THEOSISBeda Venerabilis
It is important to note that while half of the young men engaged in construction, the other half stood ready for battle, and those who worked were equipped with swords. The ancient adversary is remarkably cunning, and his intense malice in his conflict against the Church necessitates that not only its ministers of truth but also the faithful must ever remain vigilant against his schemes, as if prepared for combat. Thus, the builders are equipped with swords at their sides as those who steadfastly engage in good works and rightly oversee their charges—as they should by placing living stones in the edifices of the holy city—strive to protect themselves from the frailties of a careless life with the sharpness of God’s word.
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It is also noteworthy that when David and Solomon constructed this very city, there is no reference to armed builders or threats from foes. Yet, a city devastated by iniquity is restored with immense effort, for the spiritual construction related to the salvation of souls is such that upon our rebirth through baptism, faith, and confession of the Most Holy Trinity, we, by divine grace, become His city and His dwelling without any endeavor on our part. However, if after our cleansing in the sacred waters, we succumb to sin due to the devil’s temptations, and the victorious foe undermines our virtues with the fires of vice, it becomes essential for us to restore those structures of good deeds that we have forfeited through increased devotion to prayer, self-denial, vigilance, charitable giving, and a disciplined life. For it is more challenging to resist the temptations of known vices than those of which we are unaware, and it is simpler to avoid the unknown seductions of the flesh than to renounce what has become familiar to us.