And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people:
Ver. 9. Proclaim a fast.] On fast days they were wont to execute heinous offenders, and thereby to get reconciliation with God. Num 25:7-8 Psa 106:30 But what damnable dissimulation was it in this devilish creature to do her feats under pretext of a fast! This was like that Italian new device of a pocket stone bow which, held under a cloak, shooteth needles with such force to pierce a man's body, yet leaveth a wound scarce discernible: or, rather, that other, more detestable, of a pocket church book with a pistol hid in the binding, which turning to such a page dischargeth, - a plot to entrap him you hate, whilst you are at your devotions together, when there is less suspicion. a If Jezebel proclaim a fast, let Naboth look to his life. If Herod, "that fox," pretend to worship Christ, there is mischief towards. The Jesuits enjoined a fast, and set forth a sevenfold psalmody for the good success of the gunpowder plot: wherein, Rabshakeh-like, they would persuade the world that they came not up against us without the Lord.
And set Naboth on high.] Bring him before the judges.
a Il. Merc. Italico, introduc.