THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
According to his statement, when the law proved ineffective in purifying sin, the veil was lifted, the symbols were rendered obsolete, and a true and life-giving judgment was established. Since humanity could not achieve righteousness through the law, the unique Word of God was revealed to us, presenting the perfect and succinct solution of justification through faith. Accordingly, He proclaims, you, O Israel, by humbly submitting yourself to Christ, the Redeemer of all, will learn from Him the principles of righteous judgment, gaining insight into the path of salvation perfected by Him. Thus, joy shall be yours.
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However, after referencing the chernucha and the cumin, He derives a valuable lesson from them, stating that cleansing the chernucha and its kind is not associated with harshness. For Israel, having committed offenses and grown complacent in upholding the law, faced defeat. Therefore, the Almighty, the God of all, proclaimed, These people honor Me with their words, yet their hearts are distant from Me; they worship Me to no purpose, teaching human commandments and doctrines (Is. 29:13). And was it not just for their negligence regarding the law that they faced rightful rebuke? Indeed, he affirms. Yet the intent of the lawgiver is compassionate. Just as, he remarks, chaff is not removed with cruelty, so too does the process of cleansing kimin, which is clearly about separating and crushing, take place gently, like grain being winnowed. In the same manner, the Lawgiver will address those who have transgressed; He will not inflict harsh punishment but will refine them with care. By noting that kamin is consumed with bread, he indicates that mere external adherence to the lawful service holds little value unless accompanied by substantial nourishment, which signifies the gospel revelation. Indeed, I have spoken on this matter when I addressed the parable of the cumin and the darnel. What is the meaning behind this imagery? He asserts that, while the cumin and the impurities are shaken with a rod, He adds, ‘I will not remain angry forever, but the sound of my displeasure will catch up with you. I will not be unyielding, He states; I will not impose severe punishment, nor subject you to cruel judgment that leads to being crushed underfoot as often occurs in wrath. Rather, the God of all creates a profound sense of patience, as indicated by His declaration, And these signs emerged from the Lord of hosts. It is, in fact, a wonder and a miraculous sign that Israel, despite numerous transgressions, was granted mercy and forgiveness for their countless offenses.