'The peoples heard' means all everywhere who were ruled by falsity arising from evil. 'They trembled' means terror. 'Distress took hold of the inhabitants of Philistia' means despair of enlarging their dominion, on the part of those upholding faith separated from good. 'Then the chiefs of Edom were dismayed' means a like feeling on the part of those leading a life of evil arising from self-love. 'The powerful ones of Moab' means those leading a life of falsity resulting from that love. 'Terror took hold of them' means that they did not dare to attempt a single thing. 'All the inhabitants of Canaan melted away' means a like feeling on the part of those belonging to the Church who adulterated forms of good and who falsified truths. 'Alarm and dread fell on them' means that they were without any hope of dominion. 'By the greatness of Your arm' means as a result of almighty power. 'They will be cut away like a stone' means descent like a heavy object. 'Till Your people pass over' means that therefore without risk of molestation all capable of receiving the truth of good and the good of truth will be saved. 'Till this people pass over' means that in this way those belonging to the Church who are governed by truth and good will be saved. 'You have possessed' means who have thereby become the Lord's.

Notes