THEOSISJerome of Stridon
Outside lies destruction, while within, diseases and starvation prevail. Those who roam the fields will face the sword, whereas those within the city will be consumed by pestilence and famine. Yet, those who manage to escape will find refuge in the mountains, resembling doves in the valleys, each one distressed over their own transgressions. The Septuagint remains silent on the imagery of the doves, which translates from Theodotion as the longing ones. Theodotion's account conveys that all are filled with anxiety, each lamenting their own sins, using the metaphor of doves pining to illustrate the people’s grief for their iniquities, comprehending the reasons for their plight.
Read more (236 words)
Regarding the three groups—some perishing in the city from pestilence and famine, others falling by the sword, and a remnant fleeing captivity—we previously considered that those who are saved will ascend the mountains and, like the yearning doves, will weep for their sins.
It should be acknowledged that those in the field and the plains, outside the confines of the city of the Lord, which symbolizes the Church, will suffer the enemy's sword. Those who lived carelessly within the city and failed to provide sustenance for themselves demonstrate the truth of the proverb: "He who makes his land full of bread will die of hunger and pestilence." Among the few who escape the enemy's sword or the perils of famine due to their negligence, salvation may only come if they take flight like doves, finding solace. While the doves in the valleys are characterized by worry and trepidation, their innocence is a quality we are instructed to emulate. As noted in the Psalms, "If you sleep in the midst of the limit, the dove's wings are silvered and its interlaced pinions in the glitter of gold." This dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit, who descended upon and remained with our Savior. Moreover, as Theodotion beautifully articulates, those who yearn for wisdom or study may be referred to as meditantem dove, continually learning the Lord’s laws, as it is written, "The mouth of the righteous shall learn wisdom."