The Eschatological Dimension of St. Hilary of Poitiers’ "Treatise on Psalm 118"
Abstract
Hilary of Poitiers (+367) is the author of the Tractatus super Psalmos, which originally covered the entire Psalter. Explanatory notes to 58 psalms have survived to the present day, including an extensive commentary on Psalm 118. This article explores the teachings of St. Hilary on eschatology on the basis of the Treatise on Psalm 118. Presented work consists of four parts. The first part presents the meaning of psalm 118, which, according to the author, is a spiritual primer guiding Christians towards an understanding of the heavenly realms. The second part presents the theology of man's creation in the image and likeness of God, which expresses man's calling to eternity. In his work, the Bishop of Poitiers often uses terms that emphasise the eschatological dimension of human life: everlasting goods, eternal life, future goods, eternal reward, heavenly realities or the kingdom of heaven. The third part of the work answers the question: how can we attain eternal life? According to Hilary, salvation can be achieved by obeying the law and the Lord's commandments. Obeying them is no easy thing for man because of his sinfulness, but it is possible by God's grace and mercy. Taking responsibility for one's own salvation is a matter of course and necessity for the Bishop of Poitiers, since one must strive for one's own assurance of eternal goods and reward after death. According to our exegete, true life only begins after temporal death, and this life is eternal. The final part contains the ancient exegete's teaching on the final judgment and resurrection. Hilary has no doubt that every human being will stand before the tribunal of Christ after death. The righteous will receive the reward of salvation, while sinners will receive the punishment of damnation. The Bishop of Poitiers also mentions the existence of Satan and hell, and explains the issue of the resurrection of the dead and the glory of heaven. Written shortly before the author's death, the Treatise on the Psalms also appears to be his personal confession of his hope of salvation in Christ and his desire for eternal life. This work serves as an ever-present encouragement to read and interpret Psalm 118, which prompts deeper reflection on human life in the context of “final matters.”
Keywords:
Hilary of Poitiers, Tractatus in Psalmos 118, Eschatology, Patristic commentary on the Psalter, Patristic exegesisReferences
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