THEOSISJerome of Stridon
The term 'Gebal' translates to "empty valley," where ‘ge’ means “valley” and ‘val’ signifies “empty.” This imagery implies that the adversaries of God’s people originate not from the heights, but from desolation. The phrase ‘And Amon’ indicates “a fierce people,” implying those who depend on vast armies rather than their personal righteousness. ‘Amalek’ can be interpreted as “licking the land,” symbolizing that those who oppose God's chosen do not partake in the heavenly sustenance, but rather consume the earth like a serpent. The expression ‘of the foreigners’ corresponds to the Hebrew term ‘philistim,’ which points to “those who fall by drink,” suggesting individuals who have imbibed from the devil's cup and succumbed to drunkenness.
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The mention ‘with those who dwell in Tyre’ refers to ‘Tyre’ pronounced as “Sor” in Hebrew, conveying “sorrow and anguish.” Those meant to be sojourners have become permanent residents of this world, thus those waging war against the faithful inhabit a state of sorrow and torment in their souls. Therefore, we should discern whether the leader of these nations opposing the saints is the Saviour or the adversary.
Next, we explore another understanding. The Psalmist mentions ‘Moabites and Hagarites, Gebal and Ammon’ (Psalm 82:7-8). Each name possesses its own significance as numerous words express myriad mysteries. ‘Moab’ translates to “of the father,” indicating their separation from Him, as they have turned away from the original Father. The term ‘Hagarites’ translates to “travellers” and “strangers,” highlighting their transition from urban dwellers to wanderers. They are not part of the household but rather outsiders, engaged in conflict with the Father’s household. ‘Gebal’ as "empty valley" again highlights that they derive not from the mountains but the lowlands; they draw sustenance not from above but from below and are entirely earthly. Consequently, the Psalmist characterizes them as “an empty valley,” which indicates an alternative valley exists. Those who humble themselves for the sake of Christ become valleys and fields—rich in goodness rather than desolate.
Regarding Ammon and Amalek, ‘Ammon’ translates as “false people,” which is indicative of heretics who do not follow Him who proclaimed, “I am the truth” (John 14:6), but rather have chosen the father of lies. On the other hand, Amalek, interpreted as “licking,” signifies their detachment from the Church, as they seek to erode its foundations, consuming the ground like serpents rather than nourishing themselves with the Word of God. The phrase “and the foreigners with them that dwell in Tyre,” where ‘foreign-tribes’ translates as ‘Philistines’ in Hebrew, signifies a “cup of drink,” which symbolizes drinking from Babylon’s cup, as illustrated in Jeremiah, “The golden cup of Babylon, intoxicating the whole earth” (Jer. 51:7). This expression of the ‘golden cup of Babylon’ refers to “mixture,” where the golden cup symbolizes the philosophies and persuasive rhetoric of this world. Many have been misled by the allure of philosophers and charismatics. They present a golden exterior, yet their innermost nature contains deadly toxins undetectable until the brilliance fades. Thus, one may be entranced by the sweetness of eloquence, remaining unaware of the lurking poison.
In association with those residing in Tyre, ‘Tyre’ translates as ‘tightness,’ indicating a constricted existence, as opposed to breadth, which Christ embodies, as stated by the Apostle to the Corinthians, “You are not tight in us, but tight in your wombs” (2 Cor. 6:12). Each name carries its own enigma; as many names, so many riddles of understanding. ‘Moab’ signifies “of the father,” representing their disengagement from the Father. The ‘Hagarites’ denote “travellers” and “strangers,” emphasizing a departure from settled life to a transient state, being at odds with the Father's household.