THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The earth underwent a profound shift. The term "became" found in the sacred texts is often interpreted as indicating the completion of a work, akin to declaring, "This task is done." Such a statement implies that the endeavor has reached its fulfillment. For instance, Zipporah, Moses' wife, who performed circumcision on her young son with a sharp stone, referred to the act to the angel of death as “the old blood of my son's circumcision” (Ex. 4:25). She was not suggesting that the blood had stopped flowing; rather, she affirmed that the act of circumcision was completed, fulfilling the intended purpose. The one who is circumcised by the spiritual stone, which represents the Spirit of Christ, evades death.
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Similarly, Jesus, the successor of Moses, instructed the Israelites who crossed the Jordan to be circumcised with stone knives, undoubtedly symbolizing the spiritual circumcision, for Christ is referred to as a stone, and His spirit is likewise a stone or a knife of stone. Consequently, the term "hundred" frequently signifies the completion of a task. Thus, Christ aged, and what was spoken of Him came to fruition, and He was revealed to the inhabitants of the earth, causing "the earth to be moved." By "earth," He refers to the people of the world who were stirred. We will describe how this occurred as best we can. Those who were once resolute in their commitment to evil, steadfast in their wickedness, entrenched in carnal desires and errors—these individuals experienced a shaking and a turning towards the knowledge of God and virtue. Likewise, the Israelites were moved away from their adherence to the law, having come to faith in Him. They resolved to embody gospel principles and to be governed by their Savior’s teachings. The term "move" sometimes signifies a transition from one state to another, as illustrated by the words of the blessed David: “Sit on the cherubim, let the earth be moved” (Psalm 98:1). His command for the earth to be moved does not pertain to the physical ground underfoot but rather calls for a transformation from the worst to the best. This is one interpretation of the phrase. An additional meaning could be seen in the phrase "the earth became and moved," suggesting that the earth underwent these two conditions: "became" and "moved." The concept of "old" refers to a state of being as if intoxicated, easily swayed by unseemly desires, but ultimately, it finds a firm foundation through Christ’s strengthening, in accordance with Isaiah’s prophecy to the Jewish synagogue: “set it up for itself” (Jeremiah 31:21). Thus, the earth was "moved," leaving behind its former errors and embracing what is pleasing to God. It is truly remarkable that the earth at one moment “became old and moved”; for Christ empowers it for every good deed, enabling it to strive from worse to better. Observe how the Gentiles shall quake, and the mountains shall be reduced to nothing. The phrase “God looked upon” can imply both grace and tender mercy, as well as anger and judgment. He declares, “on whom shall I look, but on him that is meek and humble, and trembles at my words?” (Isaiah 66:2). Likewise, David did not fail to plead, “Look upon me and have mercy upon me” (Ps. 85:16). Through Ezekiel, God declared: “I will set my face against that man, and I will bring him to ruin and annihilation, and I will cast him out from among my people, for I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 14:8). These words express divine retribution and righteous punishment for those who provoke Him. In the same manner, Christ's gaze fell in anger upon some, causing them to melt like wax; as by a consuming fire, “the mountains became ashamed of their need.” The term "mountains" refers to both unclean spirits and those who pridefully elevate themselves above others, akin to mountains. Excess brings adverse outcomes, while greed often accompanies arrogance. Their perceived power correlates with their cruelty, as demons are potent adversaries of God, attempting to usurp His glory. Yet, by Christ’s might, they are reduced to nothing, becoming a footstool for believers. In another scripture, Satan is identified as a mountain, as God said through the prophet regarding Nebuchadnezzar: “Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, that destroys the whole earth” (Jeremiah 51:25). The timeless peaks shall melt away (Jer. 51:51). Here, the mention of wicked and adversarial forces opposing Christ’s majesty, luring earthly dwellers into sin, leads him to reference the leaders of the Jewish synagogue, whom he likens to mountains due to their elevated positions and their priestly honor. They are called eternal because of the unceasing nature of their service, which persists endlessly. While the significance of the shadowed ministry has ended, the essence of that ministry has transitioned to something greater; the leaders of the holy churches serve God equally and offer spiritual sacrifices. The hills thus signify a perennial ministry, yet they, alongside the mountains, faced destruction and faded away. As they pursued the desires of demons and did what pleased the devil, betraying the Prince of Life and resisting Him in many ways, they were rightly condemned, experiencing a downfall, or as the prophet conveys: “The house of Israel has fallen… and there is no one to raise it up” (Am. 5:1-2). The eternal paths lead to the fruition of divine labor. In the Holy Scriptures, divine commands are frequently referred to as "paths," "ways," and "tracks." Jeremiah relates: “Stand in the paths and see, and inquire of the eternal ways of the Lord, and determine which is the way of goodness, and walk in it, and find sanctification for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16). Similarly, blessed David states: “Your commandments flow when you have enlarged my heart” (Ps. 118:32). Therefore, when he says “the hills have grown,” he refers to those who hold the honor of Jewish leadership, endowed with the responsibilities of the law; for they have “marched” or ordered Immanuel, clearly revealing evangelical truths, which far surpasses ancient prophecies and glorious teachings. As they observe this arduous labor, Christ, our Savior, invites, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will grant you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy and my burden light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Conversely, some have made their paths burdensome, making it challenging to attain eternal life. Our Lord Jesus Christ declared, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you do not have life within you” (John 6:53). Yet the audience of such profound teachings recoiled, saying, “This word is hard; who can accept it?” (John 6:52, 60). The Evangelist later confirmed, “As a result, many of His disciples withdrew and no longer walked with Him” (John 6:66), so that Christ even asked His disciples if they wished to leave Him as well, “Do you want to go too?” (John 6:67). But the divine Peter responded, exclaiming, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68). They did not perceive His words as burdensome; rather, His teachings were truly appealing and deserving of their attention. He refers to these “walks” as everlasting because they are unending, continuing into eternity with the evangelical and saving message, after the old command, which was founded on shadows and types, had become obsolete, as Paul notes. Consequently, a second, superior command has been established, one “that is built on better promises” (Heb. 8:6-7). Thus, divine David proclaims to our Lord Jesus Christ, “Your truth endures forever, and Your law is truth” (Ps. 118:142); for, as mentioned, that which existed in shadows has faded away, and the representations ceased, yet that which is in Christ is permanent and everlasting.