What is this Beth-Aven, rendered as the house of ᾿Ων in the Septuagint, and who the gift of Jarib signifies, was previously elaborated upon. At Beth-Aven, or Bethel, the people of Samaria worshipped golden calves, ironically referred to as heifers, highlighting that Israel not only adored male cattle as deities but also female ones. This underscores the idea that only one calf at Bethel was mourned, as indicated by the singular pronoun “him,” signifying the golden calf. If the people lamented for it, why did the priests rejoice? It is stated in Hebrew tradition that the golden calves were stealthily taken away by the priests, replaced with brass and gilded replicas. Consequently, when the people, in their distress, lamented that the king of Israel had sent golden calves among other gifts to the kings of Assyria, particularly to King Sennacherib, the priests were delighted that their deception remained concealed.
This illustrates the phrase where the priests of the calf rejoiced over it, viewing it as the glory of the people, which had been taken away when it was removed to Assyria. The following verse articulates this truth: he was brought to Assyria as a tribute for the avenging king. Then it echoes that Ephraim shall be ashamed, and Israel will feel disgrace because of his intentions.
It is documented that the king of Israel, upon realizing the deceit surrounding the golden calves, was informed thereof. This led to embarrassment and offense directed towards those receiving the gifts, as they pondered that the problem stemmed from the falsehood of the priests rather than the deceitful ways of the kings. In the account from the Kings, we find that Menaim, king of Israel, dispatched a thousand talents of silver to Pul, king of Assyria, to ensure his favor and sought help through various means, including the possible sending of golden calves.
Simmichus translates Jarib in this instance as ὐπερμάχοντι, which means the patron and protector. When examining this in a spiritual context, one must consider how heretics apply such matters. The heifer of Beth-aven, or of the house of ῎Ων, representing labor, was worshipped by heretics, who claimed to uphold God’s commandments in Samaria. On the day of reckoning, when judgment arrives like bitter weeds, the people will weep for him, the calf, and for the erroneous teachings regarded as divine.
Yet it is noted that the priests are not said to rejoice in the future tense but have already rejoiced over the glory they once revered. This joy has faded because the people have strayed from God, and His very glory has departed from those who abandoned Him. All that heretics convey, through their carefully crafted rhetoric, serve as presents to their king, the devil, devoted entirely to him. Hence, they will forever be enveloped in shame and will experience humiliation for their yearnings.
Some interpretations propose that King Jarib, meaning the avenger, may represent Christ. However, this cannot be accepted, as it would be inappropriate to attribute a figurative meaning concerning Christ to what specifically refers to the king of Assyria when known historically.
THEOSIS