THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The 'remnant' finds salvation through Christ (Rom. 11:5; Rom. 9:27). A clear representation of this can be seen in Caleb, the son of Jephthah, alongside Jesus, who encouraged the children of Israel, igniting their courage by describing the land as splendid and worthy of possession, confidently declaring that they would overcome the nations already dwelling there. However, they nearly faced destruction; it is recorded, "And the whole company said, 'stoned them!'" (Num. 14:10). Nevertheless, they remain the designated heirs of God. The meaning of Caleb's name, which signifies 'the whole heart,' reveals his character. Jephthah's name, meaning 'conversion,' indicates that those with a whole heart toward God are the true sons of conversion, standing alongside Jesus.
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These are the individuals who came to believe through the apostles’ preaching, interpreted as a kind of seed, who called Israel to faith. In this context, the 'remnant' can also be envisioned. The apostles faced peril while calling forth the Jews, yet they were granted inheritance of the holy land. It is evident that the sons of conversion—those who have shifted from the commandments of the law to the pathway of faith and grace—possess hearts that are completely at peace with God. This truth is evident in Paul’s writings; he regarded as ‘loss’ the elements of a lawless life, counting them ‘as nothing for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus’ so that he might gain Him and find justification through Him (Phil. 3:8-9).
Now, it can be clearly seen that while Israel may be deprived of the promise, it will not be completely lost, but will find salvation, albeit in a small measure (which may be interpreted as 'a remnant'). This is illustrated by Caleb entering the promised land, accompanied by the 'One who saves,' tying back to the meaning of the name Jesus. This is also why the Divine Angel Gabriel, when announcing the Incarnation to the Holy Virgin, said, "Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God; and behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High" (Luke 1:30-32).