THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
These prophets, despite My warnings, have misled My people by declaring, "Peace, peace," when there is no peace at all. I have announced war, suffering, and captivity to the populace, aiming for this threat of disaster to lead them to salvation. However, these prophets, acting in opposition to Me, have given them false assurances of peace. One of them may reinforce the wall while others may anoint it, yet I ask, will it stand? Tell those who promote this anointing, will it endure? The people erect a decayed wall through deceit and wickedness, while the prophets provide optimistic forecasts and reassuring promises as if they were a soothing balm for this structure, when what is truly needed is to tear down this unreliable edifice and establish a solid foundation.
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Those who anoint the faulty wall believe that this act will ensure its strength. Yet, declare to them that the wall shall collapse and be laid to ruin. A stormy cloud will rise, and I will cast stones against their walls, and they will crumble. Moreover, the very wind that they think will uphold the wall will scatter it (12). The wall is destined to fall. God has illustrated these occurrences metaphorically, equating them to a wall, symbolizing the invasion of adversaries. He identified the king and princes as the walls, uniting the people like the structural supports of a building. Thus, He referred to the Chaldeans as the stormy cloud, the stones, and the force that constructs them. When the wall ultimately crumbles, God further questions (12), will they not inquire, "Where is your anointing? Where are your assurances?" When they discover that your prophecies have been erroneous, and instead of the anticipated peace, war, suffering, and captivity come upon them, will they not challenge you further, questioning the authenticity of your words and pledges of peace? God, reiterating this message with greater clarity after warning of an onslaught of enemy arrows, a cloud of stones, the ruin of an inadequately built wall, and rebuking those who have denounced the truth as lies, communicates His message with greater precision. For He proclaims: