THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
It is clear that He will put an end to all conflict and render the attacks of His adversaries ineffective. This is illustrated by the declaration that He will strike both the horse and its rider with confusion and madness. To be caught in confusion and to succumb to madness are, in essence, similar experiences, as confusion can be seen as a loss of rational thought. When those intent on causing harm experience this state, it becomes understandable for the faithful to assert regarding their oppressors: “Our enemies have no understanding” (Deuteronomy 32:31). Furthermore, they might proclaim, “These are on chariots, and these on horses: but we in the name of the Lord our God shall be exalted. They have collapsed and fallen, but we will rise and be restored” (Psalm 19:8-9).
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Those who pursue the righteousness of the saints may find themselves in states of astonishment and bewilderment, especially when witnessing the saints’ triumph amid trials and challenges. Even when they appear to be vanquished, their true glory shines through suffering, supported by divine grace that matches their afflictions. Additionally, did not the blessed martyrs overcome their oppressors, even triumphing over Satan and commanding evil and unclean spirits to recoil in the face of their innate glory, causing even their executioners to stand in awe at times? Therefore, He proclaims the defeat of the horseman and the horse alike, revealing the hostile forces arrayed against the humility of the saints. “To the house of Judah He will open His eyes,” He states. Here, Judah represents Christ, who arose from the root of Jesse and from the tribe of Judah, as well as His church, the holy assembly of those justified through faith, which constitutes His house. The opening of the eyes suggests that He will gaze upon them with a broad and encompassing vision. This can be understood as a sign of favor, protection, and mercy, as it is written, “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous” (Psalm 33:16). Those upon whom He gazes are made truly blessed, for it is certain that He brings punishment upon the proud and wicked while taking delight in the righteous and virtuous. Accordingly, the divinely inspired David, illustrating the consequences of disfavor versus the blessings of favor, once pleaded: “Turn not Thy face away from me, nor turn away Thy wrath from Thy servant” (Psalm 26:9), and again he cried out: “Look upon me and be merciful to me” (Psalm 24:16); for with rejection comes wrath and its repercussions, but mercy follows close on the heels of a merciful gaze.