Let us examine each phrase in turn. When Jerusalem emerged, born of an Amorite father and a Hittite mother, it was cast out as it came from the womb, since its navel was left uncircumcised. This describes how the fruit of the womb receives sustenance, akin to trees nourished by their roots and the hidden moisture of the earth. Just as the male reproductive organ represents the loins, the Bible refers to female procreative aspects using the term navel. As evidenced by Job's words regarding the dragon-like figure of the devil: "his strength is in his loins, but his power is in the navel of the womb" (Job 40:11). This ancient serpent, identified as the devil and Satan, derives strength in men from the loins and in women from the navel.
However, with respect to Jerusalem, this means that it did not receive the law immediately, nor did it undergo the circumcision representative of a new beginning, living instead as a Gentile. The LXX translates: on the day you were born, you did not gird your nipples, with Scripture often referring to the sternum or breast rather than the heart, associated with the teaching priests, whose inquiries invoke the law. John rests upon the Lord's breast to access the abundant wisdom from the source of life.
The two breasts of the virgin in the Song of Songs (Song of Songs 4:5) are likened to the young chamois, grazing between the lilies as the day cools and shadows diminish. A loving mother binds her nipples after giving birth to a girl to retain her virgin beauty. Yet, when she reaches maturity, it is said, "Shall the bride forget her beauty, and the maiden the adornment of her youth?" (Jer. 2:32).
Next is the statement: "And thou hast not been washed with water unto salvation." Infants, immediately upon birth, are usually washed due to their blood-stained bodies. Similarly, spiritual rebirth requires a redemptive washing. No one can be clean from sin's defilement, even for a single day (Job 14:4). The Psalms declare: "In iniquity I was conceived, and in sin did my mother bear me" (Psalm 50:7). Through the second birth, the first birth is erased; one must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). Many competing factions promise various washings in their rites; they may wash, yet not for salvation. Thus, it is noted: "and thou hast not been washed with water unto salvation." This applies not just to heretics but also to Church members who may receive the water but lack the Spirit, as demonstrated by Simon the sorcerer, who sought to purchase the gift of God despite being baptized with water, yet was not baptized unto salvation (Acts 8).
The next point states: "And not salted with salt." The tender bodies of infants, still retaining the warmth of the womb, are typically rubbed with salt to promote drying and strengthening. Yet, Jerusalem, born of poor lineage, received no nurturing or seasoning. But those reborn in Christ are told, "You are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13). The Apostle instructs: "Let your speech always be seasoned with grace, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6). Consequently, the wise are often referred to as "salsi," or salted, while the foolish are termed "insulsi," or unsalted. The law established: "Every sacrifice of yours shall be seasoned with salt; you shall not omit the salt of the covenant from your offerings" (Lev. 2:13). Those infused with this salt and purged of decay will no longer lament, "My wounds are foul and infected due to my folly" (Psalm 37:6). I have read that the Lord Himself is described as the salt of heaven, infusing both earthly and heavenly things with His flavor, fulfilling the declaration: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men" (Luke 2:14).
The fourth point mentions: "And was not wrapped in swaddling clothes." The Saviour was wrapped in swaddling clothes, and every newborn requires God's care through such coverings. Ordinarily, when attentive parents care for their children, the navel is circumcised first, followed by washing to cleanse them of blood, then salt to dry their bodies, and finally swaddling to support their developing frames. This prevents swelling caused by retaining fluids, aiding in their proper growth. For instance, the bodies of barbarians tend to be more slender than those of Romans, as they are swaddled for the first few years.
In contrast, Jerusalem was uncircumcised, unbandaged, unsalted, and unwrapped. This lack of care demonstrates the absence of compassion, as expressed in Scripture: "He spared not thine eye to do you one of these things out of pity." Instead, the LXX presents: "I have not spared thine eye to make of you any of these things." This dual interpretation can mean that no compassion was shown toward you for your offense against God, nor did anyone have the heart to grant you even one of the four necessary graces, as you were unworthy of such consideration.
Another interpretation suggests that because you acted in sin and your mother conceived you in sin, you even lacked compassion for yourself. In your cruelty to yourself through sin, what could I possibly do for you, who merit not even one act of love? Thus, because nothing customary was granted to you and this was justly deserved due to your sins and vices, and since you showed no remorse, you were abandoned to the earth, cast away due to the corruption of your soul on the day you were born. Let us pray that we may not be cast into a field due to the corruption of our souls, a spacious path leading to death, overrun by the cavalry of the Chaldeans. It should also be noted that no one can commit any corrupt act on the day of birth, save for that moment of washing when spiritual birth comes through the faith of the believer.
THEOSIS