The term שפחום, noted by the seventy interpreters, is connected to the word משפחים found in Genesis 49:14, where it is understood to mean boundaries. However, in Ezekiel, the word שפח signifies the placement of the cauldron (Ezekiel 24:3), while שפחום refers to the two rows of stones beneath it (Ezekiel 40:43). The word יונה typically denotes a dove. Some, like Tirin, suggest that the dove symbolizes the Babylonian kingdom, with references to Semiramis, while others interpret it as indicative of bitterness in texts such as Zephaniah (Zeph. 3:1).
Regarding כצלמון, Theodotion interprets it as “in the shadow,” yet many scholars regard it as the specific name for Mount Selmon, located in the heart of the promised land, near Shechem (Judg. 9:48). Aben-Ezra describes it as snow-covered and surrounded by trees. Bashan, a region on the eastern banks of the Jordan, was conquered by the Israelites from King Og (Num. 21:33, 35), noted for its abundance of livestock (Num. 32:5, 33), thus earning the title of a strong land as referenced in Psalm 21:13,14.
The term ןבנכים was mistaken by the seventy interpreters for ןבינח, which denotes cheese (Job 10:10). Recently, however, some suggest this word refers to ridges. These varying understandings lead to divergent interpretations that serve to highlight the most accurate readings of the text.
According to the ancient interpretations of Eusebius and others, one might conclude that “if you study the two covenants, Old and New, you will discover the cry of the dove, which represents the words of the Holy Spirit, perceived in a simple, literal sense as covered in silver (Isaiah 11:7), yet in a deeper, purer interpretation revealed in the brightness of gold. When the sovereign of heaven shares these dove-like cries with the earthly members of His Kingdom, including prophets, apostles, and disciples, they, in turn, become as pure as the snow atop Mount Selmon.
The Church of Christ is analogized to this mountain—God's mountain—providing a sanctuary, a source of lush pastures for the spiritual flock, enriched with the glorious fruits of their faith and labor, as splendid as Bashan itself. Why should you covet multiple mountains of prosperity? Why do some among you prefer to elevate Moses above Christ? Why do you wish to establish numerous churches? There exists one mountain where God wishes to reside (Is. 2:2,3; 2 Cor. 6:6) and one Head of this mountain, in whom the divine essence will dwell eternally (Col. 1:18).
Reflecting on Tirin's perspective: “If you are the descendants of the victorious Church today and find yourselves in foreign lands, you may become the cry of a dove adorned in silver and golden feathers, subjects of the elaborate kingdom reminiscent of Semiramis. However, when the Most High distributes power among kings, judging Babylon's rulers and transitioning their reigns to those of Persia, you will arise as snow from the darkness of captivity, purified and radiant with the joy of deliverance. Mount Zion shall reclaim its status as God’s mountain, and so on.”
Considering the Hebrew meanings and the structural harmony of the prophetic song, which undoubtedly contains an intentional sequence: “It is not merely visible abundance and triumphs over external foes that should inspire Israel's praise of God, but also perseverance through temptations and victories over unseen adversaries. Gratitude for past divine acts on behalf of the Church should not be the sole basis for worship, but faith in its enduring preservation, establishment, and expansion into the future.
At a time when you, children of today's triumphant Israel, find yourselves amidst trials akin to crucibles, faced with the fires of adversity that may darken your spirit, remember that even from the depths of Babylonian exile, from the escape from Egypt, or from Syrian persecutions, you will rise anew, like the dove radiant in silver and gold. When the Almighty scatters kings within His inheritance, dismissing unfruitful rulers from Judah and Israel, and dismantling oppressive Gentile powers, He will create kings and priests (Rev. 1:6) drawn from humble fishermen and tax collectors.
O Church, you will emerge above the trials and shadows of the earthly realm, in heavenly purity and untouchable form, as pristine as the snow atop Mount Selmon. You will shine as the highest city of God, reflecting the height of Selmon, while being fortified and thriving like Bashan in abundance and strength. You shall become a city of Bashan, stretching across multiple mountain ranges from various kingdoms of the earth, with your borders extending beyond the Jordan, giving rise to a new Zion within the territory of the pagans.”
Thus, why do you, towering mountains of great strength and might, cast envious eyes upon this mountain of the Lord? (Jer. 51:24, 25). Despite its journey across nations, the Church remains the sole mountain where God has chosen to dwell, with Jehovah, the Creator of all, who manifested Himself on Mount Horeb and Sinai, and who will reign on Mount Zion, pledging to inhabit the sacred mountain of His Church until the end of days, safeguarding, affirming, and expanding it despite all adversarial forces aimed at its destruction.
THEOSIS