When it shall be heard in Egypt, they will be sorry when they shall hear of Tyre:
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר־שֵׁ֖מַע לְמִצְרָ֑יִם יָחִ֖ילוּ כְּשֵׁ֥מַע צֹֽר׃
4 Church Fathers comment on this verse · 5 commentaries
The prophet was unaware that, as previously mentioned, the Assyrian aimed to advance into Egypt following the captivity of the Tyrians. Hence, he proclaims that when this news reaches the Egyptians, they too will be deeply distressed, not solely due to the fall of Tyre, but because they will be confronted with the tragedies of warfare.
In other words, the cities of Tyre and Sidon would be filled with fear at the might of a formidable adversary, leading to the complete loss of any prospects for beneficial commerce.
Upon hearing about Tyre, the Egyptians will grieve. It is evident that as they learn of the downfall of a powerful neighboring nation through an extended siege, they will realize that similar devastation is imminent for them as well.
The sea proclaimed, the mighty depth of the waters declared, "I have not endured labor nor given birth, nor raised young men or nurtured maidens." As previously noted, Tyre is a daughter of Sidon. Therefore, listen, O mother, as the collective seas rise in tumult against your daughter, somehow articulating a sound to those who are unable to express themselves: our efforts to adorn Tyre with wealth and to gather precious gems from across the world have been in vain. This opulent and illustrious city, once thrumming with the liveliness of many inhabitants, filled with the exuberance of youth and the joyful cries of maidens and children, now lies desolate. It is commonly acknowledged that the personification of silent elements is prevalent.
When word reaches Egypt, sorrow will envelop them upon hearing of Tyre's fall. This is evident: the Egyptians, upon learning of the ruin of such a formidable neighboring realm after prolonged siege, will recognize that their own devastation is nigh.
"Be ashamed, O Sidon," the sea commanded; and the expanse of the waters echoed the sentiment: "I have not experienced the pangs of labor, nor have I birthed, nor nurtured youths, nor reared maidens." Yet, when the news reaches Egypt, a profound sorrow for Tyre will dawn upon them. This present age, filled with both small and great creatures and serpents crafted by God to bring forth His majesty, recognizes that these beings once ensnared by the demons have now turned to confront their hunters. It is Sidon to whom the sea now addresses itself, declaring: "Be ashamed, Sidon; for I did not suffer in labor, nor did I bear and raise young men captive to your will, nor did I nurture virgins." This folly is rebuked in the Gospel (Mt. 25).
The indulgence in births and nurturing, as well as the return of virgins, is obliterated by the excesses of Christ's apostles. One among them professed, "My children, for you I labor again until Christ is formed in you" (Gal. 4:19), and again, "I have fed you with milk, not solid food" (1 Cor. 3:2), and once more, "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, for I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Him" (2 Cor. 11:2).
When Egypt, referred to in Hebrew as Mesraim, signifying "constraining," hears this, it will tremble, understanding that it too is fated to endure what has befallen Tyre. This concept, applicable to all vices, can also be related to various heresies. When one heresy collapses, others become apprehensive, anticipating their own demise. It is said of Sodom that if there had been strength in Sodom, the powers that resided in Capernaum would have endured until now. It is noted: "The land of Sodom will be more bearable on the day of judgment than you" (Matt. 11:24). Thus, it is recounted concerning the Canaanite woman, who discerned that her daughter, her soul, was tormented by a most wicked spirit, that she departed from the borders of Tyre and Sidon to seek the grace of Christ since she could approach the Savior only by crossing outside the limits of those lands.
After conquering these cities initially, he will instill dread in the remaining ones, as stated by Isaiah.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS