Additionally, I called forth prophets from your sons and made Nazoreans from your chosen ones, the term ‘sanctified’ being used in the Greek translation.
When speaking of the glory of God, the order of historical events is often disregarded. This can lead to instances where earlier events are mentioned later in the narrative. For example, in the Psalms, the miracles are presented based on their importance rather than their chronological sequence. In the book of Kings, we learn about Doeg the Edomite, which relates to the title of the fifty-first Psalm, before the account of Absalom’s rebellion, which is referenced in the title of the third Psalm. Thus, the annihilation of the Amorites is placed at the forefront of the narrative, while the exodus from Egypt and the forty-year journey in the desert, which are traditionally first, are talked about later.
Before your deliverance from Egypt, which was like a furnace of iron, I brought ruin upon the Amorites, whose name signifies ‘bitter’ or ‘one who speaks frequently.’ This Amorite king, known as Seon, is like a barren tree, not due to a lack of fruit, but because the fruit produced is bad. It is stated, ‘Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire’ (Matthew 7:19). Concerning false prophets, it is written, ‘They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves; by their fruits, you will know them’ (Matthew 7:15-16). Therefore, a tree can be regarded as fruitless if it either yields no fruit or produces only bad fruit. Seon is about whom it is noted, ‘The axe is already at the root of the trees’ (Luke 3:9); being a tree that bore no good fruit, it was cut down by the Lord, its stature compared to that of the cedars. The psalmist reflects, ‘I have seen the wicked in great power and spreading himself like a native green tree, yet I passed by, and behold, he was no more’ (Psalms 36:35-36). Thus, before the Almighty, who transcends this age, all arrogance vanishes, and no trace of pride remains.
The Amorite king was as strong as an oak, known for its robustness and resilience. The renowned philosopher Philo suggests that Esau derived his name from the Greek word for ‘oak,’ but this name may also denote ‘doing,’ especially relating to sinful actions. In scripture, it is written that a strong man guards his possessions in peace, yet a stronger one overcomes him, seizing his armor and distributing his spoils (Luke 11:21-22).
God granted us the opportunity to obliterate this fruitless Amorite Seon, whose barrenness signifies a lack of prosperity, ensuring that none would consume the worthless fruit and face destruction. The Lord also uprooted and eliminated the roots to thwart any future growth of this poor tree. He led us out from this age, and through a period marked by suffering, we journeyed for forty years, signifying trials and tribulations, until we arrived at the holy land. There, we would take possession of the Amorites' land and choose prophets from among our sons, holy men filled with the spirit of prophecy, as detailed in the letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 14). From our youthful men, we selected Nazoreans and the sanctified, who, offering themselves as living sacrifices to God, abstain from intoxicating beverages, that we might inherit the strength and victory symbolized by the hair of Samson, for the man’s head is Christ.
THEOSIS