I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this [man] was born there.
Ver. 4. I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon] Rahab is Egypt, and so called for its strength and pride. Babel, the chief city of the Babylonians. These were deadly enemies to Jerusalem, which was ground between them as between a pair of millstones, but they shall be reckoned hereafter, saith God, among his domestics, among those that know me, or rather are known of me. See Isaiah 19:19; Isaiah 19:21; Isaiah 19:25 1 Peter 5:13 .
Behold Philistia] The Philistines were ever bitter enemies to the Israelites, but shall be converted and become children of the Church. See Isaiah 56:1; Isaiah 44:5 .
And Tyre] Which shall leave heaping and hoarding, and employ her merchandise to feed and clothe God's saints, Isa 23:18 Acts 21:8; Acts 21:4 .
With Ethiopia] Heb. Cush, of Cush, the son of Ham, their father and founder, Genesis 10:6. Ethiopians they were called from their burnt faces. The eunuch received the gospel, and published it, Acts viii.; the Christian faith was professed among them, as it is thought, from the apostle's time; though now, for over a hundred years, they have again forsaken it.
This man was born there] Natus, id est, renatus in illa. The men of these several and other countries were born, that is, born anew, and so made free denizens of the new Jerusalem, fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God, Ephesians 2:19 .