THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Consider the seriousness of unbelief as an offense against God. Those who engage in this transgression are destined to face severe repercussions. The narrative of Israel serves as a demonstration of this truth, illustrating the link between the Old and New Testament Scriptures, which unveil the deeper realities concealed within the shadows of the past.
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The entire assembly fell into a state of despair and fear. Even as Joshua attempted to instill courage by tearing his garments and extolling the virtues of the promised land, they remained unresponsive, allowing their unreasonable fears to provoke sorrow against the God who had suffered for them and had provided fulfillment through their faith. Eventually, God declared in an oath, "If any of these men shall see the land," except for Caleb, son of Jephunneh, and Joshua, son of Nun (Numbers 14:23, 30).
Initially, Israel was chosen, yet when the Gentiles were included, they found themselves relegated to the rear. As the Savior stated, "the last shall be first, and the first last" (Matt. 20:16). It is evident that the Jewish people are fewer in number and vastly outnumbered by the countless Gentiles. Thus, God instructed Moses, the holy mystic, saying, "Therefore leave Me, that My wrath may be kindled against them... I will smite it with pestilence and destroy it, and I will bring forth from thee... a people more numerous and stronger than they."