In Ecclesiastes, we find a reference to the ephemeral nature of light: “And the wheel over the well fell down” (Ecclesiastes 12:6).
They shall consume and hurl stones, and in their intoxication, they will be filled as from wine, overflowing like great vessels, while the Lord their God will deliver them that day, as the flock of His people, for the holy stones shall be glorified in His land. In place of what we express as “shall be exalted,” a more fitting translation of the Hebrew word methnosasoth (מתנוססות) would be “wandering” or “running.” When the Lord shall favor the children of Zion and arise in a whirlwind against their adversaries, the Greeks will face such defeat that they will suffer not just from swords but will be bombarded by stones from slings, causing them to become prey for their enemies. Intoxicated, they will stagger as if drunk with wine; not those who are vanquished, but rather the victors, will fight fiercely, as if filled with despair, presenting themselves to God as the horns of the altar and its offerings. This refers to the large vessels used for pouring libations on the altar. The Lord will rescue them, like the sheep of His people: they will confront the Macedonians not as a well-armed and knowledgeable army but as a flock prepared to sacrifice, prevailing only by God’s assistance. The stones of the saints, labeled so because of their intense suffering and resilient spirits, will rise from their degradation to shine in His land. Alternatively, the stones of the holy ones from the priestly line, journeying to various lands, will be victorious, as the Lord endows them with strength.
Let us also contemplate the mysterious significance of the prophecy, which contains many obscurities: the children of Zion will triumph over their foes, understood as the children of Greece, hurling stones and enforcing obedience upon them, rendered submissive through the power of Scripture; for nothing is more impactful than the example set by the Holy Scriptures, with the testimony conveyed through language akin to stones propelled by a sling. The LXX states, “And they shall drink their blood as wine,” while the Hebrew differs: “When they are drunk they shall become intoxicated as with wine,” echoing the words of the Song of Songs, “Drink, friends, and be drunk” (Song of Songs 5:1). Their intoxication will be deemed pleasing as a sacrifice upon the altar, especially at the altar's corners. The Lord will protect them as the flock of His people, for the holy stones will roll forth so lightly and fervently toward the heights that the builders will not need to assist; they will hasten to align with the foundation of Christ, resting upon the corner-stone, of which the Apostle Peter states, “As living stones ye are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God” (1 Pet. 2:5). These stones will cry out when the people of Israel are silent (Lk. 19:40), moving upon the earth while still dwelling in the flesh, for earthly existence burdens the soul preoccupied with many matters. Thus the saint, residing in the body, cries out: “Who will give me wings like a dove?” (Ps. 54:7). As far as he possesses himself, he yearns and rolls upward to the heights, restrained by the frailty of the flesh. This earth upon which the stones move is that of which we read: “Sing unto the Lord, all the earth” (Psalm 95:1), and “All the earth shall worship Thee and sing unto Thee” (Psalm 65:4).
THEOSIS