Means "defiance," "pride," and refers here to Egypt, as in Psalm 87:4: "I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this was born there."
This is a remarkable plea of the people of God before his throne. The very mention of Rahab in this place recalls the day of judgment when all nations shall be gathered before the Son of Man, and he shall separate them (the nations) as a shepherd divideth his sheep. (Matt. 25:31-3) The same thought is expressed in the Psalm, (87) where the text, however obscure, seems to teach that on the day of reckoning, some countries, among others, Egypt, Babylonia, Philistia, Tyre and Ethiopia, will be registered as natives, or friends, of Zion, when the Almighty (see verse 6) shall establish her. Consequently, the people of God will return to Zion, as to a country inhabited by friends.
At present (1955 A.D.) there seem to be troubles between natives and immigrating Jews in Palestine, but we may expect that these will be settled to the satisfaction of all, in due time.