THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The Moabites shall be defeated as one tramples over a stream with chariots. He will raise his hands, just as he humiliated that individual in order to bring about destruction; he will bring low the pride of those upon whom he has laid his hand, humbling the towering height of your fortifications, bringing it down to the ground. The utterances of the holy prophets often hold profound depths within, revealing truths in subtle and concealed ways. Thus, it is not warranted to assume that the superficial aspects of these writings are invariably accurate; rather, one must delve into the significance hidden within the text. The Moabites, as neighbors to the Israelites, were prone to error, devoted to the worship of idols.
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When the prophet declares that Moab will be trampled like a current under the wheels of chariots, he signifies that with the coming of Christ and the calling of the Gentiles to partake in the sacred and divine sacrament, receiving sanctification through faith, there will be a total eradication of disgraceful idolatry. Satan will be placed beneath the feet of believers, who have been empowered to tread upon serpents, scorpions, and all the might of the enemy, as expressed in Luke 10:19. In these declarations, the prophet either references the idolatry of Moab specifically or universally applies the imagery of one nation's idolatry to all forms of false worship. Thus, he proclaims that it shall be uprooted and trampled as if by the feet of those harvesting grain. The one who will raise his hands—referring to the architect of idolatry, the father of lies, and the enemy who leads humanity away from God—is none other than Satan. He shall extend his hands, indicating that all his might and activities will be vanquished; hands symbolize power. Just as he lowered the earth's inhabitants to destruction, Christ will similarly humble the pride of this adversary, whose unbearable might he unleashed upon humanity, subjecting those created for goodness to his dominion. Then the prophetic message transitions back to address Moab or, more broadly, to the filthy practice of idolatry, stating that the lofty defenses of your stronghold will be laid low. The humbled height symbolizes the chief figure of idolatry and deceit, the one who has fortified it like a wall. However, it is foretold that this stronghold will collapse, for Christ will obliterate it, bringing it entirely to ruin. Historical events affirm that these prophecies have been fulfilled, as altars have crumbled, and all within the sanctuaries has been cast away. No more are there altars, sacrifices, sorceries, or deceitful entertainments. All these have been eradicated by Christ, illuminating the earth with the light of truth and allowing the sun of righteousness to rise, uplifting the hearts of those who put their faith in Him.