THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
When the wicked reaches the peak of depravity, as stated in scripture, he becomes contemptible. The fate of the Israelites illustrates this truth. Despite facing terrible prospects of various disasters and the imminent threat posed by the cruelty of the Assyrians, they should have mourned their negligence and sought God's favor by shaving their heads and wearing sackcloth, for the dire circumstances demanded such actions. Instead, they did the opposite. They became numb and indifferent, pursuing pleasure and entertainment; they slaughtered cattle and sheep, indulging relentlessly in carnal delights. In their despair and hardness of heart, they told one another, "Let us drink and be merry, for tomorrow we shall die," seemingly believing that God would not take notice.
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Yet, God declared that these transgressions were clearly noted in His ears, and this sin would be pursued until their death, that is, until they became victims of death and decay because of their actions. Thus, in times of divine wrath or when faced with the horrors of temptation, we ought not to succumb to neglect. Rather, we should weep and, with tears, turn to God who delights in righteousness, exhausting ourselves through fasting in search of His mercy, crying out like the Psalmist, "See my affliction and my labor, and forgive all my sins" (Psalm 24:18). When the prophet notes that the Lord of hosts called for weeping, wailing, wearing sackcloth, and mourning, it is important to incorporate the words of Micah: "And now, says the Lord your God, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning; rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God" (Joel 2:12-17). Therefore, while God beckoned for tears and mourning, and for donning humble garments, the people chose to revel, inciting His anger against themselves. He alone has the power to destroy and to save.