And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they [are] a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.
Ver. 5. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.] Some refractories will not so much as hear a minister of God; but bid him, as those old Italians once did the Roman ambassador, Ad quercus dicere, se interim alia acturos, speak to the posts; they had somewhat else to do than to give ear to them. See 1 Corinthians 1:22. Of those also that do hear, scarce the hundredth man believeth our report, saith Calvin; Nay, scarce the thousandth man, saith Chrysostom.
For they are a rebellious house.] This was small encouragement. Hence prophets have so hung off, as Moses, Isaiah, Jonah, Jeremiah, &c. Knox, when called first to preach, burst forth into abundance of tears. Bradford was hardly persuaded by Bucer to enter into the ministry, &c. a
Yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.] Let them prove incorrigible, they shall also prove inexcusable, and self-condemned. See 2 Corinthians 2:16. See Trapp on " 2Co 2:16 " Convinced they shall be, if not converted; and who knows how the word, now slighted, may hereafter work upon them? Saepe fit ut audientes verbum moleste, suscipiant fructuose, b They may better bethink themselves.
a Acts and Mon.
b Jerome.