligently observed. For we have all of us a distrustfulness naturally rooted in us, so as when the help of man fails, we are out of heart. Let God make what promise he will, we cannot be resolved of the truth of it: but have our eyes fixed upon our own feebleness, and being besotted, we lie like blocks in our fears. And therefore have we need to seek a remedy for this vice. Shiloah then; that is to say, the vocation or condition to which God hath called us, with promise of blessing; should be unto us a strong defence, although we see it not before our eyes; and that we should prefer the same our estate before the power of the greatest Kings of the world. For if we rely upon the succour of men, and place our confidence in riches and abundance of silver; we must look for the chastisement which the Prophet threateneth in this place. The holy history witnesseth that these things came to pass; so as he which shall read therein, shall have no great need of an exposition of this place. The Assyrians whom the Jews called to their succour, destroyed them: and this was a just punishment of their distrust. Wherein we have a fair looking glass to behold the end of such lustful people, who could not content themselves with the promise of Gods aide and succour. Let us then look to our selves, and let us be warned by this destruction of the Jews.