His own wrongdoing brought about his ruin; he faced the consequences of his sins. Although this was manifested historically in Nebuchadnezzar, who endured great suffering as a result of his cruelty, pride, and wickedness, one can observe that the adversary, once created as beautiful and good, is depicted here as a universal destroyer of mankind, opposed and hostile to God. This adversary was compared to the primary authorities and was initially more glorious than the lesser powers, since God referred to the incorporeal beings as the paradise of delight, with the trees therein used allegorically. However, he rebelled against his Creator, who granted him such beauty and authority, falling from grace due to his desire for autonomy and his aspiration to be like God. The Apostle Paul further clarifies this by asserting that one should not let the adversary fall into condemnation, being prideful. For if he cannot properly handle the honor bestowed upon him, he will encounter the same fate as the devil, who turned his honor into a cause for pride and arrogance. God states that this adversary shall be surrendered to the prince of tongues. But who is this prince of tongues if not the only begotten Word of God, our Lord Christ? As the prophet declares, “Who will not fear You, O King of tongues?” Moreover, the blessed James prophesied, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler from his loins, until He comes, and the expectation of nations is laid aside for Him.” Isaiah proclaims what is similarly true, stating, “The root of Jesse shall rise, and he shall reign over the nations; in him, the Gentiles shall hope.” The Father speaks to Him, stating, “I have given you as a covenant to the people, as a light for the nations, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” The Prophet further declares, “Egypt shall be desolate, and the market of the Ethiopians; men from Sheba shall come to You, and become Your servants, following You in chains, and they shall bow down before You, for in You is God, and there is no other.” He also proclaims through the pen of the blessed David, “Yet their people do not know them; they serve Me.” There are indeed countless other testimonies affirming the same truth. Thus, God declares that the common adversary and enemy is entrusted to Him, and from Him will arise the destruction of this foe due to his wickedness. To this, God adds:
THEOSIS