The Ancient Witnesses

Chapter 5: The Unfolding of Time, Part 2 • 167

“How does all this relate to the Remnant?” I asked. “Not all Israel offended God,” said Cyril, “some refused to compromise, and only the sinners were called to account.” 35 “Are we finish with this session now?” I asked, eager to move on to the New Testament. “Do you understand the Remnant?” asked Mentor. “They were the Israelites who refused to compromise,” I said, repeating what Cyril had said. “And they helped rebuild Jerusalem,” added Joseph, recalling Father Greg’s words. “What does this teach you about The Unfolding of Time ?” added Mentor. None of us could answer, and I had to admit I didn’t really understand this final theme very well. “Bishop Cyril,” I asked, “what else does the Prophet say that could help us understand the Remnant?” “God has broken the rod of the oppressor as on the day of Midian,” said Cyril, quoting Isaiah. 36 “He rescued the Israelites by driving off Midian, just as He saved the Exiles from the nations by breaking the rod of their oppressors.” 37 Cyril could see by my expression I did not understand. “What do you know about winnowing and threshing?” he asked.

35 Paraphrase of Robert Charles Hill, 239.

36 Isa. 9:4.

37 See Isa. 9:4 and Hill, vol. 1, pages 205-206.