THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
The just concealed by mortality will receive treasures and concealed wealth preserved in obscurity (Isaiah 45:3). This is what Isaiah refers to as the abode of the dead. Despite being a place of confinement, it contained the revered patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Thus, Isaiah describes it as a treasury, even though it is shrouded in darkness, for the Sun of righteousness has yet to illuminate it with its light or the proclamation of the Resurrection.
Do you recognize the multitude of blessings He bestows upon His people? When you reflect upon the judgments He inflicted upon Pharaoh, do not conclude that God is unjust in the slightest; His desire was to liberate the people with ease, yet the Egyptian resisted. That God did not intend to bring him to destruction is evident from His prior actions—He sent a messenger to the pharaoh of Egypt, declaring, "Let My people go, that they may serve Me in the wilderness" (Ex. 7:16). Given that this command was not overly demanding, should it not have been complied with readily?
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He did not instruct them to sacrifice within your borders, for then you might have replied, "It's impossible; our priests are dedicated to us, and it is unlawful for anyone to introduce a new decree in our land." He merely requested a brief respite of three days. Even if he had allowed them to depart freely, it would have been right, for they had long served you, O Egyptian, without compensation. Yet, simply the request for three days was denied. Should you not have feared My power and recognized My forbearance? Unlike Pharaoh, the Persian did not linger in his refusal; upon hearing the command, he promptly released them and swiftly returned the captives. From where did he gain this understanding? Perhaps there were already indications of Divine authority in the realm of the Persians. However, I assert, inspired by God, that Pharaoh cannot claim ignorance; he heard God’s command yet hardened his heart. Why did God send Moses to him beforehand? Was it not to encourage the king to set the people free? However, the king remained obstinate, whereas the Persian, upon hearing, immediately obeyed.