Because it is a triall, and what if the sword contemn even the rod] Or, when the triall hath been, what then I shall they not also belong to the despising rod? I am almost forced to come to the extremitie of punishment: for all chastisements to try to bring them to repentance would be vain, Isaiah 1:5. Or, as if God had said; Because I have tried Judah with two captivities, and they are not bettered, therefore they are worthy to be further punished with famine, pestilence, sword, and the burning of Temple and Citie; and Nebuchadnezzar, set up by me a conquerour for their sinnes, shall be the rod they shall not resist.