THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
In these passages, the prophet clearly foretells conflict, shedding light on the situation as if lifting a veil from his words, vividly portraying the impending disaster they are about to face. He proclaims that the Midianites will arise, not driven by greed or gifts but, in due time, will triumph as they exert every effort to break the bows of the young warriors. Observers of the invasions by barbaric tribes into various lands and cities will note that these incursions are purely for the purpose of looting and acquiring wealth. However, the Midianites, as the prophet states, will act out of a higher motive, ignoring gain to subdue the pride of the Babylonians, who have inflated their own importance through their expertise in archery, a skill they hold in high regard.
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Yet, in this contest, they will fall short against their foes. Upon achieving victory, their cruelty will be unrelenting, and they will show no compassion even towards the innocent, failing to shed a single tear for the suffering of children. Babylon, revered for its Babylonian king, will descend into such utter ruin that it will resemble the charred remains of Sodom and Gomorrah, becoming desolate and uninhabited. This desolation will be so profound that it will deter neighboring peoples and distant nations alike, even the shepherds of the Arabs will avoid grazing their flocks there, for it will be completely barren. It is important to recognize that he refers to the Arabs as the Saracenic tribes, who extend into the region of Assyria and inhabit the arid interior; they occupy the territory near the Arabs, and it is likely the Saracens of Arabia also roam the Assyrian wilderness alongside them.