THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
In these statements, God addresses Jacob and Israel with particular emphasis. To grasp the significance of this emphasis, we can summarize its meaning. The Israelites once labored for the Egyptians, but through Moses, God delivered them with great might and power, striking down their oppressors with various fierce blows, as noted in Exodus 6:1. When they escaped Egypt, they walked through the sea on dry ground, consumed heavenly food, drank water from a rock, entered the promised land, triumphed over kingdoms, vanquished foes, exhibited formidable strength, and were renowned for their glory.
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Their victories were granted by the Almighty, who commanded the sun and moon to stand still at Gibeon, summoned hail from the heavens against their enemies, and exalted His people to the rich heritage of divine glory. This exalted Israel, akin to Jacob's tenacity, proved invincible against adversaries and consistently victorious. Yet, the question arises: who has plundered and taken such a people captive? How could the one who knew no defeat be brought low? How could one who raised his unassailable strength against all be diminished?
It became necessary for those who came after to understand why such a distinguished and chosen nation fell into bondage. The answer is clear: it was God whom they sinned against, refusing to follow His paths or adhere to His commandments. This inquiry into contentious matters offers a straightforward conclusion; indeed, it was God who permitted this outcome, bringing upon them the consequences of their transgressions. Thus, their enemies gained strength against them. This was particularly strange for the Israelites, as they had always been victorious through divine protection. However, upon recognizing their flagrant disregard for His holy laws, they lost their former advantages: they became weak and were overtaken by fear, besieged as if by a consuming fire, resulting in devastation throughout their lands, as expressed elsewhere in scripture, “Your hailstones are burned with fire” (Isaiah 1:7). Yet, they did not recognize their folly, choosing to ignore it instead. These words reveal their insensitivity; they could have achieved full understanding had they chosen not to offend God, thus avoiding His wrath through humble obedience. Indeed, those who endure similar fates due to human shortcomings—if they remain oblivious to the hardships they face—have little hope for restoration.
The indictment against the Israelites is evident in the words of Jeremiah, who cries out to God, “Lord, Your eyes are upon the truth; You have chastised them, but they have not accepted correction” (Jeremiah 5:3). Recall that following the fall of Jerusalem and the exile of Israel, the prophet spoke to the remnant with divine instruction: do not go to Egypt. Despite witnessing God’s wrath, the women defiantly responded, “The Lord has not sent you.” They further claimed, in their deep moral corruption, that their misfortunes commenced when they stopped offering sacrifices to the queen of heaven. Hence, it is accurate to say they were blind to their own spiritual condition, despite the battles they faced and the calamities that surrounded them on every side.