All the host of the children of Israel from the south, west, and north shall inherit the lands of the Idumeans, the Philistines, the city of Ephraim, and Samaria. Additionally, Benjamin will particularly claim Gilead, due to its proximity to the wilderness. On the eastern front, they will hold the entire land of the Canaanites up to Sidon’s Sarepta, where a widow once cared for Elijah. Those who were taken away from Jerusalem, the primary city, to Safarad, understood here as Bosphorus, will occupy the southern cities within the territory of Judah; upon their return, they will reclaim the surrounding areas near their city. When this comes to pass, the Lord will send, as depicted in the book of Judges, deliverers to liberate the people from captivity. They shall come and ascend to Mount Zion to dispense judgment upon Esau's mountain, which symbolizes the Idumeans' subjugation, and upon the mastery of all, a kingdom for the Lord shall emerge.
In the text where ‘Bosphorus’ is indicated, the Hebrew reads ‘Sapharad,’ which has been rendered as ‘Ephratha’ in the Greek translation for unspecified reasons. However, translations by Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotion correctly align with the Hebrew text. We have learned from a Jewish teacher of Scripture that Sapharad refers to the Bosphorus and that this was the region into which Hadrian relocated the captives. When our Christ returns, these captives will find their way back to Judea. Alternatively, it might indicate a space within the Babylonian dominion, although another interpretation may apply. The prophets, when reference is made to Babylon, Ammonites, Moabites, Philistines, and other nations, frequently employ terms from their languages while retaining certain regional dialect qualities.
Since the term 'limit,' termed ‘gebul’ in Hebrew, corresponds with ‘sarcharad’ in Assyrian, it is plausible to infer that Jerusalem's inhabitants, previously dispersed across various territories, would regain control over southern cities, aligned with their tribes. The Hebrew text denotes ‘mosim’ rather than what we translated as ‘the saviors shall ascend’—the LXX reading ‘the saved’—highlighting an active sense rather than the passive understood by the LXX.
As we conclude our historical interpretations and navigate through challenging obstacles, let us embrace the spiritual insights that lead us, with the wind of the Lord guiding our understanding, to the safe harbour of truth. When the time comes for Benjamin to possess Gilead, the exiled armies of the children of Israel, once carnal and now revitalized, will arrive in Canaan. The prophetic message, once starved in Judah due to drought in Israel, will flourish in the dew of the Gentiles, bringing nourishment to the faithful.
‘Sarepta’ likely denotes “need for bread” or signifies “burning,” while ‘Canaan’ implies “movement” or “merchant” and also reflects humility. When the displaced children of Israel embrace the life-giving spirit over the lifeless letter of the law, they will transform all aspects related to it. They will treasure a singular precious pearl among many, setting aside Jewish pride for Christian humility, arriving at a place that was previously desolate, where once a widow struggled to provide for her son, now destined for purification.
Conversely, the captives from Jerusalem, once a vision of peace and now scattered, will possess the southern cities, embodying the true and perfect light of the churches. In their repentance, they will echo the sentiment of the bride, saying, “Where you graze, where you rest at noon.” They will return with Joseph, their unity restored, revived by the Good Shepherd's influence.
If we interpret the LXX’s ‘Ephratha,’ it undoubtedly represents the faith of Christ, as Ephrathah connotes ‘fruitfulness’ and bears two names, also being known as Bethlehem, the birthplace of heavenly sustenance. Upon the fulfillment of these events, the saviors, or those saved from the remnant of Israel, will ascend Mount Zion, enacting judgment upon Esau's mountain. Just as the Lord, as light, referred to His apostles as light and called Peter a stone, so too will the Savior designate His apostles as the world’s saviors. Having ascended to the church’s summit and overcome the pride of the Jews and other rebellious forces against the knowledge of God, they will establish the Lord's kingdom.
I have quickly documented these reflections following the longstanding teachings of the ancients, particularly including Jewish interpretations, expressing my thoughts openly, though it remains uncertain whether Christ inspired them. Therefore, wise readers should seek coherence in thought rather than mere elegance in presentation. Dictation differs from polished writing; it allows for spontaneous expression in the presence of a scribe when the urgency to speak supersedes silence. With the prophet, we engaged in youth, launching into this endeavor now in our later years. If anyone presents something superior and more truthful, let his view be embraced.
THEOSIS