L’exégèse d’Isaïe 10, 1-23 dans le Commentaire attribué à Basile

Abstract

The Commentary on Isaiah ascribed to Basil of Caesarea passes over the end of chapter 10 (24-34) and the beginning of chapter 11 (1-9) of Isaiah. Regarding its authenticity, the argument that rests on the attack against the Eunomians, to which the explanation of Is 10, 1-4 refers, appears to be inconclusive. On the other hand, the Origenian coloring of the whole explanation of Is 10, 1-24 is corroborated. The historical and literal meaning, which pays heed to the Biblical characters and to their deeds, is associated with the moral exegesis. Some verses are also applied to contemporaneous realities, such as the Eunomian heresy (on Is 10, 1-4, by means of allegory), faking of contracts (on Is 10, 2), executioners’ task (on Is 10, 15), confession of sins (on Is 10, 19), kidnappings (on Is 10, 20). Moreover, the Christocentric explanation plays a part, with regard to the Last Judgment (on Is 10, 3 and 10, 19), or to the Gospel (on Is 10, 23 : “a completed and shortened reckoning”). The author brings in demonology about Is 10, 10b and 10, 13-14. The manner of questions and answers is present (on Is 10, 3 and 10, 10b). It happens now and then that two answers are offered for one question. Definitions of words are frequent (on Is 10, 10b ; 10, 12b ; 10, 16 ; 10, 20). The author is very careful indeed, and yet some gaps, ellipses or even discrepancies are still extant in the text. One cannot attribute all these defects to the author’s clumsiness. The edited text which is now available is imperfect. A new critical edition is absolutely necessary.