THEOSISJerome of Stridon
I uphold the words of the sovereign and the covenant of God. Do not be quick to turn away from him, nor engage in wicked speech, for whatever he desires, he will accomplish. As the ruler speaks, he acts, and who can question him about his deeds? Although it seems, as the apostle notes (Titus 3:1), that obedience to the ruler and authorities is mandated, particularly given the imperative in the Seventy Interpreters to 'keep the king's decree,' I believe this refers to that King of whom David proclaimed, ‘O Lord by thy might shall the king find joy’ (Psalms 20:1). The scripture further emphasizes the shared authority of the Father and the Son with the words, “O God, bestow thy judgement upon the king, and thy righteousness upon the king's son” (Psalms 71:1).
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For the Father does not judge anyone, but has entrusted all judgement to the Son (John 5:22). This King is the Son of God, the Son of the Father – the sovereign. His directives are to be honored; His desires fulfilled. It is similarly expressed in the book of Tobiah: ‘It is good to keep the secrets of the king’ (Tob. 12:7). It is particularly important that we do not question why God commands certain actions, but rather approach His commands with reverence and diligence to carry them out. In the law of the Lord lies His will. Given that the Seventy have rendered it differently, stating: ‘Do not hasten away from His face concerning the oath and the word of God, it is essential to recognize that God's oath is articulated in the holy texts. Thus, concerning this divine oath, which is sacred and mysterious, we should not divulge it to everyone, nor pronounce a hasty judgement. Moreover, do not rush, as Moses did, to behold the face of God, but practice patience until He passes before you, allowing you to glimpse only His trailing glory. The phrase, ‘Thou shalt not persist in an evil word,’ should be interpreted as a warning against those consumed by heretical thought or those who, despite holding the faith, are ensnared by sin, thus rendering them unfaithful. Do not cling to mockery, disdain, excess, greed, or lust. If you continue in these, the devil, the ruler of vice and sin, will lead to your ruin and execute his will upon you.