THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Palladius. Most esteemed, those who delve deeper might inquire how the chosen warriors of Israel confronted and overcame the Midianites, and how they underwent purification from the contamination incurred during battle; your exposition has already shed ample light on this. However, it is necessary to consider if we truly can share in the courage of the valiant and participate in their noble achievements, even if we may not match them in moral integrity and might? This is what you intended to clarify in your address.
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Cyril. Indeed, for immediately after this matter, the relevant statute follows, providing straightforward and easily comprehensible guidance. "And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Count the spoils of the captivity, from man to cattle, you and Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the tribes of the people; and divide the spoils in half among those who went to war, and among all the people; and from the soldiers that fought, take tribute for the Lord, one soul of every five hundred, of men, cattle, asses, and small livestock; and from half of the children of Israel, take from their half and give to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the Lord; and from the remaining half of the children of Israel, take one soul of fifty, of men, cattle, asses, and small livestock, and give it to the Levites who serve at the Lord's tabernacle. And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the Lord commanded Moses" (Num. 31:25-31).
Thus, the command of God was promptly executed: the spoils were accurately counted and divided into two equal parts, with the portions designated for the Lord entrusted to Eleazar the priest and the tribe of Levi. What, then? Can you move beyond forgetfulness and remember what we discussed at the outset?
Palladius. What is it?
Cyril. Does not Scripture declare that a thousand from every tribe were assembled to go to battle?
Palladius. Indeed, it does say that.
Cyril. Additionally, did we not mention clearly that the honor and glory of one part will be ascribed to the whole, since God's humility and compassion arrange matters so that, metaphorically speaking, the fragrant smoke created from diverse incense forms a unified aroma that is offered to God, leading to praise both of the most excellent and those less distinguished?
Palladius. True; this was exactly our intention to explore.
Cyril. Observe how clearly God sets this in place for the children of Israel. Although a selected thousand warriors from each tribe fought against the Midianites and achieved victory—likely through toil and sweat—the spoils of war were immediately shared with the entire congregation. Consequently, the remaining people were honored by the courageous actions of the valiant: "You and Eleazar the priest, and the chiefs of the army, shall divide the spoils: and you shall share the spoils among those who went into battle, and among all the assembly" (Num. 31:26-27).
The Apostle Paul also elucidates that along with the most esteemed and renowned, those who fall short will likewise receive glory; after recounting the faithful saints of old who gained commendation through their faith and radiant glory through their fervent worship of God, he states: "All these died in faith, not having received the promises... because God had provided something better for us, so that they might not be made perfect apart from us" (Hebrews 11:13-40). To others, he writes: "you are already complete; you have begun to reign without us. Oh, if only you truly reigned, that we might also reign with you!" (1 Cor. 4:8).
Do you see how those who have reached perfection are accompanied by those who are lacking, and how those who are not equal to them in strength are nonetheless blessed alongside the chosen? The blessed David sings: "Blessed be you by the Lord, who made heaven and earth... The Lord remembers us, blesses us, blesses the house of Israel, blesses the house of Aaron; blesses those who fear the Lord, both small and great" (Psalm 113:23-20-21).
Together with the exalted are blessed those described as small, who, despite not being able to boast of equal strength and being lacking in their willingness to endure hardship, may stand equal to them in earnestness and faith, bringing joy to Christ through their steadfastness. Moses and Eleazar can symbolize the singular high priest and lawgiver of Christ, dividing the people's treasures in the presence of the holy angels, possibly represented by the heads of the tribes. Do you not acknowledge that many holy angels are present on earth, placed by God to assist the faithful and lead the nations?
Palladius. I acknowledge that; how could I not?
Cyril. We await Christ's return from heaven with the holy angels, to sit upon His glorious throne, bestowing upon each the reward appropriate to their deeds and the honor fitting their works. The wise Isaiah prophesies about Christ: "Therefore I will give Him a portion among the great, and He shall share the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors, bearing the sin of many and making intercession for the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12).
Thus, the sharing of goods will be fulfilled by Christ, as foreshadowed in the acts of Moses and Aaron, since Christ embodies both lawgiver and high priest.
Palladius. You have articulated this clearly.