THEOSISJerome of Stridon
When a ruler enters, he shall begin his journey through the entrance of the gate and exit by that same route. Similarly, during the holy feasts, the inhabitants of the land who come to worship the Lord will follow a pattern: one entering by the northern gate will depart through the southern gate, while another entering from the south will exit through the north. They must not retrace their steps by the same gate they originally entered; rather, they will exit through the opposite gate. The prince shall also be present among them, entering alongside those who come and departing with those who leave.
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During the feasts and on designated days of offering, there shall be a prescribed amount of flour for each bull and ram, alongside as many flour offerings as the hand of the offerer can manage for the lambs, with a measure of oil for each ephah. This prince is described in the scriptures: "And the prince shall enter in through the vestibule of the gate, and through one and the same gate shall he enter in and out." He possesses the freedom to lay down his life and to take it up again, experiencing the same liberty that is inherent in his majesty. Unlike the people, who observe specific festivals and sacred days, the prince is not bound by such times, for to him every moment is a celebration.
The people enter and exit on special occasions, each following distinct paths. The scriptures affirm: "And when the people of the land shall come before the Lord on feasts, he that enters by the north gate to worship shall go out by the south gate, and he that enters by the south gate shall go out by the north gate." This instruction extends beyond those leaving Sodom, who are warned, "Do not look back," and applies equally to those engaged in worship within the Lord's house. They are advised against returning to weak and worldly principles and are urged to remain in the spiritual realm, growing increasingly prosperous, echoing the Apostle's sentiment: "Forgetting the past, I reach forward to what lies ahead." This growth leads to a completeness that reflects the highest calling described in the Gospel: "When you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" Consequently, the Apostle addresses two aspects of maturity; he writes not because he has already reached his goal but expresses his pursuit of Christ. Following this, he speaks of perfection, saying: "Forgetting the past, I press on toward the goal."
The seeming contradiction arises when he who states, "Not that I have already attained," later proclaims, "If we are mature, let us think this way." This illustrates that every being, despite any achievements, is in constant need of God’s mercy, receiving true perfection through grace rather than through deeds. Thus, the command is given to the earth’s inhabitants: if they enter to worship via the northern gate, they must exit through the southern gate. This directive is meant for the Gentiles, who, upon leaving the north—symbolizing the source of evil—enter the temple and must then exit only through the gate leading to light and warmth, where the bridegroom waits at noon. This is why the Song of Songs urges: "Arise from the north, and come forth from the south." However, those who enter by the southern gate will exit via the northern gate, referring to the Jews, who, having ventured into the light, turn toward the darker north, described as fierce.
In another respect, the one who departs from sin enters through the north gate, while the one who follows virtue exits through the south; conversely, if a righteous person falls into sin, entering by the south, they will leave through the north. The prince, however, is present among them, embodying the wisdom of being in the midst of those who are unaware of his presence: "He stands in the midst of you, whom you do not know." As the Apostle reminds us, "Or do you not know that Christ is in you?" If the unaware are told Christ is among them, how much more should the aware acknowledge his presence? When Christ dwells among us, the body is dead to sin, yet the spirit thrives in righteousness. The prince thus enters with the worshipers and departs with them, testifying to both virtue and sin.
On those sacred days, such as Sabbaths and annual festivals, there shall be flour offerings for each calf and ram, while the number of lambs is not fixed but should be determined by the capacity and conscience of the giver. Furthermore, each ephah should be accompanied by an ample measure of oil to sanctify the offerings and light the lamp before the Lord. The giver may then proclaim, "But I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God."