Bahya Ben Asher - His Torah Commentary

His Torah Commentary

Bahye's principal work was his commentary on the Torah (the five books of Moses), in the preparation of which he thoroughly investigated the works of former Biblical exegetes, using all the methods employed by them in his interpretations.

He enumerates the following four methods, all of which in his opinion are indispensable to the exegete:

1. The peshat, the "plain" meaning of the text in its own right.
2. The midrash or the aggadic exegesis.
3. Logical analysis and philosophical exegesis. His aim is to demonstrate that philosophical truths are already embodied in the Bible, which as a work of God transcends all the wisdom of man. He therefore recognizes the results of philosophical thought only insofar as they do not conflict with Jewish tradition.
4. The method of the Kabbalah, termed by him "the path of light," which the truth-seeking soul must travel. It is by means of this method, Rabbeinu Behaye believes, that the deep mysteries hidden in the Bible may be revealed.

Generally speaking Rabbi Bahye does not reveal any of his Kabbalistic sources, other than generally referring to Sefer ha-Bahir and the works of Nahmanides. He only mentions the Zohar twice.

Bahye's commentary is considered to derive a particular charm from its form. Each parashah, or weekly lesson, is prefaced by an introduction preparing the reader for the fundamental ideas to be discussed; and this introduction bears a motto in the form of some verse selected from the Book of Proverbs. Furthermore, by the questions that are frequently raised the reader is compelled to take part in the author's mental processes; the danger of monotony being also thereby removed.