THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. The truth is present, even though it reaches us as if through a haze; for the significance of the law is deep. 'If the offering of his burnt sacrifice is from the herd, let him present a male without defect... and he shall slaughter it before the Lord at the north side of the altar' (Lev. 1:10-11). This offering is likewise to be dismembered, with its inner parts treated in the same way as that of the calf. It is also permitted to be presented upon the altar, and there could be further explanation of its significance. However, there is a noticeable disparity in meaning here: the lamb was sacrificed 'on the north side of the altar.' Palladius. What does this ceremony signify? Cyril.
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Are you not aware that to the south lies the territory of the Jews, while the northern lands by the sea were filled with countless Gentiles settled in villages and cities? Palladius. That is correct. Cyril. Thus, the fact that the lamb is offered in the northern region indicates that those very multitudes to the north will also be devoted to God. This is precisely what the Savior announced regarding the many 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. I grasp your meaning.