THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Palladius remarked that those who seek deeper understanding might inquire about how the chosen soldiers of Israel engaged and overcame the Midianites, as well as about their process of purification following the conflicts, which has already been sufficiently addressed. However, he emphasized the necessity of exploring whether we can genuinely share in the valor of these brave individuals and if we can partake in their commendable actions, despite our own lack of equivalent virtue and courage. Cyril affirmed this inquiry, indicating that the subsequent divine ordinance provides clear and straightforward instruction on the matter.
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He recounted the Lord's command to Moses: "Count the spoils of the captivity, from man to cattle, thou and Eleazar the priest, and the chiefs of the tribes of the people; and divide the spoils in half among them that went to war, and among all the people; and of the soldiers that went to war, take tribute unto the Lord, one soul of each five hundred, of men and of cattle, and of asses and of small cattle...And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the Lord commanded Moses" (Numbers 31:25-31). This directive from God was promptly observed, as the bounty was meticulously tallied and evenly distributed, with portions allocated to Eleazar the priest and the tribe of Levi.
Cyril then posed a reflective question to Palladius, urging him to recall their earlier discussion about the one thousand from each tribe who united for battle. Palladius confirmed this detail. Cyril continued, reaffirming their earlier assertion that the glory of one group is shared by the collective, with God's benevolence ensuring that, like a single fragrant offering from a blend of incense, both the distinguished and the lesser are presented in unity before God.
He illustrated how God exemplifies this for the Israelites: though a select group of warriors emerged victorious against the Midianites through hard-fought efforts, the spoils were quickly shared, thus honoring the entire community through the courageous exploits of the valiant. "You and Eleazar the priest, and the princes of the host, shall divide the spoils: and you shall divide the spoils among the soldiers who went to the battle, and among all the host" (Numbers 31:26-27).
Cyril alluded to the apostle Paul, who elucidated that even those who may be perceived as lesser among great saints share in their glory. After recounting the faithful saints who attained recognition through fervent service to God, Paul wrote, "All these died in faith without receiving the promises…because God had provided something better for us, so that they might not attain perfection without us" (Hebrews 11:39-40). In his letters to the Corinthians, he declared, "You are already perfect… You have begun to reign without us. Oh, if you would indeed reign, that we also might reign with you!" (1 Corinthians 4:8).
Cyril emphasized the unity of the perfected with those seen as inadequate, where even those lacking in earthly strength are privileged alongside the chosen. The psalmist David proclaimed, "Blessed are ye 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, the small with the great" (Psalm 113:19-21).
Thus, even those deemed lesser, lacking the valor of their more esteemed counterparts, may share in equal fervor and faith, bringing joy to Christ through their steadfastness. Cyril compared Moses and Eleazar to Christ, the ultimate high priest and lawgiver, as they apportioned the people's goods in the sight of the angels, who are empowered by God to assist the faithful and guide nations. Palladius acknowledged this truth.
Cyril continued by expressing the hope for Christ’s return from heaven with the holy angels to preside in His glory, distributing rewards fitting each individual according to their deeds. He referenced Isaiah, who prophesied of Christ: "Therefore I will give Him a portion among the great, and He shall share the spoil with the strong, because He gave His life to death, and was counted among the evildoers, whereas He bore the sin of many, and was made an intercessor for the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12). Thus, Christ's distribution of benefits—echoed in the roles of Moses and Aaron—illustrates Him as both lawgiver and priest.
Palladius agreed with his insightful observations.