This text can be interpreted in two ways: either as having been fulfilled during the Maccabean period or as a prophecy yet to come during the age of Christ. The essence of this passage is that when Judah stands majestic in battle, vanquishing foes as easily as treading down muddy roads, they shall triumph, for the Lord shall fight alongside them. Every warrior from Greece will fall, and both Judah and Israel—referred to as the house of Joseph, which signifies the kingdom of the ten tribes—will be saved. I will restore them from their captivity and they will be as they were before I departed, for I am the Lord their God and I will hear their supplications. The Ephraimites, currently in bondage, will be liberated and will exult with such great joy that they will seem intoxicated. Their children will also witness their fathers' victories and will rejoice in the Lord, who has aided them in their triumphs.
Let us reflect on historical occurrences: when Judah and Israel fought together against the Greeks or when Ephraim returned from captivity. According to Ezekiel, the two rods—Judah and Ephraim—became one unity. Figuratively, this represents the Lord Almighty visiting His flock, and in the house of Judah, it speaks of the horsemen about whom it is written: "Let us sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; He has hurled the horse and its rider into the sea." The psalmist proclaims: "At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, those riding on horses have been brought low." The saints echo this with the words: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God; they are brought down and fallen, but we have risen and stand upright." The Egyptian cavalry relied upon their steeds, yet the one cast into the sea sank like lead, demonstrating that Scripture is true: "The horse is a false hope for salvation."
The previous interpretations of chariots and riders represent various forms of turmoil. If they lack the guidance of a competent charioteer, they will be swept into destruction. Yet there is another charioteer, whom Elisha referred to: "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen." God then declares that He will strengthen both Judah and Joseph, uniting those divided during Jeroboam's reign under Christ's leadership, resulting in one flock under one Shepherd. The names Judah and Joseph represent the same message of salvation, as Joseph provided sustenance to those in famine, and the Lord dimmed the world's glory through His earthly presence. He will turn to them with mercy, restoring them to their previous state before His departure. This speaks to the time of persecution; the Lord listens to His servants in their despair.
They will be like the mighty of Ephraim, who, once weak and feeble, will grow strong and worthy of their name, as "Ephraim" signifies abundance. Their hearts will be filled with joy from the wine drawn from the vineyard of Sorek. Their children will also rejoice, as the Apostle Paul declares: "My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you," and Peter, the first of the apostles, instructs: "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance." In the Psalms, we read: "Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord." Hence, these children will shout for joy, their hearts elated in the Lord.
THEOSIS