THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
There exists a notable distinction, wherein the holier and more virtuous individuals are regarded in the census as closest to God. While all share the same faith in Christ, believers differ in their moral practices and lives. As the blessed Paul observes, “one in one way, another in another” (1 Cor. 7:7). Therefore, those who lead lives of greater holiness occupy a prominent position in God's divine census and memory, while those with lesser holiness, due to diminished virtue, are certainly ranked lower in this enumeration. It is significant that in the initial census, only males aged twenty and above are counted—those of understanding and courage, mature enough to fulfill what pleases God. That is sufficient for our discussion.
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In the second and third censuses, as per the divine and sacred definition, all males from the tribe of Levi and from the broader community are included; however, it is not every male indiscriminately, but rather the firstborn, starting from one month old and beyond. When courage and insight, which are evident in Christ, are evaluated, those of mature male age are recognized in the census. Furthermore, it was imperative to delineate the census based on faith and love for Christ, acknowledging distinctions evident among believers: some uphold holiness through their actions and obedience to God, while others fail to achieve full sanctification while being drawn to earthly matters. Hence, the Lawgiver rightly ordains that the sacred should be prioritized over the unsanctified, establishing their precedence in the census.
Thus, the Levitical lineage is listed first, followed by males and firstborns. In the divine view, those exhibiting spiritual courage and alignment with Christ, the Firstborn, are highly valued (Rom. 8:29). In this vein, the blessed Paul addresses those whose faith is stagnant, remarking, “My children, for whom I am again in the throes of birth, until Christ is formed in you!” (Gal. 4:19). Therefore, all who embody the image of Christ as firstborn males, distinguished by wisdom, are acknowledged and inscribed in God's book. However, it must be noted that among the other tribes, not all males are counted without distinction, but only the firstborn, since not every individual reflects faith and alignment with Christ; many remain unbelievers. Thus, only the firstborn are enumerated for the sake of Him who is the Firstborn among many brethren (Rom. 8:29).
Conversely, for the descendants of Levi, every male without exception is included in the census, underscoring that holiness completely belongs to God. The census accounts for those one month and older; why is this? Because spiritual infancy in Christ, characteristic of believers, is not disregarded by God, while early childhood symbolizes simplicity in Christ and spiritual infancy. Just as we established that men suited for battle were counted from the age of twenty, we affirm that the age of one month signifies spiritual infancy in Christ. Paul emphasizes, “Brethren, be not children in understanding: for evil be infants, but in understanding be of full age” (1 Cor. 14:20).
Thus, it is vital to recognize our participation alongside those saints who courageously endure trials and strive for commendation. They are filled with divine gifts, achieved through their labors and perseverance, and they generously share what they have received through God’s love. Likewise, the blessed Paul, addressing the faithful, states, “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift for your strengthening” (Rom. 1:11). Wouldn’t a heavenly gift and a spiritual endowment constitute perfect and authentic knowledge of God, as well as an accurate understanding of all that is best?
Notice, then, that individuals from twenty years old and above were enumerated in the census; for it seems that legal precision does not warrant recording those who are powerless and still weak. Of course, the ranks of the saints should include the aged, those already flourishing in spiritual maturity. The law thus treats physical age as a mirror of spiritual age, favoring the mature while setting aside the immature, weak, and childlike, excluding them from the sacred record. The Lord welcomes the spiritual infancy of the elect, alongside their sound minds; indeed, it is commendable to be distinguished by both soundness and simplicity in Christ. Therefore, as the divine Paul notes: “Brethren, be not children in understanding: for evil be infants, but in understanding be of full age” (1 Cor. 14:20). Christ Himself teaches us to “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16). Thus, the purity of the saints is pleasing to God.