THEOSISJerome of Stridon
In this portion, the interpreters of the Septuagint have rearranged and altered the sequence, placing the initial elements at the end, the concluding ones at the start or in the middle, and moving others from the midpoint to both the end and the beginning. Therefore, in alignment with the Hebrew text and other translators, we aim to present the accurate sequence. The message is directed toward the nation of Israel, indicating that judgment and devastation have come upon it, as the Lord exercises His righteous wrath—not out of mere anger, but grounded in justice, to evaluate its conduct and reveal its iniquities, so that it may reflect on its actions and understand its transgressions.
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The declaration, “My eye will not spare you, nor will I have mercy on you,” illustrates a compassionate physician desirous of removing decay and healing the affliction. He does not withhold His severity merely to offer kindness, nor does He show mercy to indulge further; rather, He seeks to ensure no decay remains in the body that could damage the surrounding healthy parts. The Lord disciplines those He loves and corrects every son He embraces (Hebrews 12:6). This understanding is echoed in the saying: “I will smite and I will heal” (Deuteronomy 32:39). Every healing is often accompanied by a moment of pain, yet ultimately leads to the restoration of health. God proclaims to Amos, “I know you only from all the tribes of the earth; therefore, I will punish all your iniquities” (Am. 3:2). The Lord is aware of His creation (2 Timothy 2:19). He refers to the ways of the people, their entire manner of living, along with their abominations and vices; these He will make known among them to confront the sinner undergoing correction for healing's sake. Once the Lord accomplishes this, those who suffer will recognize Him as the Lord. This sentiment is reinforced: “I will avenge Jacob according to his ways; I will repay him according to his deeds” (Hosea 12:2).