THEOSISGregory of Nyssa
What is the significance of Moses being enveloped in darkness while only perceiving God? This account appears somewhat contradictory to the initial theophany, where the Divine presence was revealed in light, yet now it is understood through darkness. However, we do not regard this as beyond the scope of our elevated understanding. The scriptures enlighten us, indicating that the initial encounter with godliness serves as illumination for those it touches. Conversely, the contrary of godliness within one’s mind manifests as darkness, and turning away from this darkness fosters a union with light.
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As the intellect journeys further, demonstrating increasingly profound attention to the truly comprehensible, it draws closer to divine contemplation. In doing so, it becomes more aware of the incommunicable nature of the Divine. By setting aside all that is visible—what is perceived through the senses as well as what is visually comprehended by the intellect—one delves deeper into the inner essence until, through mental inquiry, one reaches the invisible and incomprehensible realm where God is encountered. In this lies the authentic understanding of the inquiries we pursue; even in our quest for knowledge, we recognize the limitations of human comprehension, as the truths sought are enveloped in an obscurity that defies all understanding.
Thus, even the exalted John, who experienced this paradoxical light, asserts: ‘But no one has ever seen God’ (John 1:18). With these words, he powerfully underscores the reality that not only humanity but every rational being is unable to perceive the essence of God. Hence, when Moses attained greater understanding, he acknowledged seeing God in darkness, recognizing that the Divine in His essence transcends all knowledge and comprehension. The scriptures explain that Moses saw ‘in the darkness of God.’ Who is God? He who ‘hath put His covering over the darkness’ (Psalms 17:12), as David proclaims. Within this darkness, he was introduced to divine mysteries. The teachings he received in that obscurity were reaffirmed in darkness once more, so that this doctrine, confirmed by the voice of God, may fortify our understanding.
For the word of God initially warns against making any likeness of the Divine to anything that can be known (Exodus 20:4). Every concept, framed by natural understanding and assumptions, creates an idol that cannot truly represent God Himself. Furthermore, piety is divided into two facets: one focuses on the Divine, and the other on the excellence of character since moral purity is also integral to true piety. Therefore, after Moses learned what was essential to know about God—recognizing that true knowledge must not engage with what is comprehensible to the human intellect—he subsequently acquired understanding of the second aspect of virtue, which pertains to the practice necessary to achieve excellence in a virtuous life.