THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Art 12. Extend your coverings. I will awaken in the morning and at night. This directive seems to be directed toward the Idumeans, as if God were criticizing them for their futile attempts to free themselves from their adversaries while neglecting to seek His salvation and refuge. When the Assyrians posed a threat to them, they barred the gates of their cities and fortified their defenses; yet these efforts proved utterly futile. The cities fell into their enemies’ hands, and not a single soul was spared. Thus, God’s message to them reflected their situation: indeed, He urges them to devise commendable plans and guard their strongholds; as if responding, they declared, “I will keep watch morning and night” (Ps. 126:1).
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However, it was essential for them to seek assistance from above, relying on God rather than on stones, for they lamented that the walls of their cities were so completely dismantled that not a single stone remained in place. If you seek, seek to dwell with Me. Under the oak at night you shall find rest. If you desire help, seek it from Me, the One who can save, and dwell with Me, that is, be Mine, and reflect on what belongs to Me, having turned away from the worship of false deities. This mirrors what the Savior proclaimed: “If anyone loves Me, he will also follow Me, and where I am, My servant will also be" (John 12:26). He continues, when the enemy’s forces have ravaged all the territory of Idumea, you will find yourself outside the walls or cities, and among the oaks at night, living alongside wild creatures and in the swamps. In this way, you will finally face the consequences for your severity against your brethren.