THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Palladius. However, esteemed one, some may wonder how the chosen soldiers of Israel triumphed over the Midianites and how they purified themselves from the defilement of battle. You have adequately clarified this for us; yet, it is time to explore whether we, despite our lesser virtue and valor, can legitimately partake in the courage of those brave individuals and share in their noble achievements. This is what you have promised to elucidate in your discourse.
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Cyril. Indeed, for what follows directly relates to this matter and offers clear guidance. 'And the Lord spoke to 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 between those who went to war and the entire community; and of the soldiers who participated in battle, you shall take tribute to the Lord, one soul of every five hundred of men, cattle, donkeys, and small livestock; and from the half belonging to the people of Israel, you shall give one soul of fifty—of men, cattle, donkeys, and small livestock—to the Levites who attend the tabernacle of the Lord. And Moses and Eleazar the priest carried out as the Lord commanded' (Num. 31:25-31). Thus, the divine directive was swiftly implemented; the spoils were meticulously counted and divided, with offerings given to Eleazar the priest and the tribe of Levi.
But tell me, can your mind dispel forgetfulness and recall our earlier discussion?
Palladius. What is it?
Cyril. Does not Scripture state that a thousand from each tribe assembled to fight?
Palladius. It indeed does.
Cyril. Moreover, have we not stated that the honor and praise of one segment would extend to the entire assembly? God's meekness and compassion arrange it in such a manner that, metaphorically, the mixed incense of diverse fragrances ascends to Him, offering a collective praise that includes both the most distinguished and those who are less so.
Palladius. This is certainly the point we sought to examine.
Cyril. Observe how clearly God establishes this for the people of Israel. Although a chosen thousand warriors from each tribe engaged valiantly against the Midianites and, no doubt, secured victory through considerable effort, the spoils of the battle were shared with the entire community. Thus, the remainder of the people was honored by the courageous actions of those valiant warriors: 'You and Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the host, shall divide the spoils: you shall distribute them among the soldiers who fought and all the congregation' (Num. 31:26-27).
The apostle Paul reinforces this truth, declaring that even those who may seem lesser in comparison will attain glory alongside the distinguished. He enumerates the saints of the past who achieved commendation through faith and garnered brilliant glory by their devoted worship of God, affirming that 'All these died in faith, not having received the promises... because God had provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us' (Hebrews 11:13-40). He also writes to the Corinthians, stating that they are already complete, saying, 'You have begun to reign without us. Oh, if only you would truly reign, that we also might reign with you!' (1 Cor. 4:8).
Do you recognize how those who have reached perfection, alongside those who are deemed insufficient, are also brought to completion, and how the less strong receive blessings alongside the chosen? The psalmist David sings: 'Blessed are you by the Lord, who made heaven and earth... the Lord remembers us, blesses us; He blesses the house of Israel, the house of Aaron; He blesses those who fear the Lord, both small and great' (Psalm 113:23-21). Thus, even those referred to as small, who may not share equal strength or readiness to endure hardships, are united with the great in zeal and faith, finding joy in Christ through their steadfastness.
Moses and Eleazar may represent the one supreme high priest and lawgiver, distributing the people's share in the presence of holy angels, who could symbolize the leaders of the communities. Do you not acknowledge that many holy angels are present on earth, appointed by God to aid the faithful and guide the nations?
Palladius. I accept that; how can I not?
Cyril. We await Christ’s return from heaven with the holy angels, to take His place on the throne of glory and assign rewards according to each one's deeds. Thus, Isaiah proclaims concerning Christ: 'Therefore I will give Him a portion among the great, and He shall share the spoil with the strong, because He laid down His life unto death and was counted among the transgressors, bearing the sin of many and interceding for the evildoers' (Isaiah 53:12). Hence, Christ will fulfill the sharing of benefits, a foreshadowing represented by Moses and Eleazar, as Christ embodies both the lawgiver and high priest.
Palladius. You have spoken very well.