Isaiah 17:5

And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.

Ver. 5. And it shall be as when the harvest man.] Their utter captivity is set forth by three lively similitudes, for better assurance, a very small remnant only left in the land. This by some ancients is alleged to show how few shall be saved - surely not one of ten thousand, said Simeon. And before him Chrysostom, a How many, think you, shall be saved in this city of Antioch? Though there be so many thousands of you, yet there cannot be found a hundred that shall enter into God's kingdom, and I doubt much of those too, &c.

In the valley of Rephaim.] Which was nigh to Jerusalem. Jos 15:8 Nam similitudine populari propheta utitur. b

a Hom. iv. Ad Pop. Antioch.

b Jun.