The Tyranny of Lawlessness vs. Divine Commands

The God of avenges, being in his avenging, has spoken boldly (Ps 93:1). For because he accurately knows the things of those being judged and even the intention of those doing them, he brings the avenges with boldness; whereas other judges might err by not bringing the punishment in proportion to the quantity and quality of those sinning, wherefore it happens that the judge is shamed as not having rightly punished those caught in wickedness, while he alone is bold in avenging, he who says: 'Measure with a measure, it shall be measured to you' (Luke 6:38); for he gives to each according to his works.

All these things shall be raised up toward the appearance of Christ (Ps 93:2). For then a sinless man having become man spoke boldly, although he is Lord of avenges, but also he judged the earth, proving it full of sin, himself having not done sin nor known sin; therefore also he repaid the Pharisees who had been prominent above him and the invisible enemies who were puffed up in crucifying him.

Often the pit is used to mean punishment, as it has been said: 'And he shall fall into the pit which he himself worked' (Ps 93:13b). And since it has been said unchangeably 'unto the abyss' (for it is not said by whom), it is shown from other writings that the pit which is being dug for the sinner is not dug by another, nor by the one falling into it; for 'they dug a pit before my face and I fell into it' (Ps 7:15); and 'he who digs a pit for his neighbor shall fall into it' (Prov 26:27); and since the fool digs evils for himself, saying evils, the punishments fall upon those sinning through foolishness.

You being our Creator are a care and you take care of us, O Lord (Ps 93:20); therefore if there is any good present to us, we are yours and are from you. But since we see certain wicked men killing the righteous and condemning the innocent, we cry out to you, [not another throne of kingship...].

What these things are accomplished against your servants will not happen to you, but a throne of lawlessness will not happen to you; for you have revealed the king of the law of all things, by whom the whole is governed. If, therefore, the devil, having become an apostate from your commands, attempts to rule lawlessly, he does not understand, nor will it happen to you; but having become a distant robber, he tyrannizes against those who happen to fall under his weakness. For a throne of lawlessness is a rule characterized by tyranny; for there is no other tyrant than a lawless rule. Therefore, he is most weak and contemptible, commanding heavy and burdensome things, weaving toil through his commands.

But your commandments, O God, are not heavy according to John, and they are also useful, lifting up and elevating the one being transformed (Ps 93:20-21). It is possible also to take the word thus: Lord, the throne of lawlessness weaves toil upon your commands, despite your light and easy commanding, casting cowardice and opposing things to the minds of those seated. For, while the right word exhorts to righteousness as beneficial, it sets against injustice gains and supplies, proposing those from this; again, while the word calls to temperance and freedom from care, he weaves toil upon such a command, entering into a thought of cowardice and fear of not being deprived of the necessities, overtaken by sickness and old age. Likewise, regarding the other commands of God, not being heavy, he weaves toil by casting a fantasy of weight.

And it should be read thus: O Lord, he who weaves toil upon your commands as if they were not esteemed because of their ease; for you want those coming to them to straighten them with sweat and toil. For it does not happen to acquire endurance and patience; therefore salvation will be saved. For he who endures to the end will be saved (Matt 24:13). A tyrannical throne will not happen to you; therefore...