Original Douay–Rheims AnnotationsIsaiah 20

Lo this was our hope.

God to shew the vanity of all hope, that is reposed in men, or in worldly things, layeth the marvelous and miserable mutations of temporal great Kingdoms before the eyes of his people. That we may see, and admire his merciful providence, and our own folly, when we trust in the help of ourselves, or of other men, ^[1] who cannot defend themselves from ruin and ignominy: and much less can they save us, or we ourselves. As these examples make manifest. The Kingdom of Israel (or ten tribes) trusted in Damascus, which could not defend itself, but was overthrown. ^[2] The Kingdom of Juda (or two tribes) trusted in Ægypt. The Ægyptians trusted in the Ethiopians, and both were overthrown by the Assirians. The Assirians glorying in their victories and triumphs, attributing all to their own strength, were overcome by the Babylonians. The Babylonians, likewise insolent and proud, were oppressed by the Medes and Persians. The Medes and Persians were subdued by Alexander the great. Who was shortly taken away in his youth by poison; and his great Monarchy divided amongst his servants. And so other peoples, and Kingdoms, much more particular persons and families are turned like a wheel. And therefore our only refuge must be to God, in whom is all true hope, help, safety, and happiness, temporal and eternal.

• 1 God's providence in punishing all that trust in men & not in him.
• 2 Examples of mutations in Kingdoms.