THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
The people approached me, asking through the prophet, "Will you not explain to us the actions you are taking?" And I responded, "The Lord's word has come to me, instructing me to tell the house of Israel: Thus says the Sovereign Lord: I will desecrate my sacred things, the pride of your might, the longings of your hearts, and these will spare your souls. Your sons and daughters, whom you abandon, will fall by the sword. You will behave as I have behaved; you will find no comfort in their presence, nor partake of human sustenance, you will not even let your hair grow, nor will you wear shoes, you shall not suffer, nor shed tears, nor stand firm in your sins, nor will you bring solace to your kin.
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Ezekiel shall cry out in astonishment, "According to all I have done, so shall I act." When these events come to fruition, you will recognize that I am the Sovereign Lord. By my actions, I have provided you with prophecy, and through my being, I have revealed what is to come. Just as I did not follow the customary mourning practices when my beloved spouse passed away—neither mourning, nor weeping, nor adopting a sorrowful demeanor—so too, when your sons and daughters are slain and your exalted temple, defiled by ruthless invaders, stands despoiled, you will endure numerous other afflictions. At that time, you will have no right to mourn; the usual expressions of grief will be denied to you. You shall not shave your head, remove your sandals, seek relief from sorrow with tears, share a meal of solace, or engage in any comforting rituals. You will recall the actions of the Prophet, and from the outcome, you will understand that he served as a sign, prophesying the future through his deeds.