A commentary vpon the prophecie of Isaiah. By Mr. Iohn Caluin. Whereunto are added foure tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.

Vers. 6. Let vs goe vp against Iu∣dah, and let vs waken them vp, and make a* 1.1 breach therein for vs, and set a King in the middest thereof, euen the sonne of Tabeal.

LEt vs goe vp.] That is to say, let vs make ready an armie. Some turne the verbe Nekitsennah, let vs trouble or afflict: the which indeede shewes the originall of the word: but in this coniugation it signifies ra∣ther, To awaken. And howsoeuer I reiect not this first interpretation; yet notwithstanding I had rather follow the second, because it a∣grees best with the Text. By Awakening, I vn∣derstand, To trouble; and to practise some new stratagem: as we commonly say, raise vp sturres, that this kingdome may no longer be in quiet. As touching that which followes,

many expound Nanquiennah: Let vs enter into it by force: others; Let vs so handle the matter, that it shall not be able to stand be∣fore vs. I haue translated, Let vs make an en∣trance into it. For the verbe Baqua signifies that which we commonly say, let vs make a breach, or entrance. Now the meane to breake into Iudea, was either to stoppe the passages by force of armes: or by feares to solicit those which should be timerous and wauering, to reuolt: for whilest subiects hold their obedience, all passage is shut vp; but when all is on a hurly burly, by seditions and factions; an easie entrance is made to passe euen to the strongest and best fortified pla∣ces. Thus these two Kings hoped as soone as they should bee ariued in Iudea, that they should terrifie all the hearts of the people with their great and mightie armie, so as they should haue neither power nor will to resist. For it is not likely that hauing so great a multitude of men, they meant to holde any long siege. True it is, that Ierusalem was well fortified: but they thought the citie would be frighted and troubled with this greate armie; and therefore would by and by yeeld it selfe to their mercie. Yet notwithstanding I leaue it to the libertie of euery one, touching the interpretation of these words: seeing the Prophets meaning is plaine enough. But we cannot easily gather from the histories who this Thabeal was. It is very likely that he was some Israelite; who being an enemie to the house of Dauid, these Kings would binde and oblige vnto them.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Or, an en∣trance into it.