Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1: Luther on the CreationLuther, Martin
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Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1: Luther on the Creation
Luther, Martin
Bible. Genesis -- Commentaries
Thus have we replied then to these questions of all cavilling
objectors concerning God's having finished the heavens and the earth
and concerning his having made other things new afterwards. We must
continue this explanation to learn what this Sabbath or rest of God
is, and also in what manner God sanctified the Sabbath, as the sacred
text declares.
II. V. 3. _And God blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it, because
that in it he rested from all his work which God had created and
made._
Christ says, Mark 2:27, that "the Sabbath was made for man, and not
man for the Sabbath." But Moses says nothing here about man. He does
not even say positively that any commandment concerning the Sabbath
was given to man. But what Moses here says is that God blessed the
Sabbath and sanctified it to himself. It is moreover to be remarked
that God did this to no other creature. God did not sanctify to
himself the heaven nor the earth nor any other creature. But God did
sanctify to himself the seventh day. This was especially designed of
God, to cause us to understand that the "seventh day" is to be
especially devoted to divine worship. For that which is appropriated
to God and exclusively separated from all profane uses is sanctified
or holy. Hence the expression "to sanctify," "to choose for divine
uses or for the worship of God," is often applied by Moses to the
sacred vessels of the sanctuary.
It follows therefore from this passage, that if Adam had stood in his
innocence and had not fallen he would yet have observed the "seventh
day" as sanctified, holy and sacred; that is, he would have taught his
children and posterity on that day concerning the will and worship of
God; he would have praised God, he would have given him thanks, and
would have brought to him his offerings, etc., etc. On the other days
he would have tilled his land and attended to his cattle. Nay, even
after the fall he held the "seventh day" sacred; that is, he taught on
that day his own family. This is testified by the offerings made by
his two sons, Cain and Abel. The Sabbath therefore has, from the
beginning of the world, been set apart for the worship of God. In this
manner nature in its innocency, had it continued unfallen, would have
proclaimed the glory and blessings of God. Men would have talked
together on the Sabbath day concerning the goodness of their Creator,
would have prayed to him, and would have brought to him their
offerings, etc. For all these things are implied and signified in the
expression "sanctified."
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