Commentary on Job, part 18

The contrast between humans, who are able to know about God through nature, and non-human animals, who remain ignorant, is allegorized by Stepanos to the contrast between orthodox believers,  who have received salvation through Christ, and the non-believers who are unable to attain it.

“Neither have the sons of the proud trodden it” (28:8)

Although he speaks of the generation of dragons and other wild animals to which was not given the art of mining gold and other precious stones, as we said above about the art of smithing, you should understand this allegorically as the way of the economy of the Savior, which Herod and other cruel kings like him cannot tread unsnared. And also the children of the Jews and heretics who have separated themselves from the faith, of whom the Lord said, “You are of your father, Satan” (John 8:44). They cannot attain by the examination of their minds the holy sacrament of sacrifice.

“and the lion has not passed it” (28:8)

Although the lion is mighty, it cannot pass in a place where the elements are precious.