21. We ask further, of whom cometh He and
how? And this Esaias tells us: Behold! the virgin shall
conceive in her womb, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call
His name Emmanuel Isa. vii. 14. The objection of the Jews that
the Hebrew word “Almah” means “a young woman,”
whether married or not, is mentioned by Justin M. (Tryph. 43,
67, 71), and by Eusebius (Dem. Evang. VII. i. 315).. This the
Jews contradict, for of old it is their wont wickedly to oppose the
truth: and they say that it is not written “the
virgin,” but “the damsel.” But though I assent
to what they say, even so I find the truth. For we must ask them,
If a virgin be forced, when does she cry out and call for helpers,
after or before the outrage? If, therefore, the Scripture
elsewhere says, The betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to
save her Deut. xxii. 27., doth it not speak
of a virgin?