THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
Mourn deeply, O son of man, for this burden lies upon all the elders of Israel: those who dwell close to me are facing the sword alongside my people. What could possibly rival such compassion? He disciplines in truth and instructs the Prophet to lament, for His chastisement is not by choice but is necessitated by the wrongdoing of the people. Yet, He directs the Prophet, like a grieving woman, to be astonished that both the populace and their leaders are condemned; indeed, it is most tragic that those who dwell closest to me are also struck down alongside my people. The priests, having joined in with the people's transgressions, have likewise shared in the consequences; I refer to those who dwell near as those residing within the sacred temple, entrusted with holy duties.
Read more (86 words)
For this reason, cleanse your hands. And what if a tribe should be severed? This shall not be, declares the Lord God. Consider the veracity of the punishment; for those who remain will not emerge unscathed from this trial; it will mark the beginning of their justification. Though this tribe, which has been set apart from other nations, faces rejection—signifying the entirety of the Jewish nation—it shall rise anew and be restored. It is sufficient to affirm this, as the Lord and Master Himself proclaims it.