THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
And Oolah will be rescued from me, declares the Lord, and will be consumed by her desires. Referring to the wife, the term “lustful” indicates the spirits to whom she rendered service. This reveals the origins of her depravity. As the Assyrians approach her, they appear clad in decay, with elders and leaders: young men selected for cavalry, mounted on steeds, and she surrendered her unfaithfulness to them; the chosen offspring of Assyria, wholly defiled in his thoughts. Through the chosen young men, adorned in fine garments, he cryptically refers to the idols they depicted in recognized forms. In ancient times, it was customary for those not honored to fashion their deities in representations relevant to their daily lives.
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The Greeks and Romans dress Ares in ways familiar to themselves, while the Persians have their own traditions; the Indians differ yet again, as do the Ethiopians, each culture illustrating their distinctiveness. Meanwhile, God makes clear that the people of Samaria were the first to forsake His guidance, seeking support from the Assyrians. They called upon Pul, king of Assyria, for assistance against the Syrians, offering to pay him tribute and taxes. As a result of this alliance with the Assyrians, they ultimately embraced iniquity among themselves. Then the Lord adds: