ABSTRACT

Jerome (348-420 CE) reflects a general polemical use of Ethiopians in ancient Christian literature. In his homily on Psalm 86, Jerome casts Ethiopians as symbols of vices and sins. In this psalm several nations are mentioned, which Jerome interprets by way of allegory. He uses “Ethiopians” in this sermon as a springboard for launching an understanding of “the calling of the Gentiles” (aduocationem gentium):

So far, the psalmist has been speaking almost enigmatically, but now he speaks more plainly of the calling of the Gentiles, for notice what he says: “Of Philistia, Tyre, the people of Ethiopia (populus Aethiopium): ‘These were born there.’”1 He designates Philistines to distinguish them from the Jews, for we are the Philistines. “Tyre.” Tyre connotes tribulation, or SOR. “The people of Ethiopia”: black and cloaked in the filth of sin (niger, et inpeccatorum sordibus inuolutus). “The people of Ethiopia.” We find the same typology in the verse: “Let Ethiopia extend its hands to God.”2 “Of Philistia, Tyre, the people of Ethiopia.” Now for the meaning:…“And the

people of Ethiopia.” At one time we were Ethiopians, Ethiopians in our vices and sins (Aethiopes uitiis at que peccatis). How so? Because our sins had blackened us (quoniam peccata nos ni gros fecerant). But afterwards we heard the words: “Wash yourselves clean!”3 And we said: “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”4 We are Ethiopians, therefore, who have been transformed [from blackness] into whiteness [candorem]. “Of Philistia, Tyre, and the people of Ethiopia: ‘These were born there.’ “Where were they born? “Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!” These were born there: in the city of God.5