Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Whereas the letter mem, placed in the word Lemarbeh, is close, contrary to the common ma•er of the writing of the Hebrews; some think it signifies the bondage wherein the Jews should be till the coming of Christ. Others think that by this sign, this people were excluded out of the fellowship of the kingdom, because of their disloyalty: and for mine own part I reject none of these expositions. But yet can we scarcely affirm that the Prophet wrote thus; notwithstanding because it hath been given us from hand to hand, and that the Rabbins are such diligent observers even of the least prick or point, we cannot think that this was done unadvisedly.

Whereas the letter mem, placed in the word Lemarbeh, is close, contrary to the common ma•er of the writing of the Hebrewes; some thinke it signifies the bondage wherein the Iewes should bee till the comming of Christ. Others thinke that by this signe, this people were excluded out of the fellowship of the kingdome, because of their disloyaltie: and for mine owne part I reiect none of these expositions. But yet can wee scarcely affirme that the Prophet wrote thus; notwithstanding because it hath been giuen vs from hand to hand, and that the Rabbines are such diligent obseruers euen of the least pricke or point, wee cannot thinke that this was done vnaduisedly.

If we grant that the Prophet wrote thus of set purpose, me thinks it is an advertisement very profitable to the faithful, lest they should imagine that the Kingdom of Christ was to flourish in outward pomp; also lest hereupon they should forge any carnal triumphs through a vain hope; but might rather be assured only amidst so many afflictions, that the Kingdom of Christ should grow, no man perceiving how; because they had a promise thereof made unto them.

If we grant that the Prophet wrote thus of set purpose, mee thinks it is an aduertisement very profitable to the faithful, lest they should imagine that the Kingdome of Christ was to flourish in outward pompe; also lest hereupon they should forge any carnall triumphs through a vaine hope; but might rather bee assured onely amidst so many afflictions, that the Kingdome of Christ should grow, no man perceiuing how; because they had a promise thereof made vnto them.