THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
That which once evoked marvel is now clearly deemed deserving of reproach and condemnation, as illustrated by the cited scripture. In Israel, there were false prophets and deceivers who enticed others “for the sake of a handful of barley and a handful of bread” (Ezekiel 13:19) as the text indicates. Those guilty of such deception were not admonished or restrained from their wickedness; instead, they were pitied and held in high esteem. Thus, they found themselves in a dire condition, as if sustained by the triviality of those who sparked amazement in them. However, in the present day, there is shame, as it is clear that false prophecy is not only rejected but also prohibited, leading those who once exhibited such arrogance to seek punishment for their folly.
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Consequently, confronted with their deception, they renounce their wickedness, metaphorically “putting on the skin of Vlasyanu,” mourning their sin and lamenting their transgressions. They repent for having succumbed to such irrationality in their thoughts, speaking lies against God without remorse, confessing their wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness, stating plainly: “I am not a prophet; for man hath begotten me from my youth,” acknowledging their humanity. Human nature is frail, easily misled, and prone to sin, and such might express the sentiments of the repentant. Should I inquire about the wounds observable on their hands, they would respond, “By them I was wounded in the house of my beloved,” referring to the consequences imposed by their parents for their foolishness, for the “house of the beloved” symbolizes each individual's parental home. Thus, consider the stark contrast between the past and present situations. The false prophets of old garnered admiration, glory, and favorable opinions without remorse. Today, anyone who dares to imitate their predictions faces scorn, shame, even punishment from their parents, resulting in genuine repentance, mourning, and weeping. They acknowledge the frailty of human nature and its inclination towards sin, for the unclean spirit has been cast out from the earth by the power and authority of our Savior Jesus Christ.