Isaiah 33:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Indeed, the gap between good and evil is substantial: although you may sin, you will not instantly fall into despair; instead, you will emerge stronger and more vigilant. He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, as the judgment will align with the divine justice of God.

Therefore, they are astonished that the Israelites, who were given a divine law for their aid, met their demise through it. As the blessed Paul notes, they sought to establish their own righteousness while rejecting God's, failing to comply with His righteousness: for the fulfillment of the law is Christ, bringing righteousness to everyone who believes (Romans 10:3, 4). But when the new proclamation emerged and truth was unveiled, it was fitting that the old types should be set aside, and the shadows rendered ineffective. Yet, obstinate Israel, desiring to conform to the law and remaining under Moses' commandments while believing this would render them devout, ultimately fell prey to their foes, as it was inappropriate to dishonor the truth through prolonged disobedience. Thus, they were ensnared by the law. Conversely, for us who are not Gentile believers, the law, once conveyed by angels through Moses, has become a treasure of salvation, encompassing wisdom, cunning, and reverence toward the Lord. The Law of Moses proclaimed the mystery of Christ, and when we diligently engage with the Scriptures, we will find therein glimpses of the gospel’s life-giving essence. Therefore, the Savior addressed the Jewish people, saying, “If ye would believe Moses, believe ye also me, for of me he wrote” (John 5:46). Thus, the law serves as a treasure of truth for those who overlook the shadow but strive to uncover the beauty of the truth itself.