THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The earth will safeguard His children, as stated: "There the Elvenites were gathered together, and saw one another's faces." No one will be lost among them, nor will they seek one another in vain, for the Lord has commanded their safety, and His spirit has gathered them. The Lord has directed them, and His hand has brought them to pasture, granting them an eternal inheritance, so that in generations to come they may find rest in Him. In reference to the land of Judah being transformed into a desolate wasteland, devoid of compassion and love from above, we are reminded of those who are saved within it. This remnant, that is, the faithful ones, are assured that the earth has preserved His children with divine affirmation.
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The believers of Israel have become the heirs of Judah, finding their assurance in our Lord Jesus Christ, who serves as their steadfast refuge.
From these redeemed children emerged the Divine disciples, the Eleni. They are rightly compared to deer, an animal known for conquering serpents and for its inclination to dwell near water sources. These represent all who have been granted the legacy of piety toward God, ready to vanquish the spiritual serpent by dismantling its pride and nullifying the poison of its inherent wickedness. They also delight in the spiritual springs of living water, receiving heavenly benefits that nourish the mind and make it fruitful for God. Thus, among those saved, the Eleni came together, marveling at one another, as indicated by the words, “They saw one another's faces.” None were in peril, as affirmed by the phrase, “They came in numbers, and one of them perished not, neither sought one another.”
Who was their Savior? The Lord commanded them, and His Spirit gathered them, instructing them to teach all nations and baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). He also apportioned their lots, dividing His hand to lead them into eternal pastures. Among the holy Apostles, the nations were allocated as though they were specific inheritances, appointed for each to proclaim the Gospel. Thus, the Divine Peter was commissioned to the circumcision, and for Paul and Barnabas, the Holy Spirit made it clear: "Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work for which I called them” (Acts 13:2). They became Apostles to the Gentiles, shepherded into eternity by His guiding hand.
In mentioning the deer, it is natural to refer to pasture, as the Apostles tended to those countries, delighting in those called by faith to receive the knowledge of the truth, which was their inheritance. Likewise, the Divine Paul expressed his joy to those saved through him by faith in Christ, declaring, “My joys and crowns are mine” (Philippians 4:1). Regarding the unending praise reserved for them, he clarifies that “They rest in him.” What does this rest signify? Clearly, it pertains to the inheritance given to them by God. Additionally, we should mention the blessed David, who sings of them: "The voice of the Lord overturneth the firkins, and openeth the oak trees" (Psalm 28:9). Just as oak trees are opened by divine grace for the spiritual Eleni, they encompass the countless multitude of the Gentiles, who peacefully enjoy the virtuous conduct of the faithful.