THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
What is the interpretation of the phrase, ‘The soul of me that worketh pride with the hand’? (Num. 15:30) God, having established by command what sacrifices should be made for those who err inadvertently, has also set forth laws for those who sin willfully. Sins manifest in various forms. Some individuals, due to mental frailty, cannot withstand the surge of temptation and, succumbing, fall into sin; others may stumble due to different circumstances; there are also those who willfully ignore Divine commandments. The latter fall into the category of those who commit sins out of pride, as they intentionally disregard the law.
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Concerning such individuals, it is stated that they shall face destruction, with the rationale given: ‘As the word of the Lord hath despised the word of the Lord, and His commandments scattered, let that soul be destroyed by wiping: for his sin is upon it’ (Num. 15:31). The one who is overcome by passions through weakness, and subsequently expresses remorse, may have some justification for their actions. However, the person who harbors love for wrongdoing and scorns the commandments of God stands without defense.