THEOSISGregory the Great
He will regard the hammer as insignificant, akin to straw. This suggests that he disregards even the weight of the correction that strikes him from above. In scripture, the term ‘hammer’ sometimes refers to the adversary, who causes division and afflicts humanity. However, it may also denote blows from Heaven, as the faithful experience divine corrections meant to guide them away from unrighteous paths. These strikes are felt by the forsaken, who, while awaiting their eternal judgment, are reminded of their unworthiness. The ancient foe being identified as the ‘hammer’ is affirmed by the prophet when he remarks on the consequences of the final judgment, stating, “How is the hammer of the whole earth broken and shattered?”
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The ‘hammer’ can also signify the blows from Heaven, as seen when Solomon constructs the temple, where it is noted, “And the house was built, and it was built of hewn and prepared stones, but neither hammer nor axe nor any other iron instrument was heard in the house while it was being built.” This house symbolizes the Holy Church established by the Lord in Heaven, where the souls of the elect are formed like polished stones. Once the Church is completed in Heaven, the hammer of discipline ceases to make noise, for the stones have already been refined. On Earth, we undergo external trials to arrive there blameless. Here we hear the sounds of the hammer, the axe, and the clang of iron instruments; yet in God's house, no sound is present because in the eternal realm there is no disturbance. There is no hammer because there is no correction; the axe does not chop because there is no judgment for grave sins; and the instruments of iron are silent because even the smallest suffering has vanished. If the heavenly strike is symbolized by the hammer, then what does it mean that Leviathan scorns this hammer, except that he contemptuously disregards the blows of divine punishment? He considers the severity of divine wrath as trivial, as light as straw. Therefore, it is further stated, “And they shall laugh at him that hurls the spear.”
The Lord shakes the spear against Leviathan, signaling the dire decree of its ruin. To ‘shake the spear’ implies preparation for eternal demise through harsh judgments. Yet the fallen spirit, in rejecting the Creator throughout his life and even at death, mocks the one who wields the spear. This mocking arises from his understanding that the dreadful end he anticipates coincides with the Last Judgment, leading him to dread the sufferings to come; yet the more he senses his inability to evade the eternal torments of hell, the more fiercely he engages in wickedness. When worldly wise men observe his resilience, power, and apparent might, they are often tempted to submit to his tyranny; ultimately, many will turn against their rightful allegiance and succumb to the service of their adversary. Thus, it is justifiable.