With arrows and with bows they shall go in thither: for briers and thorns shall be in all the land.
בַּחִצִּ֥ים וּבַקֶּ֖שֶׁת יָ֣בוֹא שָׁ֑מָּה כִּי־שָׁמִ֥יר וָשַׁ֖יִת תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה כָל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
At the same time, he proclaims that this land, once rich and nurtured by its owners, will become a barren wasteland, yielding thorns in place of grapes, instilling such dread in those who traverse it that no one will have the courage to approach it unprotected and without clothing. This declaration illustrates the utter desolation of the area and the abundance of wild creatures that inhabit it.
This reflects the action of a powerful and intoxicated blade, demonstrating the insignificance of the people. The conflict had devastated the inhabitants of Judea, leaving only a small remnant among them. Thus, he indicates that the finest and most valuable aspects of their land will be overlooked, meaning there will be no one skilled enough to tend to the fields. For even if there exists in one place a thousand vines valued at a thousand shekels, each vine would then be appraised at one shekel: this assessment will revert to a desolate state overrun by thorns. Therefore, if someone sought to invade this territory, merely stepping foot into it would require the aid of arrows and bows.
In fact, the thorns themselves may inflict injury upon the feet of those who attempt to traverse them without the weapons. Consequently, the inclination to pursue wrongdoing will serve as the root of all our misfortunes. For if we fail to avoid offending God, we find ourselves akin to a barren wilderness; but by striving to do that which is pleasing and acceptable to Him, we can flourish in virtue and earn His concern for us. We shall hear Christ proclaiming, ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is my labourer: every rod that beareth no fruit of me shall be cut off: and every one that bringeth forth fruit shall be cut off, that it may bring forth much fruit’ (John 15:1, 2). When we surrender to a life devoid of righteousness, we become enshrouded in spiritual thorns, as all forms of negative habits take root within us. The ultimate fate of thorns is fire, as they provide fuel for flames or are rendered worthless. This truth is affirmed by the blessed Paul, who states: ‘The earth that drinks the rain that descends on it in plenty, and brings forth good things by it, by which it is also made good, receives a blessing from God: but that which bears thorns and thistles is unprofitable and near to being cursed, and its end is burning’ (Hebrews 6:7, 8).
In instances where understanding eludes us, I believe we haven't encountered a completely contradictory narrative. Consider whether we can interpret the idea that those associated with the circumcision represent a multitude of vineyards, each yielding a thousand shekels. They were brought forth from Egypt, and after having cast aside their former languages, were established (cf. Ps. 79:9). Initially productive, they eventually became a source of sorrow (cf. Jer. 2:21), as their stronghold fell, turning into a target for transient things (cf. Ps. 79:13). These once-productive vineyards devolved into fields overrun with thorns and weeds, as they faced a hostile armada armed with a multitude of arrows, bringing ruin upon them.
The mountains of Oremia symbolize the souls that have placed their faith in Christ. Once desolate and unrefined, they remained untamed and thorny until Christ's arrival. Yet with His coming, meant for both the downfall and the uplift of many (Luke 2:34), and by calling forth what was lifeless, He rendered the barren obsolete (1 Cor. 1:28). The circumcised, having lost their vigor and yield, became a glade; while the assembly of Gentiles, identified as the mountain of Orem, flourished, liberated from all fear and trepidation of adversaries. This mountain represents the soul uplifted by the teachings of Christ. Upon the Lord's arrival, Israel was severed, and the Gentiles were grafted in, ensuring that through their fall, salvation would be extended to all (cf. Rom. 11:17, 11). On these mountains, the sheep and oxen graze freely and are abundantly nourished. It is clear that the sheep exemplify virtue, while the oxen demonstrate diligence in fulfilling their responsibilities.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS