After all these things his indignation is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
5 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Manasseh and Ephraim are legitimate brothers, united as one people. Can you perceive the anger, can you sense the turmoil? Despite all this, His anger is not abated, and His hand is still extended, allowing them to comprehend the consequences they deserve. They have endured numerous corrections, yet they did not reform and continued in their same sins.
He mentions that Manasseh will consume the provisions of Ephraim, while Ephraim will partake of what belongs to Manasseh. Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, were brothers, yet even among those bound by blood, nature does not guarantee harmony; the bonds of kinship are powerless. Conflicts will arise among brothers and closest relatives, each turning against one another: Manasseh will confront Ephraim and vice versa, as they unite to battle Judah. Consequently, strife will permeate everything, and in the midst of this fury, individuals will neglect to reflect on the reasons behind their actions or the lawfulness of their deeds. This turmoil was precisely the experience of the people of Judah.
We too must exercise vigilance; for disobedience incurs consequences, and anyone who succumbs to it burns with the flames of desire, leading to an unbearable struggle within the mind and heart. The flesh will rebel against the spirit, resulting in profound turmoil for the soul. Thus, as the Apostle Paul instructs, we should live by the Spirit and avoid gratifying the desires of the flesh. By adhering to God, we will move in accordance with the Spirit, conquer the desires of the flesh, and extinguish the inner fires that disturb the soul, maintaining a tranquil heart. And let the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard our hearts and minds.
Ephraim will consume the strength of Manasseh, and vice versa. The Prophet depicts them as ruthless, comparing them to predatory animals that relentlessly devour 'the flesh of the muscles' of one another, leading to their ultimate ruin, as noted by the Apostle: 'But if ye gnaw and devour one another, be careful lest ye be destroyed of one another' (Galatians 5:15). Those who harbor animosity toward one another simultaneously unite in their wickedness against their neighbor. It is stated, 'together they shall fight Judah,' referring to those who acknowledge God and remain devoted to His service, for Judah signifies 'praise.' However, the Prophet exhibits inconsistency, suggesting some alignment in the battle against righteousness.
For example, boldness and timidity stand in opposition, one being an excess and the other a deficiency; yet both are equally contrary to courage, which occupies the balanced position between the two, seemingly threatened on both sides. Thus, it is declared that Ephraim and Manasseh consume each other’s flesh while uniting 'together to wrestle Judah.'
Manasseh and Ephraim, who were born from the same womb and shared the same father, became so consumed by strife that they turned against each other with the animosity of foes. A careful reading of the books of Kings and Chronicles reveals the civil discord in Samaria, where disputes over different rulers led to violence, showcasing a collective animosity toward Judah by assassinating its kings. Driven by indulgence and greed, they factionalize themselves, transforming one heresy into two, which further splinter into various groups, each aiming to gather their followers, exploiting the resources of widows and sinful women, perpetually learning yet failing to grasp the truth (2 Timothy 3:7). In all these matters, the wrath of the Lord remains unrelenting, obliterating vice, yet as they grow in sinful behavior, His hand of correction only draws nearer.
The bond among the tribes of the kingdom of Israel, including those as closely related as Ephraim and Manasseh, who are the descendants of Joseph's two sons, will be completely shattered. Disregarding their familial ties and the unity of their nation, these tribes will engage in brutal civil strife, only coming together to launch attacks on Judah, the kingdom of Judah. Throughout these events, His wrath remains unrelenting, and His hand continues to be raised. The tragedies stemming from their self-inflicted destruction during this conflict will fail to impart wisdom to the combatants, and they will face further misfortunes that the Lord will bring upon them as retribution for their wrongdoing.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS