Putovanie Izraela a obnovenie Božieho obrazu v človeku: Analýza alegorickej exegézy v Živote Mojžiša II,256–304 od Gregora z Nyssy

In the part of the Life of Moses, discussing the journey of Israel from Sinai to the Promised Land, Gregory follows the exegetical tradition that saw here a liberating spiritual journey of humans to God. This traditional exegesis is incorporated into a wider exposition on virtuous life, i.e. striving for the restoration of God’s image in humans. During the journey Israel overcomes a number of vices and at the end reaches the "Royal Highway" of virtue, which leads between two vices. Israel can keep his balance on it and proceed ahead to the Promised Land. What appears in this final image of a harmony of opposites is not only the Aristotelian concept of virtue, but also the idea of restoration of God’s image in humans. The unity of the human soul was damaged with the First Fall and humans began to succumb to vices that splintered the soul. By striving for virtue, however, it is possible to restore the primordial balance, unity and harmony.