Providência divina em Tomás de Aquino a partir de Isaías 40

Abstract

This thesis analyzes Isaiah 40 and Thomas Aquinas' commentary on the mentioned text, with emphasis on the theological and philosophical concept of divine providence. The first chapter do the exegesis of the biblical text. The second presents Aquinas' commentary on the same text. And the third relates the thought of the prophet with that of the theologian, around the theme of providence. For the comparative analysis between Isaiah and Thomas, with their similarities and differences, there is a guiding question: in the midst of suffering, is it possible to be comforted by divine providence? For Isaiah, the hand of the Lord extends over his people, with creative and restorative power. In the commentary on Isaiah, for Thomas, the basis of the argument is the idea of the creator God and his providence being wise. For Isaiah, God is holy, eternal and creator, has an effective word, a powerful arm, pastoral action with the sheep, dominion over nature, power over princes and judges, and conduction of human history. For Thomas, God possesses the attributes of creation, perfection, goodness and omnipotence. The hypothesis developed, therefore, is as follows: there is a convergence between the two authors, who share the same faith in provident God, since each in his own way expresses divine providence, in Isaiah more symbolic and in Thomas more metaphysical. What St. Thomas commented on Isaiah is current and is not contradictory to contemporary exegesis as we still extract valuable elements for us today