Isaiah 17

Isaiah 17:1

She layeth - By her own example she provokes her servants to labour. And although in these latter and more delicate times, such mean employments are grown out of fashion among great persons, yet they were not so in former ages, neither in other countries, nor in this land; whence all women unmarried unto this day are called in the language of our law, Spinsters.

Isaiah 17:3

Not afraid - Of any injuries of the weather. Are clothed - She hath provided enough, not only for their necessity, but also for their delight and ornament.

Isaiah 17:4

Tapestry - For the furniture of her house. Silk - Which was agreeable to her high quality.

Isaiah 17:5

It known - Observed and respected, not only for his own worth, but for his wife’s sake. Sitteth - In counsel or judgment.

Isaiah 17:6

Girdles - Curiously wrought of linen, and gold, or other precious materials.

Isaiah 17:7

Strength - Strength of mind, magnanimity, courage, activity. Her clothing - Her ornament and glory. Rejoice - She lives in constant tranquillity of mind, from a just confidence in God’s gracious providence.

Isaiah 17:8

Openeth her mouth - She is neither sullenly silent, nor full of impertinent talk, but speaks discreetly and piously, as occasion offers. In her tongue - Her speeches are guided by wisdom and grace, and not by inordinate passions. And this practice is called a law in her tongue, because it is constant and customary, and proceeds from an inward and powerful principle of true wisdom.

Isaiah 17:9

Looketh well - She diligently observes the management of her domestick business, and the whole carriage of her children and servants.

Isaiah 17:12

Favour - Comeliness, which commonly gives women favour with those who behold them. Deceitful - It gives a false representation of the person, being often a cover to a deformed soul; it does not give a man that satisfaction, which at first he promised to himself from it; and it is soon lost, not only by death, but by many diseases and contingencies.

Isaiah 17:13

Give her - It is but just, that she should enjoy those praises which her labours deserve. Let her works - If men be silent, the lasting effects of her prudence and diligence will trumpet forth her praises. In the gates - In the most publick and solemn assemblies.