THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Palladius. Yet, esteemed one, those who seek deeper understanding might ask how the select warriors of Israel confronted and triumphed over the Midianites, as well as how they purified themselves from the impurities encountered in battle, a topic you have already elucidated for us. However, it is fitting to explore whether we can truly partake in the valour of noble individuals and become participants in their virtuous acts, even if we may not match them in righteousness or courage. This is what you assured us you would clarify.
Read more (802 words)
Cyril. Indeed, for shortly thereafter follows a command that provides clear and easily understood guidance. 'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying: 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 of the half of the children of Israel, take it out of half of them, and give it to Eleazar the priest for an offering to the Lord: and out of the half of the children of Israel, take one soul of fifty, of men, of cattle, of asses, and of small cattle, and give it to the Levites that minister at the tabernacle of the Lord. And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the Lord commanded Moses' (Num. 31:25-31). Thus, the command of God was promptly carried out: the spoils were counted carefully and divided equally, with the portions belonging to the Lord handed over to Eleazar and the tribe of Levi.
What then? Can your mind shake off forgetfulness and recall what we discussed before?
Palladius. What is it?
Cyril. Does Scripture not tell us that a thousand from each tribe were assembled for battle?
Palladius. It indeed states this.
Cyril. And have we not stated clearly that the honour and praise of one group will be shared by all? The kindness and compassion of God orchestrates it so that, metaphorically speaking, from one fragrant smoke composed of many types of incense, one unified aroma may ascend to Him, wherein both the most distinguished and the less notable parts commend Him together?
Palladius. True, this is precisely what we aimed to examine.
Cyril. Observe how simply God affirms this for the Israelites. Although a chosen thousand warriors from each tribe fought valiantly against the Midianites and achieved victory through toil and effort, the spoils of war were immediately distributed among the entire community, thereby bestowing honour upon all through the valiant actions of a few: '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 battle, and among all the host' (Num. 31:26-27). The apostle Paul also clarifies that alongside the most prominent and renowned, those who may seem lacking in comparison will be equally exalted. After recounting the faithful saints of old, who earned praise through faith and gained glory through fervent worship of God, he notes: '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' (Heb. 11:13-40). Moreover, addressing others (Corinthians), he writes: you are already full, 'you have begun to reign without us. Oh, if you would indeed reign, that we also might reign with you!' (1 Cor. 4:8). Do you see how those who have achieved perfection bring along with them those who may fall short, and how those less robust partake in blessings alongside the chosen?
Moreover, the psalmist sings: 'Blessed are ye by the Lord, who made heaven and earth... The Lord remembers us; He blesses us, He blesses the house of Israel, He blesses the house of Aaron; He blesses those who fear the Lord, both small and great' (Ps. 113:23-20-21). Alongside the mighty, the humble are also blessed, who, though they may not boast equal strength or endurance, may share in zeal and faith, delighting Christ through their steadfastness.
Moses and Eleazar symbolize Christ, the supreme High Priest and Lawgiver, distributing the bounty of the people in the presence of holy angels, who may represent the leaders of the tribes. Do you not agree that there are many holy angels on earth, assigned by God to aid the faithful and guide the nations?
Palladius. I acknowledge this; how can I not?
Cyril. We look forward to Christ’s return from heaven with His holy angels to sit upon His glorious throne, rewarding each according to their deeds and honour befitting their good works. The wise Isaiah speaks 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, the sharing of the blessings will be fulfilled by Christ, a foreshadowing found in Moses and Aaron, as Christ fulfills the roles of both Lawgiver and High Priest.
Palladius. You have spoken very well.