THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The discourse revisits the somber forecasts and culminates in a portrayal of the wondrous deeds accomplished through Christ. It appears to connect to the previous discourse while highlighting the consequences that arise from divine indignation. It speaks of Zion's prominent women: "And thou, thou pillar of the flock of the moment, O ye women of Zion, unto thee shall come, and the first power shall come in, the kingdom out of Babylon the daughter of Jerusalem" (Micah 4:8). Subsequently, it warns that your cavalry will be annihilated, and along with them the glory of your chariots; cities will face ruin, losing their very foundations, as the Babylonians laid waste to the cities and their inhabitants.
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The fruits of your effort—deceptive practices including sorcery and false prophecies, alongside the sanctuaries and idols—shall be utterly eradicated, with even the groves reduced to nothing. What will ensue? This majestic judgment and mode of chastisement shall not remain concealed from neighboring nations; they will comprehend that they were subjected to such calamities due to their defiance against the Almighty, reflecting their disobedience. Wisdom similarly addresses those with unbridled hearts, stating: "Forasmuch as ... For I also will laugh at your destruction, but I will rejoice when destruction comes to you, and when rebellion comes... rebellion shall come at once, and destruction shall come like a storm" (Proverbs 1:24, 26-27). The outcomes of turning away from God are wrath, anger, turmoil, grief, and tribulation. Thus, we should eagerly and promptly heed God's call to righteousness and pursue what pleases Him, for procrastination and indolence in performing virtuous deeds will result in great harm and lead us into profound suffering. Observe how God redeems the very disciplines for transgressions on behalf of humanity: He rescues Israel from detestable idol worship, altars, shrines, sacrifices, and reverence of man-made objects. Therefore, undergoing His correction is not without purpose, especially when it is "in judgment, and not in wrath," as the prophet observes (Jeremiah 10:24). If one were to assert that this principle applies to the Jews who defied Christ, such a claim would hold merit. It is undeniable that their cities faced destruction, and a whole generation capable of bearing arms was lost, vanquished by the Romans. Likely, they were held accountable for ancient idolatry, despite the fact that even then, there remained those eager to worship created things and became engrossed in sorcery, perpetually inclined toward idolatry with no regard for its absurdities.