THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
See Isaiah 43:1 Vv. 3-5. I will transform your situation by exchanging Egypt, Ethiopia, and Soin for you. I will cherish you and exchange people for you, and rulers for your head. Do not fear, for I am with you. The interpretation of these words can be quite challenging. However, with divine assistance, I will strive to elucidate them to the best of my ability, for God grants wisdom and understanding. Before the true light of Christ illuminated the world, the earth was lost in error and shrouded in profound darkness of ignorance, with various forms of idolatry prevalent across all nations. The Chaldeans and Phoenicians, alongside those inhabiting Egypt, especially around Soyna and Ethiopia, were among the most superstitious, as they lived in regions adjacent to Egypt.
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Israel alone was designated as a priestly nation by God, being His chosen inheritance, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:9. However, after they turned against our Lord Jesus Christ and acted treacherously, they forfeited their status as God's possession and lost their communion with Him. In their place, the Gentiles were welcomed and became a substitute for Israel, even though they were often more superstitious than others, bearing a level of uncleanness that was challenging to cleanse. The Egyptians were renowned for their strength, particularly in the creation of idols, and were adept at devising elaborate forms of false worship. Thus, He says, in lieu of you, O beloved one chosen as My portion, I have made Egypt and Ethiopia, meaning that Egypt was regarded again, as the divine Scriptures frequently refer to the Egyptians as Ethiopians. Through one of the holy prophets, it was declared: And ye Murini (Ethiopians) shall be struck down by My weapons (Soph. 2:12). Instead of you, He says, I accepted those who were deeply defiled and bore an uncleanness that seemed impossible to eradicate. Yet, you have been esteemed in My sight, you have been exalted: for Israel will not remain in rejection and dishonor forever, but shall once again be called through faith in Christ, becoming a worker together and a sharer in the glory of the saints. You have been glorified, He says, and I will love you. The phrase, ‘I will give many men for you, and princes for your head,’ implies that when the Israelites are eventually called to the knowledge of Christ, numerous wise and noble leaders will guide them. In my service for you, I will offer many men; I will also provide rulers speaking on your behalf. But Christ is the head of believers, symbolizing every secret revealed among nations, ultimately leading them to enlightenment according to His purpose. Thus, for you may signify: for purposes that serve your good, to those who comprehend the honorable and profound mystery of your Head, which is Christ. Another interpretation of the words, I will give many men for you, and princes for your head could signify your rejection, being distanced and entirely alienated from my friendship and communion; therefore I have brought the nations, who have fallen into deception, in your stead. Yet, because you have been esteemed before Me, having believed sincerely and obtained glory, I have also loved you, and my love is such that if it were opportune and necessary to offer many men and rulers for your sake, I would have done so. This declaration serves as a profound assurance of the honor bestowed upon Israel by God and instills in them unwavering hope, for in every good endeavor, God will be present: with you I am. This assurance is sufficient for their well-being, as if God is with us, troubles vanish, and instead, we embrace a spirit of peace, delight, and joy.