THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Why, he asks, did such a glorious and renowned city lose all its honor, become wretched, and fall into captivity, a city that had dominated every nation, easily triumphed over its enemies, and consistently showed strength against those who would dare to oppose it, equipped according to the principles of warfare? This is a city that was, through numerous signs and wonders, liberated from the bondage of Egypt, shedding an unbearable yoke, for whose sake rivers turned to blood, hail and darkness struck the land of Egypt, and the sea itself rose up against its oppressors, along with many other astonishing acts performed? 'O hail dove,' referring to the most beautiful city. Holy Scriptures often use this bird to signify beauty.
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For instance, in the Song of Songs, the bridegroom honors the bride by calling her a dove: ‘Arise,’ he says, ‘my beloved, my fair one, my dove’ (Songs 2:10). Jerusalem was indeed beautiful, shining with the light of divine law, adorned with the honor of the priesthood, practicing righteousness, and worshipping the true God in His service. This represents spiritual beauty. Yet, one could understand the name of Jerusalem in relation to the dove in a different light. This bird, if taken from its nest, will usually return to its home when given the chance, flying back to its native place. This was similarly true for Jerusalem itself. Possessing a faith inherited from its ancestors, it ventured into Egypt. In a sense, it departed from the service of its forefathers and turned to idol worship. Yet, called by Moses, it eventually fled from the errors of Egypt and returned to God. However, what, he asks, caused the 'liberated' city to fall captive once again, completely subjugated by others?