THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The flock that resides shall be released, similar to a remnant left behind; they will spend a considerable time in the pasture, and the flocks shall rest there. For a period, no grain will be found, as the land will become barren. He refers to Israel as a dwelling flock due to the presence of many capable shepherds who guided it to commendable paths. Although it was once led by good shepherds, he indicates that it will be abandoned. He elucidates this by describing it as a flock forsaken, meaning stripped of all overseers and protectors. When this occurs, the flock will be transformed into a desolate pasture for an extended duration. They will be preyed upon by powerful spiritual beasts, namely Satan and the dark forces under his dominion.
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Without someone to fend off the onslaught of evil, the hearts of men become easily ensnared, succumbing to the allure of what pleases these malicious entities. Historically, this aligns with the events following the crucifixion of the Savior, as the land became a grazing ground for the Roman army; they halted and rested there like a strong ox. Soon after, he states, there will be no grain remaining, indicating that the land will appear parched and devoid of sustenance. This starkly reveals that those who ravage the land will not depart until they have stripped it of all usefulness, even the most trivial resources, converting them for their own gain. Additionally, these words may suggest that unclean spirits, akin to oxen, will consume the hearts of the Jews, demonstrating that they have devoured them to the point where nothing good remains for destruction.