That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, [but] that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.
Ver. 14. That the kingdom might be base.] The mighty of the land being taken away, as Eze 17:13 and the spirits of the vest imbased by burdens and oppressions in their estates and liberties.
But that by keeping of his covenant.] The breach whereof was the break neck of the state, as it hath been of many others, and will be shortly of the Turks - who hold that there is no faith to be kept with dogs, that is, with Christians - and of the Popes, who hold that there is no faith to be kept with heretics, that is, with Protestants; and for all others, it is written by an Italian, no stranger to the court of Rome, that their proverb is, Mercatorum eat, non regum, stare iuramentis, that it is for merchants, and not for monarchs, to stand to their oaths. Shall such stand? shall they thus escape by iniquity?