THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril acknowledges that the essence of this teaching is rich in meaning, even if it reaches us as if veiled in mist and shadows, for the interpretation of the law is intricate. “If the offering of his burnt sacrifice is from the flock, whether of sheep or goats, he shall offer a male without defect… and he shall kill it on the north side of the altar before the Lord” (Lev. 1:10-11). This offering is also to be dismembered, with its innards disposed of in the same manner as with the calf, and it is permitted to be placed on the altar, which lends itself to further interpretation. Yet here, there lies a somewhat uneven implication: the lamb was sacrificed "on the north side of the altar."
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Palladius inquires about the significance of this ritual. Cyril replies that it is important to recognize that the land of the Jews lies further south, while the northern regions, closer to the sea, were populated by countless Gentiles living in various towns and villages. Palladius agrees. Cyril continues, thus, the act of sacrificing the lamb in the northern region signifies that even the many people in the north will ultimately be dedicated to God. This aligns with what the Savior declared regarding the multitude of Gentiles, saying, “I have other sheep which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock and one Shepherd” (John 10:16). Palladius responds that he comprehends the meaning of what has been shared.