He hath set a time for darkness, and the end of all things he considereth, the stone also that is in the dark and the shadow of death.
קֵ֤ץ ׀ שָׂ֤ם לַחֹ֗שֶׁךְ וּֽלְכָל־תַּ֭כְלִית ה֣וּא חוֹקֵ֑ר אֶ֖בֶן אֹ֣פֶל וְצַלְמָֽוֶת׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
He asserts that He has established the arrangement for darkness, and He Himself dictates the seasons. Indeed, He has set a structure for the gloom. Job aptly states that this structure allows the darkness to recede and fade away subtly. Who has the ability to dispel that darkness? Where does such goodness come from in this context? He then speaks of His might and His wisdom to assure that He does not wish to require an explanation from anyone.
He establishes a limit to darkness and perceives the conclusion for all individuals, as seen in Job 28:3. He Himself 'sets a time for darkness,’ delineating boundaries for the wicked, ensuring that they will cease their malice. Thus, the apostle declares, "Ye were once darkness, but now ye are light in the Lord" (Eph. 5:8). The Great Teacher also addresses His other disciples, stating, "The night is past, and the day is at hand; therefore let us leave the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light" (Rom. 13:12). We are called to conduct ourselves appropriately as in the daylight (Rom. 13:13).
This is why the Song of Songs speaks of the arrival of the Church, inquiring, "Who is she that cometh as the dawn in the morning?" The analogy of 'the morning' is fitting for the Church because, through the illumination of faith, it transforms individuals from the shadows of sin to the brilliant light of righteousness. The phrase 'to each and every one' refers to both the chosen and the condemned. God, who orchestrates and governs what is good, does not act in evil but regulates wrongdoing so that it remains within His sovereign control. Consequently, He sees the end of all individuals and perseveres patiently, observing the transformation of His elect from wickedness to goodness. He is also aware of the destiny of the damned, whose evil actions lead them to deserving punishment. He witnessed the demise of Saul when, amidst persecution, Saul asked, “Lord, what dost thou command me to do?” (Acts 9:6). He also observed the fate of a seemingly obedient disciple who, burdened by guilt, took his own life, punishing himself for his transgressions and surrendering to a greater condemnation. He foresaw the end of Sodom, consumed by the flames of lust in hellfire. He perceived the conclusion of the Gentile world, which, despite being engulfed in the darkness of sin, was destined to one day radiate with the light of faith. He also beheld the fate of Judea, which, despite being graced with the bright light of faith, chooses to blind itself with the darkness of profound disbelief. Thus, there is still further insight to be gained:
Humanity has mastered the skill of unearthing metals and gemstones from the hidden recesses of the earth, which remain beyond the reach of the sharp eye of the eagle or the formidable might of the lion. Yet, while he may find riches within the mountains and beneath the seas, he fails to discover wisdom, which is far more valuable than any earthly treasure. Wisdom remains concealed from all creation; it is a divine gift that can be acquired through righteousness and the forsaking of evil.
In the writings of the sacred authors, the righteous are often referred to as wise, whereas the wicked are deemed foolish. True wisdom, as embodied by the righteous, lies in the capacity to live in alignment with one's divine purpose, maintaining one's integrity. A godly existence uplifts a person's virtues more than anything else, while surrendering to evil and succumbing to base desires reduces one to a mere animal, devoid of reason and will.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS