THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Observe the profound mystery and the prefiguration of future occurrences. After the midwife had secured the infant’s hand with a scarlet thread to designate him, he ‘returned his hand; and, behold, his brother came forth’—indicating that he permitted his brother to emerge from their mother’s womb. Thus, the one presumed to be last came forth first, while the one believed to be first came forth afterward. The midwife exclaimed, ‘How hast thou broken the barrier to thyself?’ His name was called Phares, which signifies cutting off or separation. Following him, ‘his brother went out,’ marked on his right hand; he was named Zara, meaning east. This occurrence was not merely superficial; it serves as a prophetic image of what was to come, as it did not follow the usual natural order.
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How could it be that the hand tied with the red thread hid itself again, allowing passage to another, unless divine power had orchestrated it, anticipating that Zara, representing the Church, would emerge at that time? After he had appeared briefly and then receded, the observance of the law (symbolized by Phares) commenced, which had long been established; eventually, the one who had initially receded would reappear, heralding the transition wherein Zara became the focal point and the entire Jewish order yielded to the Church. It may help to summarize these points in a clearer manner. Just as Zara extended his hand first, Noah and Abraham, along with Abel and Enoch prior to Noah, were diligent in seeking to please God. As humanity multiplied and accumulated numerous sins, they required a gentle reminder; thus, the law was given—not to erase sins but to expose them, making them clear to people, akin to children nourished on milk, as they grew to maturity. However, when they failed to use this to their advantage and continued in their transgressions despite the law’s revelations of many sins, the Lord, common to all, manifested on earth, providing humanity with a spiritual and perfected foundation, reflected in the image of Zara. Consequently, the evangelist mentions Tamar and her offspring, stating, ‘Judas begat Phares and Zara of Tamar’ (Matt. 1:3). Let us not disregard the treasures within the sacred Scripture or merely skim its verses; rather, let us delve into its profundities and recognize the wealth it contains, praising our Lord who orchestrates all things with such immense wisdom.