In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.
Ver. 18. In that day.] When the gospel shall be there preached, whether by Mark the evangelist or others, as Clement, Origen, Didymus.
Five cities.] A considerable number of Egyptians.
Speak the language of Canaan.] Called the Jews' language, Isaiah 36:11 ; Isa 36:13 the Hebrew tongue, wherein were written the lively oracles of God. This language, therefore, the elect Egyptians shall learn, and labour for that "pure lip," Zep 3:9 to "speak as the oracles of God"; 1Pe 4:11 "wholesome words"; 2Ti 1:13 "right words"; Job 6:25 "words of wisdom"; Pro 1:6 "of truth and soberness"; Act 26:25 to be examples to others, not only in faith and conversation, but also "in words and communication." 1Ti 4:12
And swear to the Lord of hosts.] Devote themselves to his fear and service, taking a corporal oath for that purpose as in baptism, a and other holy covenants, whereupon haply they might be enabled to speak with tongues, the holy tongue especially, as most necessary for Christians. Here then we have a description of a true Christian, not such as the Jesuits in their catechism give us, viz., A Christian is he who believeth whatsoever the church of Rome commandeth to be believed, swearing fealty to her.
One shall be called the city of destruction,] i.e., Nevertheless there shall be a few cities that shall despise Christian religion; and shall therefore be destroyed for neglecting so great salvation. It shall be easier for Sodom one day than for such. Others render the text Heliopolis, or the city of the sun, shall be accounted one, sc., of those five converted cities, and become consecrated to the Sun of righteousness. b
a Nempe susceptione baptismi. - Piscat.
b Joseph. Ant., lib. xiii. cap. 6.