THEOSISGregory the Great
They will encounter obscurity during daylight and wander at noon as if it were night (Job 5:14). They will confront ‘darkness in the daytime,’ for in the very presence of Truth, they were blinded, deceived by their disbelief. In the brightness of day, our sight is clear, but in the shadows of night, we are dimmed. Thus, while the oppressors witnessed the marvelous acts of Divine Power and yet doubted His Divine Essence, they were enveloped in ‘darkness in the daytime,’ losing their vision in the light itself. Consequently, ‘the Light’ urges them, saying, Walk while you have the light, lest the darkness overtake you (John 12:35). This reflects the situation of Judah: her sun had set, even while it was day (Jeremiah 15:9).
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This sentiment is echoed by the prophet on behalf of the remorseful people, declaring: we stumble at noon as if it were night, we dwell in the shadows as the dead (Isaiah 59:10). Thus, he inquires, Watchman, how long is the night? The watchman responds, The morning is coming, yet it remains night (Isaiah 21:11-12). ‘The watchman cometh by night,’ for the Guardian of humankind appeared in the flesh, yet Judah, overcome by the shadows of her unfaithfulness, failed to recognize Him. It is aptly stated by the watchman: the morning is approaching, but it is still dark. Through His presence, a new light illuminated the world, yet the previous darkness remained entrenched in the hearts of the unbelievers. It is rightly said that they shall wander at noon as in the time of night, for they must feel their way instead of seeing. The Jews witnessed His miraculous revelations, yet they continued to seek Him as if by touch, asking, How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly (John 10:24). Though the light of miracles was evident before them, they stumbled in the darkness of their hearts, persistently groping in search of Him. This same blindness manifested itself in brutality, and their brutality led to acts of persecution. However, the Savior of humanity could not be restrained for long by His persecutors. Therefore, He promptly added: