THEOSISGregory of Nyssa
At this moment, the Israelites prepared themselves for battle for the first time; however, not everyone joined together as a single force. Instead, those chosen for their bravery stepped forward to confront the adversary, with the finest among them advancing into battle.
In a similar manner to how a military leader ensures that provisions are adequately arranged before signaling the charge, so too do the champions of righteousness, nourished by sacramental sustenance, engage in warfare against their adversaries with Jesus, the fulfillment of Moses, leading them. Observe how the message persists. While a person, burdened by the torment of evil, remains frail, he does not confront the foe directly since he lacks the strength.
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Instead, another fights on behalf of the weak, delivering blows to the adversary. But when he is liberated from the shackles of oppression and enjoys the fruits of the tree, resting in the shade of the palm trees, and comprehends the mystery of the rock while partaking of heavenly nourishment, he no longer seeks revenge on the enemy through another's strength. Rather, like one who has matured past childhood and reached the vigor of youth, he himself engages in battle against the foe, guided not by Moses, the servant of God, but by God Himself, of whom Moses was a servant. The law, which was initially given as a representation and a foreshadowing of future realities, is not meant to be observed solely through physical struggles. Instead, the executor of the law and the successor of Moses, who is anticipated by the identity of the leader of that era, stands as the true commander.