Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, [and] the pride of
thine
heart
Some render it, "thine idol" F15; see ( 1 Kings
15:13 ) ; which, being terrible to them, they thought it
might be so to others, and protect them. In the place referred to
the word "miphlezeth" is used, and comes from the same root with
this, which signifies to be terrible and formidable, and cause to
tremble, as the idols of the Gentiles were to their worshippers,
and others. The Vulgate Latin version of the above place
interprets it of Priapus, which was an idol set up in gardens to
frighten birds and thieves from coming thither F16. So
Kimchi observes, that some interpret it here of idolatrous
worship or superstition; but it is to be understood either of the
roughness and terribleness of their country, abounding with rocks
and mountains, which made it inaccessible; or rather of that
terror which they struck into their neighbouring nations, by
their wealth and riches, their power and strength, their courage
and valour, and skill in military affairs; and having such strong
cities, fortresses, and fastnesses, natural and artificial, of
which they were proud; and, on account of all which, fancied that
none would dare to invade them; or, if they did, their attempts
would be fruitless; and this deceived them, making them careless
and secure: O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the
rock;
the land of Idumea being very hilly and rocky. Jerom F17 says,
who lived near it, that all the southern part of Idumea, from
Eleutheropolis to Petra and Hailah, had their habitations in
caves cut out of rocks: that holdest the height of the
hill;
that dwelt on the tops of hills and mountains, and in towers and
fortified places built upon them, as Kimchi and Ben Melech; who
think respect is had particularly to Mount Seir. The Targum is,
``for thou art like to an eagle that dwells in the clefts of the rock, whose high habitation is inn strong place;''hence it follows: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring