1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 15:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Sin can be seen as a form of enchantment, while sorrow represents wickedness, with the Teraphim leading to illness and toil. You have disregarded the word of the Lord, 'The Lord will humble you so that you will not reign over Israel.' The term Teraphim, as translated by Akilah, suggests favor and reciprocity. The concept of enchantment reflects the irrationality present in some perspectives. Some might believe it to be an ill omen that a conqueror refrains from exploiting the spoils of victory. The term Teraphim is often used interchangeably with observation. Just as Epaphroditus was dedicated to the Lord and helped seekers discern their path, the Teraphim served to proclaim idol prophecies.

This represents the most significant flaw inherent in human nature, as Saul, following his wrongdoing, quickly turned to justifications rather than humbling himself in acknowledgment and sorrow. This tragic frailty stands among the most serious of offenses, as it effectively obstructs the sinner's journey toward true repentance. As stated in 1 Samuel: For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.

The continued resistance of the so-called Old Believers toward the Church and the legitimate Council constituted a significant ecclesiastical transgression that warranted strong condemnation, in line with the precise teachings of Scripture: “As sin is enchantment, so sin is opposition; and as sin is idolatry, so is disobedience.” This is the reason the Council of 1667 decisively dismissed the two-fingered sign and condemned those who do not baptize with three fingers.

The council’s leaders rendered their judgment on the dissenters and their adherents, stating: ‘If anyone disregards those appointed by us and does not submit to the holy Church and this consecrated Council, we will excommunicate him, should he hold a worldly position, and separate him from the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, delivering him to condemnation and anathema as a heretic and one who is disobedient.’ This verdict, though severe, is justified due to the grave sin inherent in resisting lawful authority, as articulated by the prophet Samuel: ‘as sin is enchantment, so sin is opposition: and as sin is idolatry, so sin is disobedience.’ Furthermore, the council's stern decree stems from the significant threat posed to the Church by these dissenters.