The author here renders a word from God as a prophet. It is a most surprising word: people from far come very near. From enemies they change into people who acknowledge God. How is this possible?
With Rahab, which literally means ferocity,
we can think of Egypt (see Psalm 89:10; Isaiah 30:7). The people often viciously resisted God’s people. Just think of the Pharaoh of Egypt, who fought tooth and nail against God and stormed after them with a great army (Exodus 8:28; Exodus 14:6–10). The same is true for Babylon that cruelly attacked Israel (2 Kings 25:1–30). And now we read that these two mighty nations bow in reverence to the Most High
(Psalm 87:5). Miraculous! Who could have guessed that?
And there is more to come: Philistia, Tyre, and Cush were born there.
They belong to Zion! That is unimaginable to human ears. Yet it will happen. Also, the warlike Philistines, the proud inhabitants of Tyre and tempestuous Cushites, the time will come when they long for Zion. They are even commanded, Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God
(Psalm 68:31). And Isaiah may even announce: whom the Lord of hosts has blessed, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance
(Isaiah 19:25; cf. Zechariah 8:22). How exactly and when exactly—that is God’s decision. Sometimes we can hear something about that. In the book of Acts, someone from the far south comes to Jerusalem with the purpose to worship
(Acts 8:27).
4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush “This one was born there,” they say.