The Fall of Jerusalem in Origen's Newly Discovered Homilies on the Psalms

In the newly discovered Homilies on Psalms, Jerusalem and Mount Sion are often mentioned. Jerusalem’s fate is discussed particularly in H73Ps; the interpretation that Origen gives is once again an anagogical one. Sometimes we find a contrast – which is common in the New Testament – between the ‘earthly’ and the ‘heavenly’ Jerusalem. For the Jewish people, Origen says, the search for “the place of God” is directed at “the earthly Jerusalem, which has been brought to ruins”. For the Christians, on the contrary, the search for “the place for God” should focus on a rational level, on the authoritative part of the soul. As regards Sion, Origen similarly gives a spiritual interpretation. The descent from Jerusalem to Jericho of the wayfarer in the parable of the ‘good Samaritan’ (Lk 10,30ff.) signifies being expelled by God and becoming prey of the forces of evil. While Origen often lays the blame for the destruction of Jerusalem on the Jews, he equally often states that the true cause of it is the ‘opposing Powers’. In conclusion, Origen starts from contemplating the desolation of Jerusalem, the place “where God has dwelt”, then goes on considering the main stages of its history according to the Scripture; finally, he shapes – with great originality and deepness – its cosmic, intellectual and spiritual connotations, which make it forever a very special place.