Notably, the Scripture does not mention "ye that dwell in the valley" or "in the hut," but rather "in the throng," symbolizing how the populace is compressed similarly to how grains are compacted together by a wooden pestle. The army is prophesied to rush upon you from the fish gate, the second gate, and the hills’ edge.
The people of Judah are allegorically referred to as the people of Canaan. As stated in Daniel, "The seed of Canaan, and not of Judah" (Dan. 13:56), and again in Ezekiel: "Thy father is an Amorite, and thy mother a Hittite" (Ezek. 16:3). In another scripture, it is written, "Canaan, in thy hand are wrong scales" (Hos. 12:7). If we aim to unveil the profound significance of these references, it reveals that mourning and lamentation arise from those steeped in the deepest stains of sin, who find themselves engulfed in the weight of their transgressions, echoing the sentiment, "I am sunk in deep filth, and there is no support for me" (Psalms 68:3). Therefore, it is added, "Ye inhabitants of a country that is trodden down," reflecting either a soul burdened by many wrongs or a Church fragmented by heresies and divisions, mourning for her fallen offspring.
Furthermore, the phrase regarding the silence or resemblance of the people of Canaan signifies that on the day of judgment, their slander will be silenced, extinguishing their boastful words and proud tongues. Since Jerusalem has sinned and incited divine wrath, it is termed Canaan, which signifies indignation. It is unable to assert, "I have set my feet upon a rock" (Psalm 39:3) but remains unstable, like water. Thus, when Noah awoke from his slumber, he cursed Canaan, declaring, "Cursed is Canaan the young man; he shall be the slave of his brothers" (Gen. 9:25). Sinners are not only likened to Canaan, but depending on the nature and severity of their sins, one may be likened to Pharaoh and another to the giant Nimrod. Conversely, individuals noted for virtuous deeds may embody the spirit of Abraham, Moses, or Elijah, leading the Apostle to exhort, "Let us zealously seek the best gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31). The truly perfect person, achieving the highest degree of human possibility, bears the image of God.
All who find their identity wrapped in silver will be eradicated. The LXX states, "Destroyed are all those who are magnified with silver." Those who trust in their wealth, believing themselves protected by their riches, or, as the LXX suggests, those exalted by pride who scorn the needy, will face destruction on the day of divine judgment. It is noteworthy that it does not merely state, "Those who were exalted with silver shall perish," but highlights that even before the day of reckoning arrives, their pride causes them to fall and perish already, caught in a cycle of reliance on riches. Therefore, one who grasps this understanding will lose the desire for such illusory wealth that not only perishes but has already led the proud to ruin. The scripture also indicates that it is not just those exalted by wealth who will face ruin; the same applies to those who boast of noble lineage, earthly accolades, or display haughtiness or power. Those indulging in vanity and vanity's pursuits, preening as one might expect of women, will similarly face judgment.
However, for those desiring true exaltation through holy pride, they should rejoice alongside the apostles, embracing the honor of suffering for the name of Jesus Christ, echoing the apostle's joy in tribulations, knowing that "tribulation produces patience, and patience produces hope, and hope does not deceive" (Romans 5:3-5).
THEOSIS