THEOSISGregory the Great
Verse 22. Gold shall come from the north Job 37:22. What does 'the north' represent if not the sinful world, shrouded in spiritual coldness? This state is held captive under the heavy hand of tyranny by the one who audaciously declared, "I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God" Isaiah 14:13-14. And what does 'gold' signify if not the faithful souls? In the words of Jeremiah, "How is the gold become dim? How is the most fine gold changed?" Lamentations 4:1. He lamented the dulling of gold because he witnessed the purity of innocence transform into the darkness of sin in certain individuals.
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Gold is said to emerge from the north because, through the grace of our Savior, the flock of believers—a precious treasure in God's eyes—multiplies within the Holy Church, rising from the once-unbelieving pagan world. Gold indeed comes from the north when genuine faith in God radiates from those who once worshipped idols. Yet, when the Gentiles embraced faith, the Jewish community rose in opposition to them, refusing to acknowledge the eternal rewards offered to those who had long practiced idolatry. Thus, they questioned Peter, saying, "You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!" Acts 11:3. In response, the Lord justly states through Isaiah, "I will say to the north, 'Give up,' and to the south, 'Do not keep back'" Isaiah 43:6. 'The north' represents the pagan world, while 'the south' denotes the Jewish nation, which is warm, indeed, under the midday sun, for when our Redeemer took on human flesh, it was the north that first felt the warming light of faith. 'Give up' is proclaimed to the north as the era of paganism closes, urging them to bring their faith to God. As for the south, it is instructed not to 'keep back,' as the Jewish believers are called not to pass judgment on the lives of Gentiles. Therefore, it is rightly stated here, Gold comes from the north; and accompanying it, Fearful praise of God Job 37:22. This fearful praise emanates from God, meaning it arises from those aligned with Him, that is, from the faithful. The gold comes from the north, but the reverent adulation originates from God; for while the Gentiles displayed the brilliance of their faith, a multitude of devout Jews praised God's divine judgments in awe. Scripture itself reveals how gold emerges from the north and how fearful praise comes from those under God. It is written, "There was a certain man in Caesarea, named Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people and prayed to God always. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, 'Cornelius!'" He looked at him in fear, saying, "What is it, Lord?" The angel replied, "Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God" Acts 10:1-4. Thus, gold came from the north when the prayers accompanied by almsgiving reached God's sight. When Peter recounted to the brethren how Cornelius had beheld an angel and how he himself had seen a vision from heaven with various creatures—demonstrating how the Holy Spirit had touched the Gentiles’ hearts even prior to baptism Acts 11:5-17—this led to silence among the listeners who glorified God, exclaiming, "God has granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life" Acts 11:18. Behold, the believers, in light of the Gentiles' salvation, suppressed their indignation, marveling at the gifts of divine grace and reverently praising God. Peter himself affirmed, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons" Acts 10:34. But upon witnessing the Gentiles receive faith, why was it noted that fearful praise arose from those already in faith rather than joy? This fearful appreciation stemmed from the Jewish believers in light of the Gentile conversions, undoubtedly reflecting the reality that their own people faced rejection while the Gentiles received mercy. This evokes a sense of fear as we too observe the wicked suddenly elevated, prompting us to revere the hidden judgments of God, who, according to His secret will, disciplines some whom we deem deserving and extends mercy to those we view as unworthy.