THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
In the day of the Lord's judgment and the season of His retribution against Zion, its wilderness will become like pitch, and the land will turn to ashes. It will burn continually, day and night, never to be extinguished, with smoke rising high, rendering it desolate for generations to come. During this time, various birds, such as owls and ravens, will make their nests there, and the desolate areas will be filled with creatures like the Onocentaurs. The prophet elaborates on his earlier declarations, illustrating that Zion is destined to experience both judgment and recompense. Following what could be likened to the outpouring of pitch and sulfur upon the land, it will be consumed by an unquenchable fire.
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The smoke indicates the widespread suffering and reveals the magnitude of the misfortunes to those at a distance. The perpetual desolation of the cities implies that they will become habitats for birds and nocturnal creatures while being overtaken by barren landscapes. The term Onocentaurs refers to wild donkeys, which thrive in forsaken regions, while ozhami denotes thorn-covered mice. To grasp the deeper spiritual message, it can be understood that the desolate souls, devoid of the presence of the Almighty Spirit, will be preyed upon by wild beasts and inhabited by unclean spirits, akin to the previously mentioned hedgehogs, ravens, and wild donkeys.