THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Engaging and enjoyable narratives, even when expressed with similar phrases, do not induce tedium; rather, they consistently bring delight. In this way, the remnant of Jacob, meaning his descendants who have been saved through faith in Christ and who have taken on the roles of evangelists and priests, will be ‘as the dew’ scattered among the nations, grazing like young lambs and thriving in lush pastures. Yet, simultaneously, they will be ‘like a lion among the herds,’ letting out a powerful and fearsome roar that places great dread even in hearts far away. They will also resemble young lion cubs within a group, appearing as if they are boldly attacking.
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Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke to his holy disciples, saying, ‘Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves’ (Matthew 10:16), signifying their gentleness and willingness to submit. Nevertheless, their innate strength shattered the resolve of their adversaries and commanded deep respect. Thus, they triumphed over their foes, vanquished their opponents, becoming formidable even to the wolves, while maintaining their lamb-like demeanor; they evaded malice, faced ‘troubles from robbers, troubles from relatives, troubles from false brethren,’ as the blessed Paul notes (2 Cor. 11:26), and the throngs of Gentiles were ravaged as if by lions. However, Satan, who sought to lead them to ruin, was powerless to defend himself or to snatch away those whom the apostles had drawn into salvation. The words of the prophet Habakkuk ring true for him: ‘Woe to him who increases what is not his own, until when? And to him who imposes burdens of slavery. For suddenly those who bite him will rise up, and your foes will stand firm, and you will be plundered by them. For you have captivated many tongues; all that remains of the people will captivate you’ (Hebrews 2:6-8). He gathered what was not rightfully his, for mankind belongs to God, not to him. Yet, he was stripped of his gains by ‘the remnant of men,’ enabling you to comprehend the ministers of the gospel. Then the Lord, who empowers and upholds them, declares, ‘Thy hand shall be lifted up against them that offend thee, and all thine enemies shall be consumed’; for, as I have mentioned, they have, through Christ, triumphed over all malice, radiated peace, and vanquished their adversaries, reclaiming the lost for God.