THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Somnan held the position of steward over the treasures, though it remains ambiguous whether they were divine or royal in nature. His primary responsibility seemed to involve overseeing the sacred treasures and ensuring the required expenditures for the maintenance of the holy vessels were met. He is identified as a member of the tribe of Levi and was noted for the privileges associated with his bishopric. However, he was marked by arrogance and pride, exhibiting cruelty towards those who disrespected him, entrenched in selfishness, enslaved by dishonorable gains, and constantly pursuing personal accolades and worldly recognition. Ultimately, he was despised by God.
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During a period when Judea faced devastation, with Jerusalem on the brink of capture and the Babylonians victorious over Israel, Somnan opted to erect a grand monument to himself and built an impressive structure above it. Consequently, God sent a clear message to him. He instructed the prophet to visit the tabernacle, located within the temple, and deliver a question to Somnan, the architect of the house: "Why are you here? What do you possess in this place?" Essentially, what legacy do you claim here? Why do you linger? What prompts you to etch a monument in your name and mark the tabernacle upon stone? What will transpire? What threats do you face? What disasters will you encounter?
Indeed, the Lord of hosts shall expel and eliminate the husbandman, for as stated, he, despite his stature and notable advantages, was taken captive alongside the common folk. As he was led away, stripped of his bishopric, he became like a discarded vessel within the vast expanse of the earth. There, he will perish without remorse, no longer to ascend upon splendid chariots, but rather to be toppled, completely stripped of his authority and the role entrusted to him in the service of God.