Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now because this doctrine of the law sufficed not this obstinate & unruly people; the Lord also foreseeing that they would never be held in, unless it were by some bridle: he adds a prohibition,¹ not to seek to Magicians, Soothsayers, Enchanters, Sorcerers, nor to such as regard the times, or the flying of birds,² to such as asked counsel of familiar spirits, or at the dead; because such things were an abomination to the Lord.

Now because this doctrin of the law sufficed not this obstinate & vnruly people; the Lord also foreseeing that they would neuer be held in, vnlesse it were by some bridle: hee addes a prohibition,¹ not to seeke to Magitians, Southsayers, Inchanters, Sorcerers, nor to such as regard the times, or the flying of birds,² to such as asked counsell of familiar spirits, or at the dead; because such things were an abomination to the Lord.

1. 1Prohibitions.
2. 2Deut. 18.9.10.11.12.

And to prevent the replies which they might make, namely, that their condition should be worse, then that of the infidels, who had their Soothsayers, Astrologers, Sacrificers, and such like, of whom they might ask advice and counsel; but they should be destituted of any that might be able to give them satisfaction in doubtful and intricate causes: herein, to take away all pretext, & that they might not defile themselves in these execrable customs of the Gentiles, God ⟨image 10⟩