THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
You will entertain wicked thoughts in your heart, and you will declare, I will ascend to the forsaken land, and I will approach the peaceful people who reside in stillness, dwelling upon a territory devoid of boundaries, gates, and faith. Ezekiel captivates the captives and seizes their gains: He directs my hand toward the desolate land that is occupied, toward the language gathered from various tongues, whose owners have created a tomb from the treasures that lie upon the earth's depths. All of this reveals what transpired after the exile, when the cities of the Jews, in accordance with prophecy, lacked walls, doors, or locks; thus the surrounding nations dared to engage in battle. However, as the people of Israel returned, they were glorified, as they were brought back by God's might.
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Just as their exodus from Egypt made their name renowned, so did their return from Babylon draw attention to them, prompting these nations to retaliate. Let no one regard the prophecy as unbelievable, given the distance between the Scythian tribes and Judah; instead, consider that even in contemporary times, this people occupied the entire eastern realm, enslaved many, and departed. The prophet indicates that in his army were the Phrygians, Galatians, Iberians, Persians, and Ethiopians—not as subjects, but as those who had allied with him under various circumstances; some volunteered, while others were taken captive and compelled to fight alongside him. To this, the Word of God provides a poignant address to this people regarding the other nations.