Theodoret of Cyrus: Commentary on the Psalms 73–150
Overview
This volume completes the Commentary on all the Psalms written by Theodoret, bishop of Cyrus, in the decade before the Council of Chalcedon held in 451, “a triumph of Antiochene theology,” in the words of J.N.D. Kelly. The work thus bears the marks of the theological currents of those years, especially as Theodoret was instrumental in convening that Council and was involved in the Christological and trinitarian debates of the period.
Theodoret’s work of commentary offers readers a great spiritual classic that has contributed to Christian spiritual formation and received the attention of eminent commentators from Antioch and Alexandria in the East, and from the likes of Augustine of Hippo in the West. As this volume closes, Theodoret claims modestly to have offered his readers the best of his predecessors’ work (including Alexandrian commentators) together with his own insights into “the Spirit’s hidden mysteries.” He writes as a teacher, not a preacher in his pulpit, with the purpose simply of dispelling ignorance, concerned that “those singing [the Psalter] daily and uttering the words by mouth do not enquire about the force of the ideas underlying the words.”
This translation respects the conciseness which the bishop sets as one aim for himself, his other principle being to let the text speak for itself. Theodoret emerges in this work as a measured commentator and balanced exponent of his school’s hermeneutical and theological principles.
Key Features
- Presents the last portion of a major biblical commentary by Theodoret of Cyrus
- Illustrates an Antiochene hermeneutic
- Documents the Christological and Trinitarian concerns of the time
Top Highlights
“The Lord bade us search the Scriptures,22 but there is need of light from above for those searching if they are to find what they are looking for and keep what they have run to ground.” (Page 252)
“Many seek God, but not with their whole heart: they divide it, not only in the direction of worldly concerns but even to unseemly longings, envy, plottings, and schemes against the neighbors. The devotee of divine things, on the other hand, consecrates all his attention to God, and depends on providence from that source.” (Page 248)
“It is not for everyone to make this appeal: no one carrying about a bad conscience prompts the judge to reward, whereas the person exercising pure reasoning makes this appeal with confidence.” (Page 249)
“grace of the Spirit prophesies the captivity of the Jews and the enslavement in Babylon” (Page 45)
“not his complete greatness but to the extent human nature allows.” (Page 161)
- Title: Theodoret of Cyrus: Commentary on the Psalms: Psalms 73–150
- Author: Theodoret
- Series: The Fathers of the Church
- Volume: 102
- Publisher: Catholic University of America
- Print Publication Date: 2001
- Logos Release Date: 2014
- Pages: 395
- Era: era:nicene
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. O.T. Psalms 73-150 › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 0813201020, 9780813201023
- Resource ID: LLS:COMMPSALMS73150
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:28:31Z