And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep.
וְהָיָ֖ה בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֑וּא יְחַיֶּה־אִ֛ישׁ עֶגְלַ֥ת בָּקָ֖ר וּשְׁתֵּי־צֹֽאן׃
4 Church Fathers comment on this verse
He illustrates this devastation using another analogy, aiming to keep their fear ever-present and prevent their grief from diminishing despite the extended speech. To those who are not paying close attention, the subsequent words may appear to promise something positive; however, those fully engaged realize they signify profound desolation. What does he express?
In that day, it will be evident that a man will support a young woman with a calf and two sheep, and from the abundance of creation, including milk, oil, and honey, all who survive on the earth will partake. The prophet aims to illustrate the effects of the sword of Babylon, which is like the razor cutting deeply. He indicates that the entire region of Judah will become desolate and impoverished, so much so that those who remain and escape the enemy’s grip will possess only one heifer and two sheep. This contrasts sharply with earlier times when the inhabitants of Judah typically tended to numerous flocks of sheep and oxen, highlighting the severity of their destitution.
When Israel experiences rest, freed from bondage, and the king who conspired against them faces shame, revealed by the sharpness of the nayat, the Prophet declares that there will be such abundance in the land that a single cow and two sheep will provide ample milk, and there will be an overflow of oil, as all who inhabit the land will consume both oil and honey. However, it may be more fitting to interpret the doctrine of animals in a loftier manner. Instead of merely stating that each individual should nurture diligence and energy within their spirit, the Prophet refers to the sheep, which represents an animal that cultivates the earth and aids us in our toil; thus, the sheep symbolizes a gentle, humble, and generous character.
In this way, just as the sheep provides us with materials for clothing, so too is the life of those who are mindful of their inner selves typically adorned with the gift of virtue. As such an individual is nourished and adorned spiritually, they will sustain a young woman and two sheep. The Prophet designates oil and honey as the foundational lessons in Divine instruction. Initially, man is offered oil and honey as nourishment. Once he has been adequately fed by these, after completing his early training and rising above all earthly matters, he will then partake of more substantial food, more profound and suitable for mankind, dedicating himself to spiritual knowledge.
On that day, a man will provide for a young woman with the meat of an ox and two sheep, and he will partake of the plentiful bounty of milk and honey. This foretells the richness that will accompany the restoration from exile.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS