Vers. 9. Is not Calno as Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Sa∣maria as Damascus?
HEere hee names certaine Cities, although others affirme that they are regions. Not∣withstanding it is more probable that they were Cities, or some strong places. Shall it not happen (saith he) alike to the places which I haue not yet subdued, is to these which haue resisted me? He compares Calno, Arpad, and Samaria (which he vanquished afterward) to Carchemish, Ha∣math, and Damascus, which hee had vanquished before, and saith, that these should not bee stronger then they. Thus haue the wicked been wont to boast and glory in their deeds past; so as they thinke to breake thorow all impediments, as if nothing were able to hin∣der their counsels and enterprises: and which is yet worse,* 1.1 they thinke to come to the end of all things in despite of God himselfe, and without his knowledge. When we reade this historie, let vs learne not to be proud if wee haue been strong at some time, or if al things haue fallen out according to our wish.* 1.2 For he who hath exalted vs, can quickely also abase and cast vs downe. And if hee reprocheth the Assyrian for his ouer weening, how much more ought they to be reproued, who attribute the praise of holinesse and righte∣ousnesse vnto themselues, as if they could re∣generate themselues by their owne proper vertue? For wee need not doubt but such do rob God of his honor, and take that to them∣selues which is proper vnto him.