And it came to pass, that from the day the ark of the Lord abode in Cariathiarim, days were multiplied (for it was now the twentieth year) and all the house of Israel rested, following the Lord.
וַיְהִ֗י מִיּ֞וֹם שֶׁ֤בֶת הָֽאָרוֹן֙ בְּקִרְיַ֣ת יְעָרִ֔ים וַיִּרְבּוּ֙ הַיָּמִ֔ים וַיִּֽהְי֖וּ עֶשְׂרִ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיִּנָּה֛וּ כָּל־בֵּ֥ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אַחֲרֵ֥י יְהוָֽה׃
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
The Israelites once turned their hearts toward the worship of stones and trees, neglecting the one true God in favor of their own preferences. This provocation against the Lord led to their betrayal by neighboring nations, enslavement by their adversaries, and the conquest of their land. Ultimately, after enduring significant suffering and hardship, they recognized their sinful ways and sought forgiveness through genuine repentance.
Thus, when we associate the fullness of the ark with the completeness of a contemplative life, while the ark of God resides in Kiriath-Jarim, the enlightened hearts of the contemplatives direct their understanding towards the joy of the heavenly light that is unveiled to them. Indeed, for two decades the ark of God was present, during which the souls of the chosen, aspiring to the heights of internal growth, symbolize the perfection of knowledge with the number ten, whereas the number twenty represents the sweetness of heavenly blessings. The extension of time can be seen as a reflection of the growth in spiritual virtues.
The specific mention of the number of years indicates that in the twentieth year, the souls of the elect, immersed in the virtues of the spirit, shine ever more brightly as their focus shifts towards heavenly pursuits. Consequently, what does it signify when it is stated that ‘in the twentieth year all Israel rested under the Lord,’ but rather that the pinnacle of the chosen's perfection lies not in their capacity for righteous deeds, but in their ability to contemplate? To rest under the Lord signifies the imitation of our Savior in unwavering love. If someone reflects on the indescribable bliss of our eternal home but fails to cultivate steadfast love—allowing worldly affections to sway them—they are not truly resting under the Lord. Therefore, during the time the ark remained in Kiriath-Jarim, as the days multiplied, all Israel turned back to the Lord. Indeed, when the understanding of the chosen souls was elevated to grasp divine joy, and the light of their spiritual virtues was gathered in harmony with the light of restored glory, Israel became increasingly committed to imitating our Lord. The Israelites, enlightened by the radiant light of virtue, were then able to transcend the shadows that separated them from the true light. It is noted that Israel rested under the Lord as they beheld God. The higher the contemplative soul ascends toward the Divine, the more it detaches from the labors of mankind: it gains a firmer grasp on these works, no longer allowing them to overwhelm it.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS