Vers. 17. And the hautines of men shall be brought low, and the loftimes of man shall be abased, and the Lord shall be onely exalted in that day.
THe Phophet in naming so many kindes of heights in the former verses, declares that he spake of men. For the high moun∣taines and great Cedars displeased not God, as they were his creatures: but he signifies that all the mischiefe rests in the hearts and liues of men, who do too much trust in high and great things. But some may obiect; [Obiect.] It oft times fals out that the wicked are so farre off from comming to amendment or being humbled by the afflictions which they suffer, that they rather become the more obstinate and rebellious: as it appeares in Pharaoh, whose hardnes could not be softened by any plagues whatsoeuer. Wherefore it seemes that that which the Prophet saith heere, comes not alwaies to passe. I answere, [Ans.] that the effect of the chastisment is not expressed: as if God should bow rebels to his obediēce. But the sense of the place is this, to wit, that although the reprobates be hardned, that the Lord will not therefore finish his chastis∣ments, wherewith he will chastise them, till such time as their pride and hautines be brought to the ground. For whilest they rest vpon their riches and fortifications, thinking (as they say) to be safe there; they neither feare nor honour God. But although they be fortified neuer so much, the Lord will sub∣due and bring them downe easilie; not by a plague or two, but so manie waies, that being brought low, and shut vp, they shall cease to lift vp their hornes against him, and shall prooue by experience that it is in vaine for them to be obstinate and rebelli∣ous. That which is added, and the Lord onely shall be exalted, hath been expounded before.