P. Is it possible, then, most reverend, that the purpose of the law is limited to us, and investigation cannot produce anything necessary at all?

K. In that case, how else is the law spiritual (Rom. 7:14)? Or how is it that what the Holy Scriptures say does not deserve attention, namely, for the sake of which that which is in the city should not be redeemed after one year, but that which is outside the city and in the fields can always be redeemed? But it is easy to see that the all-wise God does not give much meaning to the literal meaning, when it is followed by a spiritual meaning and the exact features of the truth are clearly visible.

P. Explain what the law says.

K. It is not clear, Palladius, the matter of this sale, and it is very incomprehensible, even if anyone wants to understand it in the simplest sense. I will tell you, however, as I can and as it comes to my mind. But I beseech thee, and thou shalt tell me, For men who are engaged in the desolation of cities and countries, whom thou thinkest it would be more convenient to take captive with less difficulty, are those who are within walls and well-fortified cities, or those who are in the fields?

P. To whom is this not clear? The easiest way to capture those in unprotected fields is to take prisoners.

K. You are right. And who, do you think, spend their lives better and most decently, whether they are urban and have knowledge in the law, or are they more rudely brought up in the villages? Are not the inhabitants of the villages weaker in safeguarding their safety, while those who dwell in fortified cities will give better advice, and in accordance with the law will discuss what is necessary for their own benefit, when there is a time for counsel and judgment?

P. True: although it may happen that they too will be defeated.

K. And everyone will excuse those who dwell in the villages, if they were taken captive and sinned against the best decision; for they are not at all enclosed by walls, and are less prudent than those who live in cities. And these would be blamed by everyone, and I think very justly, if, after defending themselves against the enemy and saving their property, they voluntarily surrendered themselves to them in the attacks of their opponents, and, defeated by their own cowardice, fell under the power of their opponents.

P. You said it well.

K. Look now at the Jews who live in the holy city, of which the God of all things says: "I will be to it, saith the Lord, a wall of fire round about it, and I will be glorified in the midst of it" (Zech. 2:5); and moreover those who are wise with the law; Wherefore (the prophet) said: "Happy are we, O Israel, that we know that which is pleasing to God" (Bar. 4:4). Do you not think that such people are completely inaccessible to demonic attacks, if only they would decide to live righteously and obey the Divine laws?

P. Exactly.

K. Crowds of pagans, having a coarser and more tractable mind, can quite naturally and easily be taken captive by the predator Satan, being deprived of help from above and not having the law as a tutor of children.

P. I think so.

K. Thus the Jews, who dwell in a city fortified with walls and protected by help from on high, having an educated mind, and knowing what is pleasing to God, then, not judging what was proper for them, having light-mindedly rejected the inheritance assigned to them, and falling away from the highest hope, if they do not sober up from their drunkenness, according to what is written, and do not restore their property at the coming of the year of redemption, that is, the coming of our Saviour, will remain and forever be under the power of the purchaser, that is, Satan. For "behold," says the Lord, "by your iniquities they have been sold for your sins," and "your mother has been set free" (Isaiah 50:1). But the utterly helpless multitude of the Gentiles, afflicted with a coarse and ignorant mind, and therefore given over to slavery to others, can always be redeemed by the mercy of God: for they will receive their inheritance, having been called to freedom in the year of abandonment, when Christ freed all the sunflower from the dominion of demons, removed it from the snares of sin, justified it by faith, and sanctified it by the Spirit, abolishing by His cross "the handwriting which was made concerning us" (Col. 2:11). 14). But the Levitical things are not alienable: the lot of the saints is unshakably observed, and they have a firm hope. In the same way, Christ once said to the most important Mary that she "chose the good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:42). But to the small and the great priest, and to the people, and to all in general, belongs redemption and the steadfastness of hope in Christ.