THEOSISBeda Venerabilis
This narrative is widely recognized: the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin were the Samaritans, whom the Assyrian king had gathered from various nations and settled in their cities during the exile of the ten tribes. While they accepted the law of God and adhered to it to some extent, they also continued to honor their idols. Consequently, out of fear of the true servants of God, they promised to help rebuild the temple, hoping to gain acceptance into their community so they could ultimately lead them astray. It is clear to all that these individuals symbolically represent false brethren, specifically heretics and nonbelievers.
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They stand against Judah, which signifies confession and adoration—the very practices that the Church now upholds through its Orthodox faith and corresponding deeds. Additionally, they oppose Benjamin, the son of the righteous, as they aim to detach those who follow them from the destiny of true believers who are destined to inherit the eternal kingdom at the right hand of the Judge.