THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Yet, it is important to recognize a notable distinction: those who are more righteous and virtuous are positioned in the divine list as closest to God. While all believers share faith in Christ, their moral lives and spiritual conditions are not uniform; as the blessed Apostle Paul states, "one in one way, another in another" (1 Cor. 7:7). Hence, those who demonstrate greater devotion and higher standards of holiness are accorded the foremost place in God's remembrance, whereas those with lesser holiness, due to their diminished virtue, take a secondary position in the divine enumeration.
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It is significant that the individuals sought in the initial counting are all males aged twenty years and older—those who are wise, brave, and mature enough to fulfill God's will. This discussion suffices for now. In the second and third enumerations, as defined by divine and holy standards, all males from the tribe of Levi, along with the firstborn from the general population, are included, starting from one month of age. When assessing courage and wisdom, particularly those qualities evident in Christ, males of mature body are incorporated into this census.
Furthermore, it was essential to delineate this census based on faith and love for Christ, acknowledging the variations found among believers. Some, alongside their faith, exhibit holiness through their actions and obedience to God, while others do not entirely embrace sanctification, opting to engage with worldly matters. Therefore, the Lawgiver rightly decrees that the sacred, mirroring the ideal seen in Levitical lineage, should be prioritized over the unsanctified, establishing their foremost position in the divine census. Thus, the Levitical tribe is mentioned as primary, followed closely by the male and the firstborn.
In God's eyes, those who exhibit spiritual courage and seek to align with Christ, the firstborn, are held in high regard (Rom. 8:29). The blessed Apostle Paul expresses concern for those wavering in faith, saying, "My children, for whom I am again in the throes of birth, until Christ is formed in you!" (Gal. 4:19). Therefore, all who bear the image of Christ, are male, and are distinguished by wisdom are welcomed into God's book.
It is notable that among the other tribes, as previously mentioned, not all males are counted indiscriminately, but exclusively the firstborn, as faith and conformity to Christ varies significantly; many remain unbelievers. Only the firstborn are registered, owing to the One who is firstborn among us, "in many brethren" (Rom. 8:29). Conversely, in the lineage of Levi, every male, without exception, is counted, as holiness belongs entirely to God.
The age of one month and above is included for a specific purpose: infancy in Christ, characteristic of believers, does not disqualify them in God's eyes, for early age symbolizes simplicity in Christ and spiritual infancy. Just as the census of those best suited for battle begins at age twenty, the same holds true for identifying spiritual infancy at one month. The Apostle echoes this when he states, "Brethren, be not children in mind: for evil be babes, but in mind be of full age" (1 Cor. 14:20).
Therefore, it must be recognized that we share in the efforts and challenges faced by the saints who act valiantly and strive for honorable recognition. These individuals, filled with divine gifts acquired through their labor and countless acts, generously share their blessings with us through God's love. The blessed Paul likewise expresses to some believers: "For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift for your strengthening" (Rom. 1:11).
Consider, Palladius, that those counted from age twenty and above are distinguished; it seems improper for the weak and still immature to be recorded in the book of God, as those who are aged and spiritually flourishing should be included among the saints. The law reflects physical age as an apt analogy for spiritual maturity, favoring those who are spiritually developed while bypassing the immature and weak, omitting them from the sacred records.
For the Lord gladly accepts and values the spiritual infancy of His elect, as well as their clarity of mind; both attributes are commendable—soundness and simplicity in Christ. Accordingly, the divine Paul advises: "Brethren, be not children in mind: for evil be babes, but in mind be of full age" (1 Cor. 14:20). Christ also instructs, "Be wise as serpents, and simple as doves" (Matt. 10:16). Thus, the simplicity found in the saints is most pleasing to God.