THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
The calamities that are to befall Egypt will similarly instigate turmoil in Ethiopia; this neighboring nation will be gripped by dread of the same fate. The Prophet then lists the Cretans, Libyans, Ethiopians, Lydians, and Arabians, who allied with the Egyptians and met their demise alongside them. It is not meant to refer to the Persians who assisted the Egyptians from Persia (could the Egyptians have regarded the Persians as allies while contending with the Assyrians and Chaldeans?), but rather to those who had long since departed Persia and established their homes in Egypt. He indicates that the Egyptian Babylon was similarly named after the Persian Babylon due to the presence of Persians residing there.
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He refers to the Jewish people, the sons of the covenant, who fled to Egypt with the Prophet Jeremiah after the conquest of Jerusalem. He predicts judgment upon them as well, since they, contrary to His will, abandoned Judea for Egypt. This sentiment is echoed through the words of the Prophet Jeremiah: “And they shall take away all the remnant of Judah, which have gone into the land of Egypt, to dwell there: whose word shall prevail, mine or theirs? And this is a sign unto you, saith the Lord, Behold I give Pharaoh Baphrias king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies, and into the hand of them that seek his soul: as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, his enemy, and them that seek his soul” (Jeremiah 44:27-30). Thus, the predictions of the holy Prophets are in harmonious agreement, speaking as under the influence of one Spirit. Once more, He prophesies the devastation of Egypt, maintaining the same specificity; and regarding the Assyrian king, who is likened to fire, God further states in Ezekiel: