The Ancient Witnesses

166 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

Now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within his holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our slavery. For, we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem. 32 “The Remnant helps to rebuild Jerusalem after the Exile,” explained Father Greg. “The Prophet also speaks of the Remnant,” said Cyril. Stepping up to the lectern, he read from Isaiah, On that day the remnant of Israel will no longer be associated with those who wronged them and the survivors of Jacob will no longer trust in them. Instead, they will trust in God, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant of Jacob will remain with the mighty God. 33 “Israel was keepin’ bad company!” Preacher commented. “In truth,” agreed Cyril, “God was provoked by Israel when they sent ambassadors to the Egyptians at one time and to the Assyrians at another, begging help from them. 34

32 Ezra 9:8–9.

33 Isa. 10:20-21, quoted from the Septuagint version in the commentary of Cyril of Alexandria. Robert Charles Hill, Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Isaiah , vol.1 (Brookline, M A.: Holy Cross Orthodox Press) , 237. The Hebrew text says “the House of Jacob will no longer lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the Lord” (ESV).

34 Robert Charles Hill, Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Isaiah , volume 1 (Brookline, M A.: Holy Cross Orthodox Press) , 238-239