Vers. 6. Therefore hath the curse de∣uoured the earth, and the Inhabitants thereof are desolate: wherefore the Inha∣bitants thereof are burned vp, and few men are left.
OThers translate Forswearing: but be∣cause this word also signifieth to curse, I doubt not but it is taken here for cursing, the Prophet hauing an eye to those curses which Moses denounceth in the Law against the wic∣ked that transgresse it:* 1.1 Isaiah testifies then that all the calamities which should come to passe, proceeded from the curse of God. We know that the earth was cursed because of the transgression of the first man, so as it brought forth thistles and briers in stead of good fruites, Gen. 3.17.18. and yet notwith∣standing the Lord hath so moderated this curse, that it ceaseth not to yeeld men foode, although in regard of their vnthankfulnes they be vnworthie of it.* 1.2 If we then cease not to offend God, adding sinne vnto sinne; is it not good reason that wee should feele this curse to prick vs to the quick, and that the earth should waxe barren and vnfruitfull?
I thinke the verb Asham, should rather be taken to desolate, then to transgresse; and the scope of ye text also leades vs vnto it, therfore I haue translated, they are desolate: vnlesse any had rather take the coniunction for a particle of shewing the cause, in this sense, The earth being cursed of God, is withered, because the inhabitants thereof are wicked. The verb Charu may be takē by way of similitude, which I approue best of, to wit, that those whom the wrath of God hath deuoured, were burned, for destruction is often compared to the bur∣ning of fire.
Now whereas in the end he addes, that a few men shall be left, thence we may perceiue, that this prophesie can not be expounded of the last Iudgement: for the Prophet rather foretels and confirmes the certentie of those calamities which he had threatned to befall sundrie nations, that by this meanes the faithfull being now readie to indure many afflictions, might feare, and be drawne to re∣pentance.