For the leaders of this people cause [them] to err; and [they that are] led of them [are] destroyed.
Ver. 16. For the leaders of this people cause them to err.] By their ill counsel and example. Exempla enim non ibi consistunt, ubi cceperunt. The ancients placed the statues of their princes and patriots near the fountains, to show that they were the spring heads of good or evil to the public. Some read the words thus: Those that bless this people, viz., the false prophets, have been misleaders: ductoresfuerunt seductores. Pope Plus II hath this memorable saying, Nihil excellenter malum in Ecclesia, Catholica patratur cuius prima origo a sacerdotibus non dependeat, in forte occulto quodam Dei concilio fiat. a Nothing exceedingly bad is done in the Catholic Church, unless it is first started by the priests, it becomes hidden in the plan of God.
And they that are led of them.] Or, Blessed by them.
Are destroyed.] Or, Swallowed up; or, Blindfolded. b
a In Hist. Auster.
b Objecti. - Tremel.