THEOSISBeda Venerabilis
This narrative is widely recognized: the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin were the Samaritans, whom the Assyrian king had brought together from various nations and dispersed throughout their cities and territories during the exile of the ten tribes. Although they accepted God’s commandments and adhered to them to some extent, they simultaneously worshiped their idols. Consequently, fearing the genuine servants of the Lord, they pledged to support them in the reconstruction of the temple, hoping that by integrating themselves into their community, they could lead them to ruin. It is evident to all that these individuals symbolically represent false brethren, that is, heretics and nonbelievers.
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They stand opposed to Judah, which signifies confession and praise—those acts the Church presently offers to God through the Orthodox faith and actions aligned with this belief. They also act against Benjamin, indicating the son of the righteous, as they aim to divide those who heed their words from the destiny of the faithful, who are destined to inherit the blessings of the eternal kingdom at the right hand of the Judge.