THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Engaging and enjoyable narratives, even when expressed with similar language, never induce weariness; rather, they consistently bring delight. In this way, the remnant of Jacob, referring to the descendants of Jacob who have been redeemed through faith in Christ and serve as heralds of the gospel and priests, will be ‘as the dew’ among the nations, grazing like lambs and thriving in fertile pastures. Yet, they will also be ‘like a lion among the cattle in the oak-tree,’ issuing a formidable roar that instills dread, even among those at a distance. They will be likened to young lions in a herd, appearing fearless in their approach.
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Our Lord Jesus Christ conveyed to His holy disciples: ‘Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves’ (Matthew 10:16), representing their humility and submission. Nevertheless, their intrinsic strength overwhelmed their adversaries, earning them profound respect. In this manner, they triumphed over their foes, vanquished their rivals, and became fearsome to wolves, despite their lamb-like demeanor. They evaded malice, confronted with ‘trouble from robbers, trouble from kin, .... trouble from false brethren,’ as the blessed Paul remarks (2 Cor. 11:26), while the multitudes of the Gentiles fell prey to them like lions. Yet, Satan, who sought to lead them astray, could neither provide protection nor wrench from the apostles those ensnared in salvation. The words spoken through the prophet Habakkuk apply to him: ‘Woe to him who increases what is not his own, until when? And to him who adds to his burdens. For suddenly, those who bite him will rise, and your enemies will be emboldened, and you will be plundered by them. Because you have captivated many tongues, all the rest of the people shall captivate you’ (Hebrews 2:6-8). He amassed what did not belong to him; for mankind is God's, not his. Yet, he was stripped of his prey by ‘the remnant of men,’ paving the way for a deeper understanding of the servants of the gospel. The Lord, who empowers and sustains them, declares, ‘Thy hand shall be lifted up against those who offend you, and all your enemies shall be consumed’; for, as previously mentioned, in Christ, they have triumphed over all malice, radiated peace, and defeated their adversaries, reclaiming the lost for God.