True virtue lies in its voluntary choice, which is commendable, and Moses referred to this allowance as a cause. This is echoed in the Sacred Gospel: ‘Blind their eyes and harden their hearts’ (John 12:40). Nevertheless, the Lord employed every means for the Israelites' salvation: He performed miracles to heal their afflictions, sustained them in the wilderness, and commanded the forces of nature. Hence, He is not to blame for their lack of faith. Why did the evangelist reference the prophetic declaration? To illustrate that these occurrences were fully known to the Lord, having been foretold long in advance. For it is stated, ‘By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and by seeing ye shall see, and shall not see’ (Isaiah 6:9). (Deuteronomy 29:4.) And if indeed the Lord has not granted you a heart to perceive, or eyes to see, or ears to hear, even until this day; if He did not provide them with the capability to see, hear, and comprehend, why does He condemn those who unwittingly transgress the law? It seems unnecessary to elaborate further, as it is clear even to the most unlearned that He who imparted this teaching does not remove the capacity to see, but instead leads, enlightens, and directs along the righteous path. This is further affirmed: ‘I will not make this covenant and this oath to you alone, but to those who walk with you this day, before the Lord your God, and to those who are not here with you this day’ (Deuteronomy 29:14-15). If He considers those who are to come, would He harbor jealousy toward those present who have received the law? Why extend laws to those unable to comprehend them? It should be recognized that prophets frequently use language common among the populace, as it is more familiar. Some might deride their servants and disciples by saying, ‘God has blinded your hearts, God has obstructed your hearing.’ The prophet, in a similar manner, employed common expressions to rebuke their ignorance.
THEOSIS