Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, and the Prophets

Interpretations on the major and some of the minor prophets, namely Hosea, Joel and Amos.

(The interpretation of the remaining minor prophets is found in the fourteenth volume).

Foreword.

Walch has brought together in the sixth volume of his edition all of Luther's interpretations of the prophets that were known at his time. Since then, the material belonging to it

Content

Open this section of Luther's works.

The sixth part of Luther's complete writings.

(Continued.) More extensive explanation of the 9th chapter of Isaiah.

X. D. Martin Luther's Interpretations on the Prophets.

Laid out 1527--1530. Printed 1532 and 1534. Translated from Latin.

Short report by the publisher of the Wittenberg Latin edition of 1534.

The printer wishes the reader good luck. When I let these notes go out in print two years ago, it happened, due to my excessive haste at the time, that they came to light somewhat

D. Martin Luther's Preface from the Prophets of Isaiah.*)

(1) If anyone wishes to read the holy prophet Isaiah usefully and understand it more fully, let him (if he has no better knowledge) not despise this counsel and advice of mine: fir

Short remarks (scholia) on Isaiah,

compiled from the lectures of Doctor Martin Luther. (1) Whoever wants to explain this prophet must understand two things: First, the grammar, and that he is firm in it and has it p

Short remarks (scholia) on Isaiah.

1. this is, as I already stated in the preface [§§ 1. 2], the title of the book, which one must make known diligently because it shows us the time in which Isaiah lived. Since the

The second chapter.

The kingdom of Judah was preserved after the Babylonian captivity so that Christ would be born in it, as God had promised. Now, since in the first chapter he describes the coming c

The third chapter.

In the previous chapter he described the power of the kingdom of Christ, now he threatens the Jews, who would not accept Christ, with desolation. Therefore this text is a historica

The fourth chapter.

1) He foretold the miserable fall of the Jewish kingdom, now he comforts the remaining ones again and says: the best part of the people will be left, who shall receive the glorious

The fifth chapter.

The prophet now repeats the threat of the future desolation, but under a different image. As if he wanted to say: Well then, they will not be moved by these threatening words; ther

The sixth chapter.

This chapter contains a vision of the future extermination of the synagogue. For the prophet is very rich in words, therefore he has often presented one and the same thing with cha

The seventh chapter.

Here Isaiah begins a new prophecy with which he comforts the unbelieving king Ahaz, who was in the greatest danger because the two very powerful kings of Syria and Israel were figh

The eighth chapter.

Here we can most easily begin the eighth chapter. But this also belongs to the previous chapter. For at the end of the seventh chapter he had said about the flooding up to the neck

The ninth chapter.

Here he inserts a prophecy of the future kingdom of Christ, of the unbelief of the Jews, and of the church that should be gathered from the Gentiles. V. 2: The people who walk in d

D. Martin Luther's Extensive Explanation of the Ninth Chapter of Isaiah, *)

The book is a compilation of his lectures by M. Georg Rörer and subsequently written in more detail by M. Johann Freder. Issued around Christmas 1543; printed 1546.

Interpretation of the ninth chapter of Zesaiä.

Brief Preface. The day of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ is approaching, which must be celebrated and praised with joy in the Church, as at all other times, especially on the d

V. 1. 2. Woe to those who make unjust laws.

(1) Hitherto the prophet has spoken of individual punishments, namely, insurrection, war, famine, concerning the word etc.; now he sets forth the last punishment in general: that th

The eleventh chapter.

In the previous chapter he describes the fall of the king of Assyria and the redemption of Judah. Now he begins a new chapter, and adds to the bodily promise a prophecy of the futu

The twelfth chapter.

Now he adds a song in which he describes how the preaching of the new testament is. But it is, as it were, a concealed opposition to the worship of the Old Testament. As if he want

The thirteenth chapter.

(1) What the prophet has spoken about so far is really a matter for the Jewish people. For he has spoken both of the present kingdom of the Jews and of the future kingdom of Christ

The fourteenth chapter.

This chapter has the same content as the previous one. For since the prophet foresaw that the Babylonians would make the Jews their servants and would afflict them very severely, a

The fifteenth chapter.

1. the chapters are divided unrhymed, therefore we want to make a small change with the beginning of the chapters. 2 Above he spoke about Sanherib; this story happened in the fifte

The sixteenth chapter.

001 This is a prophecy against Moab. As he ascribes vengeance to the Philistines, so he ascribes presumption to the Moabites. For they were a very proud people, because of the grea

The seventeenth chapter.

(1) Hitherto he prophesied against those that lie toward the morning and evening; now he turns toward the north, and prophesies against Damascus, which was the capital of the kingd

The eighteenth chapter.

Here he speaks of the peoples who live on the shore of the Red Sea, as -a are the Troglodytes, Egyptians, Arabs, Ishmaelites etc., who live from robbery, and have a great experience

The nineteenth chapter.

1 Now he also prophesies misfortune over Egypt. For the king of Assyria was at that time the common breed of all the neighboring nations, as the Turk is today. 2 That is, God will

The twentieth chapter.

1 The prophet prophesies against the Moors and Egyptians at the same time, condemning the reliance on the covenants they had made among themselves. 2.n ) This passage serves to con

The twenty-first chapter.

1. he announces his burden to Babylon. For the prophet was very angry with the Babylonians, because they would destroy the rest of the people of Judah and the temple, which the Ass

The twenty-second chapter.

Here he himself prophesies misfortune to Jerusalem, and especially to its court master, Zebna [v. 15]. But it is doubtful what this misfortune was. I think that it was the first Ba

The twenty-third chapter.

So far the prophet has announced to Jerusalem and almost all neighboring nations their impending disaster. Now Tyre and Zidon are left, of which he speaks in this chapter. Because

The twenty-fourth chapter.

After the prophet has gone through the neighboring nations and peoples, he finally comes back to his people. And here arises the question, of what kind of desolation he speaks? Som

The twenty-fifth chapter.

The content is the same as that of the previous chapter, except that here he describes the devastation in different words and with different images. He begins with thanksgiving in

The twenty-sixth chapter.

So far, he has described the desolation of the synagogue and the Jewish kingdom. Therefore, the song that follows here cannot be understood from the earthly Jerusalem, but it must

The twenty-seventh chapter.

In this chapter he indicates that at the time of Christ's future the Lord will strike the Egyptians, Assyrians and Jews, and all the other kingdoms of the world, by the sword of th

The twenty-eighth chapter.

Here is a great confusion in the order, because he describes what should follow last, first, as the prophets usually do. For I understand the first part of this chapter from the ki

The twenty-ninth chapter.

Just as he described the taxation at the end of the previous chapter and comforted the godly, so he describes here the complete destruction and threatens the godless with the sword

The thirtieth chapter.

Here begins a new speech. For the prophet comes again to the people and to their times, exhorting them to faith and to the fear of God. For Sanherib king of Assyria drew near to th

The Thirty-First Chapter.

The content of this chapter is the same as the previous one. For the prophet admonishes his own in various ways, both by threats and by promises, so that he may draw them away from

The Thirty-Second Chapter.

(1) I consider that the former part of this chapter must be connected with the preceding words, that the opinion is this: Though the king of Assyria rages against Judah, yet, notwi

The Thirty-Third Chapter.

1 He now returns to his subject, namely the Assyrians; and to comfort his own, he prophesies to the Assyrians their future defeat. Woe unto thee, thou destroyer, who art not destro

The Thirty-Fourth Chapter.

1 The two following chapters are understood by different people in different ways. Most of the commentators refer them to the last day. I leave others to their opinion, but hold th

The Thirty-Fifth Chapter.

In the previous chapter he spoke about the last desolation of the synagogue. Now follows the prophecy of the church itself, which sprang from the remnant of the desolate synagogue.

The Thirty-Sixth Chapter.

This chapter is clear and explicit, because it contains a simple narration of the story of how Sanherib besieged Jerusalem. But the reader must be reminded here not to be too carel

The Thirty-Seventh Chapter.

In the previous chapter we heard that one should not argue with the blasphemous spirit, because it only becomes more and more irritated. Therefore, one must follow the advice of He

The thirty-eighth chapter.

When the temptation of despair on the left is overcome, the temptation of pride on the right tends to follow, which is exceedingly difficult. For the human mind cannot but be puffe

The Thirty-Ninth Chapter.

1 This history is described a little more extensively against the frightening monster of presumption. The Lord had preserved Hezekiah in the beginning during the siege and the war,

The fortieth chapter.

This is the second part of this prophetic book. For the prophet has divided it into two parts. The first, which we have heard so far, is historical, and deals with the things in wh

The Forty-First Chapter.

He continues to comfort his own and to refute the adversaries. But he makes what he said before credible by citing an exceedingly great example. He contrasts this with the stories

The Forty-Second Chapter.

So far, we have heard a wide-ranging treatise on the righteousness of faith. Although this righteousness is weak in this flesh, he has opposed it to all the splendor of idols and h

The Forty-Third Chapter.

He continues to comfort the church gathered from the rest of the synagogue, which has departed from the law and followed the righteousness of faith, which the prophet has treated i

The Forty-Fourth Chapter.

In the three previous chapters, he discussed the righteousness of faith. He praised this righteousness and the gospel in many ways. He also refuted his own righteousness, and added

The Forty-Fifth Chapter.

Here the prophet starts to talk about the restoration of the Jews by Cyrus. Furthermore, it is to be noted as something special and strange that he calls Cyrus an anointed one of G

The Forty-Sixth Chapter.

The prophet still remains with the promises and consolations that God will snatch his own out of the Babylonian captivity by Cyrus. But he speaks primarily to those who let themsel

The Forty-Seventh Chapter.

The prophet has had enough arguments with his idolatrous Jews, who sought salvation through their actions and despised the promises. Now he turns to the Babylonians and threatens t

The forty-eighth chapter.

1 This is as it were the conclusion of the promise of salvation. For he warns his own to beware of other prophecies, though they boast of great things, and by abominable curses and

The forty-ninth chapter.

The prophets generally deal with two things. First, they teach the people of their time about faith and good works. They comfort the afflicted and frighten the unbelievers. Second,

The fiftieth chapter.

1) Because the prophet began in the last part of his prophecy to speak of the kingdom of Christ, which was begun and confirmed by the calling of the Gentiles and the rejection of t

The fifty-first chapter.

He continues to comfort the church gathered from the rest of the Jews and from the Gentiles, which is afflicted for the sake of the Word. Thou church thinkest thou art a forsaken w

The fifty-second chapter.

The prophet began to prophesy about the kingdom of Christ, the gospel, the faith and the church. However, he did not treat this subject in one speech, but, as we are wont to do in

The Fifty-Third Chapter.

So far the prophet has described the kingdom of Christ under the cross and added many and glorious consolations of the church and the saints. 1) In this chapter, however, he deals

D. Martin Luther's more extensive explanation of the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah,*)

compiled by M. Georg Rörer. Laid out in the Passion and Easter seasons 1544; printed 1550.

Interpretation of the 53rd chapter of the prophet Isaiah

by the venerable Father and Lord D. Martin Luther. This whole fifty-third chapter does not speak of any nation or man, but actually of Christ, the Head Himself. For by correct dedu

The fifty-fourth chapter.

Just as the prophet described Christ as the head of the kingdom in the previous chapter, so here he will describe his body, that is, the church, which is oppressed, barren and aban

The fifty-fifth chapter.

The prophet has so far taught in many chapters what Christ, likewise, what the church fei, namely an assembly of those who adhere to the word, not to visible things. He comforted t

The fifty-sixth chapter.

In the beginning of this chapter, Isaiah acts as a minister of the law, exhorting the people to the righteousness of the law, so that through the law, as through a disciplinarian,

The Fifty-Seventh Chapter.

1 This is a general punishment of hypocrites and of those who go against the word. For he condemns the works saints and idolaters for sinning against the first commandment. First,

The fifty-eighth chapter.

(1) In the foregoing he punished sins against faith; here he attacks the fruits of unbelief and the outward vices which were hidden under their hypocrisy. For these are the two mos

The fifty-ninth chapter.

In this chapter, the prophet answers the wicked who attributed the present calamity not to their sins but to the word of God, just as now, after having begun to teach the word of G

The sixtieth chapter.

(1) We have often remembered that the office of the prophets is twofold, the one to exhort, correct, and punish the people of their time, which is the preaching of the law; the oth

The sixty-first chapter.

In the previous chapter he described the body and the kingdom; now he describes the king and the head itself. But since the essence of religion is that we know Christ well, we shou

The sixty-second chapter.

1 The word is both hated and despised by the world, for the adversaries pursue it with violence and cunning. The others, who do not persecute it, either despise it, or hold it in l

The sixty-third chapter.

(1) The prophet, according to his custom, adds a threat to the promise and exhortation, so that the hardened, who do not respect the promises and laugh at the exhortations, may at

The sixty-fourth chapter.

Because the prophet is saddened by the previous sermon about the future fall of the people, he turns his mind away from the examples of wrath and focuses it on the past benefits of

The sixty-fifth chapter.

This is the last sermon of the prophet, and the last threat of the future desolation of the synagogue in the time of Christ, and of the calling of the Gentiles. For these prophecie

B. An Epistle from the Prophet Jeremiah

Preached in 1526; printed in 1527. Behold, the time cometh, saith the Lord, when I will establish a right plant for David, and a king shall reign, that shall rule wisely, and do ju

C. D. Martin Luther's translation of the 38th and 39th chapters of the prophet Ezekiel from Gog,

together with preface and marginal notes.*) Translated end of April 1530; issued beginning of June 1530.

The 38th and 39th chapters of Ezekiel vom Gog, translated 1530.

1. because in the Revelation of St. John, chapter 20, v. 8, the Gog is described as fighting against Christianity with a great army, like sand on the sea, innumerable, and finally

The thirty-eighth chapter.

Mesech and Thubal are also Tattern and of the people back there, who are called Schütten or Schotten; however Mesech reads, as if the Moschobiter come from them, that is, the Reuss

The Thirty-Ninth Chapter.

V. 2. Behold, I will be upon thee, O Gog, who art a prince of the lords of Meshech and Tubal. Behold, I will direct thee round about, and lure thee, and bring thee out of the ends

D. D. Martin Luther's interpretation of the prophet Daniel.

Written in February 1530; dated about March 1530.

[1. letter of the translation of the prophet Daniel to Duke John Frederick of Saxony]. *)

February or March 1530. To the Most Serene, Highborn Prince and Lord, Lord John Frederick, Duke of Saxony, Landgrave of Thuringia, and Margrave of Meissen, my gracious Lord,

2. preface [on the prophet Daniel, together with the interpretation of the eleventh and twelfth chapters].

In order that the simple, and those who neither know nor can read history, 4) may nevertheless hear this Book of St. Daniel to some extent, I want to provide with this preface a 4)

Interpretation of the eleventh and twelfth chapters of Daniel. *)

The twelfth chapter of Daniel, as all teachers unanimously interpret it, refers entirely under Antioch's name to the end of Christ and to this last time, when we live inside. There

[The twelfth chapter.]

Cap. 12, 1. At the same time the great prince Michael will arise, who stands for the children of your people. For there shall be such a time of trouble, as it hath not been since m

3. disputation on Dan. 4, 24. *)

Whether Daniel ascribes justification to works by saying, "Rid yourself of your sins by almsgiving. Translated from Latin.

E. D. Martin Luther's interpretation of the prophet Hosea.

copied from lectures by D. M. Luther.*) First redaction, according to the Zwickau manuscript.

The first chapter.

It is known that the Hebrews and the prophets have this habit of beginning their books with superscriptions. God always calls to repentance before His wrath comes, as can be seen i

The second chapter. *)

I understand it in such a way that the whole chapter is said to those who have obtained mercy, both Gentiles and Jews. I understand the outcast sister to be the unbelieving Jews, s

The third chapter.

We have heard the prophecy of Christ. Throughout the rest of the book, he speaks against the hypocrites of his time and against the wicked, except for the prophecy in the fourth ch

The fourth chapter.

In the same, the prophet begins to punish the public vices, the fruit of unbelief, after he has acted on faith. The prophet is sure to preach the word of the Lord etc. - Instead of

The fifth chapter.

In the fifth chapter, he will deal with a special service. The prophet did not write this at once and at the same time, nor did he preach it in one and the same year. The Assyrian

The sixth chapter.

They will make up early, they will seek me early. "Early do" [in Hebrew] (manicabat), 2) is a unique (unica) expression. Not otherwise than in affliction will this people come to m

The seventh chapter.

"This is also a dark chapter." The opinion is briefly this: He seems to be dealing with the fact that, since he had punished until now and might have brought both the king and the

The eighth chapter.

Here again the Spirit admonishes the prophet to stop and continue because the people are in godlessness and all too much outward appearance of worship. In Isaiah [Cap. 58, 1.] this

The ninth chapter.

"But there we have another." The prophet still remains with the threat of future captivity, taking away all confidence from them. Notice the five kings, Sallum 1) etc., who killed e

The tenth chapter.

The meaning is dark, not the words; "strange prophet!" He still seems to talk about the captivity etc. Although there are people who seem to live differently, and pretend some repen

The eleventh chapter.

Instead of in mane or sicut mans,.it should rather read [in] aurora. This is the opinion of this chapter, that the idolatry of this people is an ingrained evil. They are called tra

The twelfth chapter.

Here is a new sermon: 1) Hosea prophesied not only in one year. Here he challenges Ephraim to zeal by comparing it to the tribe of Judah etc. "Fie, be ashamed of yourselves! Look at

The thirteenth chapter.

Again, a new sermon begins. These sermons have been preached in different years and lines, as if he wanted to say: "But a new pebble 2) is coming. All their worship is punished by

The fourteenth chapter.

This is the valet, he decides. It would be best to put everything in the indicative [not the conjunctive as in the Vulgate]. Amaricat Deum, that is, disobey their GOd. "It shall be

2. notes about the prophet Hosea. *)

Newly translated from the Latin.

The first chapter.

According to the Hebrew way, the prophet begins the book with a superscription in order to indicate through it what, as we see, happens with all words of God. For where wrath remai

The second chapter.

If this whole chapter is not taken as being said by the prophet to the apostles that they should proclaim the mercy of God to the Jews as well as to the Gentiles, then I do not see

The third chapter.

It is a question of which captivity the prophet is talking about here. Some have understood it of the Babylonian captivity, others of the Roman. If I might venture, I would maintai

The fourth chapter.

In this chapter the prophet begins to punish the great vices, namely the fruits of unbelief, at the same time also unbelief itself. The one who preaches must be sure that he speaks

The fifth chapter.

The prophet did not write this prophecy at one time, nor did he preach it in one year, but as he was moved by the spirit, so he prophesied. It seems that Isaiah lived at the same t

The sixth chapter.

This is the transition to the kingdom of Christ, because these words ["They will have to seek me early"], 2) which are so glorious and magnificent, could not be understood of any o

The seventh chapter.

In this chapter, the prophet seems to rebuke the false prophets who draw the people, who had already been converted to God by Hosea, back to idols, who persuade the princes and the

The eighth chapter.

Again, the Spirit admonishes the prophet to stop, not to cease calling the people back, lest they seek outside help. "Only rebuke confidently," for they need great rebuke. Stop wit

The ninth chapter.

The prophet stays with the threat of future captivity and takes away the trust and help on which they rely. He goes against their security, in which they vainly believe that there

The tenth chapter.

This chapter seems to be preached at the time of Hosea, the last king, who recognized the error, but in the meantime increased the sacrifices. Therefore, the prophet insists on the

The eleventh chapter.

He tells them that idolatry is an ingrained evil, and (as the prophet Isaiah [Cap. 48, 8.] 1) says: "From the womb you are called a transgressor." "Sin has accustomed them from the

The twelfth chapter.

The twelfth chapter begins with the words: 1) "In Ephraim is everywhere" etc., because here a new sermon begins, then also because the same is continuous thereafter, and such a one

The thirteenth chapter.

Again, a new sermon begins because the prophet sees new sacrifices, new services, as if he wanted to say: The people have not had enough of the fact that they have sinned up to now

3. interpretation of the prophet Hosea,

recited by D. Martin Luther in public lectures and later overlooked by himself; compiled by Veit Dietrich. *) Published 1545.

Preface on the Prophet Hosea.

From the reading of the prophets and the content of the sermons of Hosea. The knowledge of the prophets is very necessary in the church, because they faithfully inculcate the doctr

The first chapter.

He does not mention his name nor his fatherland. He only indicates the name of his father, who was perhaps also either a prophet or a teacher, because he has a name that comes from

The second chapter.

This piece connects the old translation with the previous one, but because the prophet here starts a new sermon about a new people and a new kingdom, therefore we want to start a n

The third chapter.

This chapter is explained by the interpreters in various ways, because some understand it of the whole people, as if it were a prophecy of the last times of this people, when the f

The fourth chapter.

At this point, the chapters are correctly differentiated, because the prophet begins a new sermon here, which is so suitable for our times that one could believe that he did not pr

The fifth chapter.

This chapter also contains the punishment of idolatry, and the threat of certain destruction is added. For God can suffer nothing less than the contempt of His word, which is a con

The sixth chapter.

Cap. 5, 15. Again I will go to my place until they recognize their guilt (donec abjiciant peccatum), and seek my face, if it is bad for them, they will have to seek me early (and s

The seventh chapter.

The following sermon is also a legal one. It contains a punishment of idolatry and threatens the sure sinners with punishment. There is no difficulty in the matter here, only the g

The eighth chapter.

This, too, is a legal sermon in which the prophet condemns both idolatry and reliance on human protection or alliances with the heathen, and threatens destruction. Therefore, as fa

The ninth chapter.

This is also a sermon of repentance, in which he condemns the idolatry of the kingdom of Israel and threatens desolation. Therefore, everything is clear. The sermons so often repea

The tenth chapter.

This is a common image among the prophets, that they compare the holy people to a vineyard, because of the holy and GOtte pleasing fruits, which follow the words of GOtte. But just

The eleventh chapter.

This is connected with the preceding, for it is a prophecy of the same content, only that the Lord here, as he has done several times above, mentions his benefits, which he has sho

The twelfth chapter.

This is a new sermon, but of quite the same content, for he condemns idolatry and threatens desolation. For just as a physician, as long as the disease lasts, does not give up cari

The thirteenth chapter.

When Ephraim returned terribly, he was exalted in Israel; then they sinned through Baal, and were slain for it. But now they make much more of their sins, and of their silver such

The fourteenth chapter.

Rightly we start here the last chapter, because the prophet wanted to summarize here the epitome of all his sermons. First of all, he threatens the kingdom of Israel with desolatio

The most distinguished doctrines and the main sayings in the sermons of the prophet Hosea.

We want to briefly summarize all the sermons of Hosea, so that if you cannot grasp the whole book, you may still remember what is the main point. Hosea is mainly concerned with thi

Martin Luther's addition to the passage of Hosea Cap. 13, 14: Death, I will be a poison to you etc.

This passage [which in the Vulgate reads]: Ero mors tua, o mors, ero morsus tuus, inferne [Death, I will be your death, Hell, I will be your bitefs, the apostle Paul reads 1 Cor. 1

F. D. Martin Luther's interpretation of the prophet Joel.

according to the Altenburg manuscript.*) Held in July; finished August 9, 1524. Printed in Dietrich's first edition in 1536; after the Altenburg manuscript in 1884. Newly translate

The first chapter.

The sermon contained in this chapter was not only preached in one place, but often in many places, for he addresses all the inhabitants of the land. Super hoc [of this) is a freque

The second chapter.

In the first chapter, the prophet dealt with 1) the small plague of locusts and beetles in order to draw a conclusion from it about the real and complete destruction that threatene

The third chapter.

I am uncertain 2) where this chapter is to be drawn, whether to what follows or to what precedes. I, in my opinion, relate it to the kingdom of Christ, and think that it is an inte

2. D. Martin Luther's Interpretation of the Prophet Joel

in Veit Dietrich's second adaptation.*) Outgoing 1547.

Preface to the Prophet Joel, by Nicolaus von Amsdorf.*)

In these last days it is very useful and good, indeed highly necessary, that we diligently read, preach and practice the dear prophets. For since the same two ordinary regiments, s

Interpretation about Joel.

At what time the prophet Joel preached is therefore uncertain, because he does not remember in the title of the kings at whose time he lived. But if the content of his prophecy is

The first chapter.

This is a common entrance among the prophets, but much more sublime than it appears at first sight, namely, that they bring not their thoughts, not their counsels, but the word of

The second chapter.

V. 1-11: Blow with the trumpet in Zion, shout on my holy mountain; tremble, all the inhabitants of the land, for the day of the Lord is coming and is near. A dark day, a gloomy day

The wide part of the sermons of Joel.

Here we will properly begin the third chapter. For the prophet now passes from the people of his time to the joyful day and kingdom of the Son of God in this world, which has been

The main lessons from Joel's sermons.

1. of repentance, Joel 2:12 ff. "Thus says the Lord: Turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, with lamentation. Rend your hearts, and not your garments, and turn

3. lectures on the prophet Joel, according to the Zwickau manuscript. *) Delivered in 1524; printed in 1884.

Translated from the Latin.

D. Martin Luther on Joel.

1 ) All the prophets have the same opinion, that they aim at the future Christ. They use everything else so that we should draw everything to the future judgment: if a pestilence c

[The first chapter.]

He does not seem to have prophesied this in one place, but in many, as a prophet must do. Instead of super hoc it should rather be "of it" (de eo), as if he wanted to say: Do not f

The second chapter.

The prophet has to do in the first chapter with the fact that he tells the simple, small plague of the animals etc., from which he makes the conclusion later on the complete destruc

The third chapter.

We want to let this chapter "remain" with the kingdom of Christ. I consider it to be an explanation of the previous chapter. At the time of Joel the neighboring nations were eager

G. D. Martin Luther's interpretation of the prophet Amos.

according to the Altenburg manuscript.*) Held i" December 1524 and in January 1525. Printed in Dietrich's edition 1536, later Altenburg manuscript 1884.

[The first chapter.]

"The words of Amos" is spoken in the Hebrew manner; we must translate it in Latin thus: Haec sunt, quae vidit Amos ["This is what Amos saw"]. It is also said later [Cap. 7, 14] tha

The second chapter.

1) Here again there is nothing certain about history, which is mentioned in the beginning of this chapter. The Jewish fables do not please me, because they do not make us certain t

The third chapter.

The short epitome and the occasion for this chapter or the following sermon is this: 3) Many were annoyed by the previous sermon of the prophet, and accused the prophet of foolishn

The fourth chapter.

2) He addresses the ungodly wives of the wicked and calls them "fat cows". For this generation is far too weak to have any use for prosperity, since they are wont to afflict the he

The fifth chapter.

4) As I said above at the beginning of the third chapter, the prophets did not finish these books, which contain prophecies or sermons, in one year, just as they did not immediatel

The sixth chapter.

The prophet persists in proclaiming the future captivity which he has always threatened above. And he begins here again another sermon, in which he comprehends at the same time the

The seventh chapter.

What he has prophesied and threatened with clear words so far, he prophesies here with dark words and visions. The mercy and long-suffering of God is praised to us, who does not wa

The eighth chapter.

The last two chapters of this prophet are the last two sermons in which he, tired of preaching, predicts that the whole nation will be completely destroyed, both as far as the king

The ninth chapter.

The last two chapters, as I have said, deal with the final destruction of the entire kingdom and the priesthood. 2) The previous chapter actually contains the destruction of the ki

2. Luther's lectures on the prophet Amos,

according to the Zwickau manuscript.*)

Held in December 1524 and January 1525, printed in 1884.

Translated from Latin.

The Prophet Amos.

I go to this lecture for no other reason than that the Word may dwell abundantly among us and that God may be praised with hymns and psalms. I want to help as much as I can so that

[The first chapter.]

Verba, [the word that means: this is what he saw 1) etc. Below [Cap. 7, 14.] he says to Amaziah: "I am not a prophet", that is, he was not of the lineage and status of the prophets.

The second chapter.

[Instead of] incendere [it should be comburere, for in Hebrew] the verbum "means" "to burn altogether." Carioth, better: cities, appellative. I do not like here the fables of the J

The third chapter.

This is another sermon. Hardly once in a year have the previous sermons been collected like this. The summa is this: Annoyed by the previous sermon, they accuse the prophet of nons

The fourth chapter.

Confringitis, you crush. Instead of in sancto it should read per sanctum suum ["by his sanctuary"), aperturas, "gaps". XXXXXX [, "gen Harmon"). 1) He seems to me to punish the wome

The fifth chapter.

There follows another sermon, preached in a different year, but containing almost the same thing as the previous sermons. The sermons are given and collected at different times. So

The sixth chapter.

The prophet remains to announce the captivity. He starts something new all. In the following sermon he summarizes at the same time the two tribes Judah and Benjamin with the ten tr

The seventh chapter.

This chapter is light. What he has threatened with clear words until now, he now does with dark speeches and visions. All this happens because God is long-suffering and waits for r

The eighth chapter.

The following sermons are the last prophesies, in which he declares that they shall be disturbed, both concerning the kingdom and the priesthood, and indicates that he is as it wer

The ninth chapter.

These last two chapters deal with the final destruction of the kingdom and the priesthood of this time. "Strike", smash, smash all who find at the top and at the bottom, the first

Interpretation of the Old Testament.

(Conclusion.) Interpretations on the prophets Obadiah to Malachi.

fourteenth part of the complete writings of Luther.

Doctor Martin Luther's forewords, also historical and philological writings. The Preface to the Prophet Isaiah, 1528, is found in vol. VI, col. 4.

Supplement to the sixth volume.

Dr. Martin Luther's Interpretation of the Old Testament. (Conclusion.)

10. preface on the prophet Jeremiah. *)

1 To understand the prophet Jeremiah, it must not take much gloss, if one only looks at the stories that happened among the kings, at which time he preached. For the way things wer

11. preface from the prophets Ezekiel. *)

Ezekiel went with King Jechansa, like Daniel and others, willingly to the prison of Babylon, according to the counsel of Jeremiah, because he always advised them to surrender to th

12. preface on the prophet Hosea. *)

Hosea lived and preached (as he himself indicates in the title) in the time of the other and last Jeroboam, king of Israel, at which time also Isaiah lived in Judah, also Amos and

13. preface from the prophets Joel.**)

1 Joel does not indicate at what time he lived and preached. But the ancients say: he was at the time when Hosea and Amos were; so we leave that alone and do not know how to improv

14. preface from the prophets Amos. *)

Amos shows his time, that he lived and preached in the time of Hosea and Isaiah, and preaches against the same vices and idolatry, or false saints, like Hosea does, and also procla

15. preface to the prophet ObadJa.*)

1 Obadiah does not indicate what time he lived, but his prophecy refers to the time of Babylonian imprisonment, for he comforts the people of Judah to come again to Zion. 002 And h

16. preface to the prophet Jonah. *)

1) Some want to hold this prophet Jonah, as Jerome shows that he was the son of the widow at Zarpath near Zidou, who nourished the prophet Eliam in his time, 1 Kings 17:9 and Luc 4

17. preface from the prophets Micah. *)

1 The prophet Micah was at the time of Isaiah. He also quotes the words of the same prophet, which are written in the second chapter, so that one can well feel how the prophets, wh

18. preface to the prophet Nahum.*)

1 The prophet Nahum prophesied of the destruction that the Assyrians would do against the people of Israel and Judah. As was done by Salmanasser and Sanherib because of their great

19. preface from the prophets Habakkuk.

This preface is found again word for word in Luther's "Auslegungen über den Propheten Habakuk", §§ 12-14, in this volume. The only difference is that there 8 12 begins: "So this Ha

20. preface from the prophets Zephaniah. *)

1 Zephaniah was in the time of Jeremiah the prophet, for he prophesied under King Josiah, as Jeremiah's title indicates. Therefore he prophesied the same thing that Jeremiah prophe

21. preface to the prophet Haggai? *)

1 Haggai is the first prophet given to the people after the prison of Babylon, through whose prophecy the temple and the service of God were restored, and Zechariah was given to hi

22. preface to the prophet Zechariah.*)

I1. This prophet was in Babylonian prison, and together with his companion Haggai, he helped to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, and to bring the scattered people together again,

23. preface to the prophet Malachi. *)

I. This Malachi the Hebrews hold to have been Ezra; this we leave so well, for we can have nothing certain of him, without which, to take so much from his prophecy, he was not long

24. preface to the book of Judith.**)

1) If one could prove the story of Judith from proven, certain histories, then it would be a noble, fine book, which should also be in the Bible, but it hardly rhymes with the hist

27 Preface to the Book of Jesus Sirach. *)

1 This book has been called in Latin Ecclesiasticus, which they have translated: the spiritual discipline. And is almost well practiced and used in the church, with reading, singin

28. preface to the book of Baruch. *)

Very low is this book, who also is the good Baruch. For it is not credible that St. Jeremiah's servant, who is also called Baruch (to whom this epistle is also dedicated), should n

29. preface from the first book of the Maccabees? *)

1 This book is also one of those that are not counted in the Hebrew Bibles. Although it keeps almost the same way with speeches and words, as other books of the holy scripture, and

31. preface from the plays Esther and Daniel. *)

(1) Here follow some pieces which we do not want to translate in the prophet Daniel and in the book of Esther. For we have plucked up such cornflowers (because they are not in the

53 Preface to the Revelation of St. John. *)

(1) Various prophecies are found in Christendom. Some prophesy by interpreting the Scriptures of the prophets, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 and other places. This is the

54 Preface to the Revelation of St. John, 1522,

which Luther suppressed in the later editions of the New Testament.*) In this book of the Revelation of John, I also let everyone have his own way; I do not want to bind anyone to

5. preface about the D. Ambrosius Moiban interpretation of the

(1) Many strange things have happened in the Christian church, some comforting, some frightening, as the ancient histories and books testify. But in my opinion, if such a diligent

9. preface about the D. Joh. Brenz interpretation of the prophet Amos. *)

To the man to be highly honored in Christ, D. Johann Brenz, the disciple and confessor of Christ, the faithful elder of the church at Hall. Grace and peace in Christ our Lord. Now,

3. Preface to Augustine's book de spiritu et litera.. *)

Newly translated from the Latin. It is not without reason that this book of St. Augustine should be read publicly in this school, especially at this time of ours, when the papists,

and Antichrist.

and Antichrist.

The beast is taken, and with her the false prophet that wrought signs by her, that he might deceive them which took his mark from him, and worshipped his image: they are sunk into

5. Preface to a collection of small writings by Joh. Wessels from Groningen. *)

Greetings to the Christian reader GOtt! The prophet Elijah the Thisbite once thought, when the word of the Lord was precious and there was little prophecy [1 Sam. 3, 1], and almost

6. preface to Savonorola's meditation on the 51st Psalm.*)

Newly translated from the Latin. Grace and peace in Christ. We offer you, dear reader, the holy reflections of this holy man Jerome Savonarola, so that you may also see by this exa

8. preface to Franz Lambert's "Evangelical description about the rule of the barefoots ", *)

About the end of July 1523. Martin Luther wishes the godly reader grace and peace. Behold, I beseech thee, dearest reader, how exceedingly true has become that which Christ says [L

11. preface to Johann Lichtenberger's prophecy, *),

1. Because this book of Johannis Lichtenberger with its prophecies is not only widely used, both in Latin and German, but is also held in high esteem by many, and is also despised

24. preface about Joh. Brenz's sermons to the Turks. *)

February 1532. Newly translated from the Latin.

29: Preface to the booklet on almsgiving by M. Caspar Aquila, pastor of Salfeld*).

(1) The ingratitude of the world is so exuberant, and is increasing day by day, that unless the last day comes, we will worry, not worry, but worry. They will certainly have to pro

39 Preface on Calvin's Interpretation of the Sunday Epistles, *)

I thank God the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord, so be it with me, that I have experienced so much, that in the pulpit one must now at least preach the text of the Gospel and

43 Preface to John Sutel's Interpretation of the Gospel of the Destruction of Jerusalem. *)

(1) The world is now so evil, and the longer the worse, that one may well with all diligence and perseverance present the examples of divine judgment and wrath to the people and im

b. Preface to the Answer of the German Imperial Estates and their Complaints against the Roman See. *)

Martin Luther wishes the godly reader salvation in the Lord. In my opinion and advice, our people would do very well to take care that this and similar books are preserved for the

D. M. Luther historical and philological writings.

First edition 1541; improved 1545. (Burgensis in the first part, Distinctio 3, Cap. 4 Scrutinii.)

From the seventy weeks of Daniel.

Now let us look at Daniel about the seventy weeks. [Dan. 9, 25.:]"From the time that the command went out that Jerusalem should be built again" etc. We do not want to concern oursel

9. D. Martin Luther's exhortation to the mayor of Wittenberg to abolish the abuse of the churchyard. *)

Dear Mayor! Since the abuse in the churchyard is becoming more and more frequent, that everyone lays, leads, places, and does his own bidding in it, so that the dear dead, who have

1. Luther's lectures on the prophet Obadiah,

according to the Altenburg manuscript. *) Newly translated from the Latin.

2. lectures of Luther on the prophet Obadiah, according to the Zwickau manuscript. *) Delivered in January 1525; printed in 1884.

Translated from Latin. The Prophet Obadiah.

1. the prophet Jonah interpreted by D. Martin Luther. *)

Published by Luther himself in German in 1526. Preface to the Prophet Jonah.

The prophet Jonah.

1) Some want to hold this prophet Jonah, as Jerome shows that he was the son of the widow at Zarpath near Zidon, who nursed the prophet Elijah in his time, in the first book of Kin

The second chapter.

(1) Not that he spoke these words with his mouth and put them in such order. For he was not so well in such a gruesome death that he could have composed such a fine little song; bu

The third chapter.

This is written so that we may know how nothing can be done without God's word and command. For the first command of God was nullified by Jonah's disobedience. Therefore, if God ha

The fourth chapter.

This is truly a strange saint to me, who is angry that God is merciful to sinners, and does not grant them any good, but vain misfortune, contrary to the kind of love that wishes a

2. lectures of Luther Who the prophet Jonah,

according to the Altenburg manuscript.*) Delivered probably in February 1525; printed in 1886.

The first chapter.

V.2.3 Arise, and go into the great city of Nineveh, and preach therein: for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah arose, and fled before the Lord, and would have gone to

The second chapter.

So that the terror of death would be even greater, Jonah is not only thrown into the sea, where there was nothing from which he could have hoped for help, be it from God or from me

The third chapter.

We have said enough and too much about the greatness of Jonah's task in the first chapter. For what we read in our Latin Bible: itinere trium dierum, according to the Hebrew it is

The fourth chapter.

The beginning of this chapter seems to be anticipated (per anticipationem dici), since the same is repeated afterwards, where he returns to the order of the history. 1) For this is

3. Luther's lectures on the prophet Jonah,

according to the Zwickau manuscript. *) Delivered probably in February 1525; printed in 1886.

[The first chapter.]

Short words, a very big task. What moved him [to curse], 3) I do not know, I think it was flesh and blood. I think he looked at the greatness of the task, the danger, [feared] deat

The second chapter.

[V. 1.] "And Jonah was [in the body of the fish]."-[V. 3. "Out of the belly of hell," that is,] out of the body of the fish. - [Instead of inferi it should read] inferni.-[V. 4. In

The third chapter.

[V. 3. According to the Hebrew it should be called Magna Deo [in the Vulgate "God" or "before God" is missing].- [Instead of itinere it should be:] Transitu trium dierum [to pass t

The fourth chapter.

[V. 2. Numquid non is as much as] nonne.- [Propter hoc praeoccupavi, ut fugerem in Thar- sis,] that is, therefore I have come before, to flee to the sea. - [Clement, that is] graci

K. D. Martin Luther's interpretation of the prophet Micah.

from Luther's lectures compiled by M. Veit Dietrich. *) Newly translated from the Latin.

[D. Martin Luther's Preface to the Prophet Micah.

Since the desolation of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah was imminent, many prophets were sent by the Lord to proclaim this disaster beforehand and to exhort the people to repentan

The first chapter.

The word xxx is a familiar expression. It is properly translated by "word," but it has a broader meaning among the Hebrews than among us, for it signifies the whole matter acted or

The second chapter.

We have finished One Sermon of the Prophet, in which he predicted both the kingdom of Israel and Judah the future calamity by the Assyrian. But he has added the cause, which is qui

The third chapter.

We have heard three sermons of the prophet. The first two preach about the punishments of idolatry and avarice. The third one is a consolation of the kingdom of Christ, which is as

The fourth chapter.

Now the prophet moves on from the physical realm to the spiritual, that is, from the punishment of the wicked to the consolation of the saints, so that they may have something to c

The fifth chapter.

Cap. 4:14 But now, thou warrior, prepare thyself: for they shall besiege us, and smite the judge of Israel with the rod upon his cheek. The prophet has preached gloriously about wh

The sixth chapter.

This chapter contains a wonderful sermon of repentance. For in the beginning he remembers the many and great benefits that God has shown this people. But because they did not give

The seventh chapter.

This is the last sermon of this prophet. In the beginning is a lament about the wickedness and ungodliness of his people, who had the word, but did not use it for repentance and co

The main teachings and sayings from the sermons of the prophet Micah.

The first chapter. The first chapter contains the prophecy of the devastation of both kingdoms by the Assyrian Sanherib. For though he was cut off by the angel from the gates of Je

2 Luther's comments on the prophet Micah,

in Luther's lectures.*)

According to the Altenburg manuscript.

Preface to Micah. When the destruction of the Jewish people was imminent, and a new time and a new kingdom were approaching, namely through Christ, who was to come, many and excell

[The first chapter]

"In the days of the kings of Judah." He does not remember the kings of Israel, although he predicts the destruction of both. Amos and Hosea include both, the kings of Judah and Isr

The second chapter.

In the previous chapter one sermon is completed, in this chapter he starts a new sermon. For he preached this sermon on different days or at different times, not all at once, as I

The fourth chapter.

The prophecy of this chapter is almost word for word also in Isaiah Cap. 2. I am completely of the opinion that Isaiah has taken his own from Micah, as I have also reminded above t

The seventh chapter.

In this last chapter, the prophet concludes his entire prophecy in general by punishing the perverse and godless customs. He proclaims the captivity and the future salvation. He is

The sixth chapter.

In these two previous chapters he has generally finished the prophecy of Christ and the reign of Christ through the gospel. Now he returns to his ministry in what follows, namely b

The seventh chapter.

In the last chapter, he has summarized his entire prophecy in a bundle, as it were, by first punishing the godless customs of the people and then moving on to the kingdom of Christ

3 Luther's comments on the prophet Micah,

in Luther's lectures. *)

[The first chapter]

When the disturbance of the Jewish people was imminent and a new time was to come, many prophets were sent beforehand, who announced the disturbance, whether they could not move th

The second chapter.

In the first chapter one sermon is completed, this chapter is another sermon, which may have been preached on different days or at different times. And in the first one he announce

The third chapter.

I believe that this chapter is spoken repeatedly, because the text that just precedes is given after the captivity of the kingdom of Jacob, because it says that it should be gather

The fourth chapter.

We have this prophecy in the same way in Isaiah, Cap. 2. Micah seems to me to be older; Isaiah was his contemporary. I believe that Isaiah took this from Micah. After the destructi

The fifth chapter.

So far he has prophesied about the victorious army under Christ. Through this victory vengeance will be taken on the physical victors etc. After this victory is described, he now de

The seventh chapter.

In this last chapter, the prophet concludes his entire prophecy in general by punishing the perverse and godless customs. He proclaims the captivity and the future salvation. He is

I. Interpretation of the Prophet Nahum.

according to the Altenburg manuscript. *) From lectures which began in June 1525 and ended on July 4, 1525. First printed in 1552, then after the manuscript in 1886.

[The first chapter.]

I like the opinion of Jerome, because he says that Elkos is the name of a village, the fatherland of Nahum. And so, as Micah was of Maresa, so Nahum was of Elkos. But he begins his

The second chapter.

The Hebrews place the beginning of the second chapter at the point where the prophet addresses his speech to Sanherib, saying: "That none of thy name's seed should remain. And so t

The third chapter.

The prophet still stands by his prophecy that Nineveh will be destroyed and the Assyrian kingdom laid waste. For though he has said these things abundantly in the second chapter ab

2. interpretation about the prophet Nahum

according to the Zwickau manuscript. *) From lectures which began in June 1525 and ended on July 4, 1525. First printed in 1886.

About Nahum.

The prophet brings his prophecy in line with his name, because Nahum means a comforter or a consoler. a) For the prophet comforts the tribe of Judah, which was almost in despair af

The first chapter.

As if one said in Latin: Liber visionis Nahum Helcosensis (of the city, as Micah got the name Moraschites from Maresa) de onere, quod futurum est super Niniven (the book of the pro

The second chapter.

Here he begins to describe the captivity of Nineveh and to depict it, as it were, before their eyes. And what the prophet had seen through the spirit in the heart as future, he pre

The third chapter.

This chapter is easy, only that the understanding of the words causes us some trouble. For the prophet still remains with the captivity of Nineveh, that is, the destruction of the

M. D. M. Luther's interpretations prophets Habakkuk.

by D. Martin Luther.*) (1) This prophet Habakkuk I have taken upon me to interpret, that he also may once come to day, and be seen what he hath in him, and what the Holy Ghost sait

The first chapter.

It is clear from the text that Habakkuk was long before the Babylonian prison, because he says that he saw the burden. For in the Hebrew language the prophets are called "seers" or

The second chapter.

(1) Here it comes to pass, and rightly so, that I have said above [Cap. 1, § 68] that the prophet does not stand alone for himself in the battle faith against the Babylonian fortun

The third chapter.

Cap. 2, 5. But the one who entrusts a proud man, so that he cannot stay, who opens his soul like hell, and is just like death, which cannot be satisfied, but draws to himself all t

The fourth chapter.

Cap. 3:1 This is the prayer of the prophet Habakkuk for the innocent. 1 David in the seventh Psalm, v. 1, also uses such a title, since he presents his innocence to God. But in Heb

2. interpretation on the prophet Habakkuk,

according to the Altenburg manuscript. *) Translated from Latin.

[The first chapter.]

"The Prophet." Apparently a hopeful title. For apart from this, almost no other prophet calls himself a prophet. (vim patiens)?

The second chapter.

In the previous chapter the prophet described the power and the exceedingly mighty troops of the king of the Chaldeans, and his coming over all nations and against all kingdoms, fr

[The third chapter.] *)

Cap. 2, 5. But wine deceives the proud man. According to the Hebrew it is said: As wine makes someone bad or reprehensible, so will it be with the proud man. That is to say, as win

The fourth chapter.

In this prayer, the prophet has had to suffer great distortion, not only from the interpreters, but also from the commentators. For almost every single interpreter has invented suc

3. interpretation on the prophet Habakkuk,

according to the Zwickau manuscript. *) Translated from Latin.

[The first chapter.]

"The Prophet", 1) this is a proud title which no other prophet has attached to himself. [Instead of: Vociferabor ad te vim patiens] it should be: "I call to you about iniquity", so

The second chapter.

In the foregoing we have seen that the coming of the Chaldeans over all peoples and Gentiles is clearly described. So the prophet worked before the captivity. Here the punishment o

[The third chapter.]

Cap. 2, 5. But wine deceives the proud man. It should be a new chapter. So it is to be read: But how the wine deceives. A proud man is like the wine that deceives, cheats or makes

The fourth chapter. *)

Cap. 3:1 This is the prayer of the prophet Habakkuk for the innocent. The prophet has suffered much here in this prayer (after his death he is made a martyr) by the interpreters, [

1. interpretation on the prophet Zephaniah,

according to the Altenburg manuscript. *) Translated from Latin.

[The first chapter.]

I do not care about the question of Jerome, since he does not only dwell here but also elsewhere with many words, namely whether all those whom he lists here as forefathers were pr

The second chapter.

In the previous chapter we saw the prophetic threat of the future Babylonian captivity. Now, 1) after the threat of disaster (as is the custom with all prophets), he exhorts to rep

The third chapter.

This third chapter prophesies 1) about the city of Jerusalem and the people of God, who lived in Jerusalem after the return from the captivity, after the rulers, the priests and th

2. interpretation on the prophet Zephaniah,

according to the Zwickau manuscript. *) From lectures given from August 13 to about September 10, 1525. Printed in 1886.

[The first chapter.]

Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, was the father of Amon. 2) Josiah is one of the noblest kings of Judah. This prophet was shortly before the captivity. The question which Jerome rais

The third chapter.

2) This third chapter, although it has been treated in many ways, is a prophecy of the people after the return from the Babylonian captivity, when the kingdom was restored and had

O. Interpretation of the Prophet Haggai.

according to the Altenburg manuscript. *) From Luther's lectures, which began on September 11, 1525, and were probably completed in the same month. Printed in 1886.

[The first chapter.]

This prophet was simultaneous with Zechariah, for both prophesied under King Darius (namely, the fourth, who first succeeded King Cambyses in the reign), except that Haggai began t

The second chapter.

There seems to be a difference here in what has been said, 3) namely in the distance of the days from each other. For in the first chapter the prophet says that he began the prophe

2. interpretation on the prophet Haggai, according to the Zwickau manuscript. *)

From Luther's lectures, which began on September 11, 1525, and were probably completed in the same month. Printed in 1886. [Preface] on Haggai.

[The first chapter.]

The Hebrews use the same expression ambiguously. Gen. 1, 5: This unus, that is, the first day. It means both [, One day and the first day]. Here it must be translated "the first."

The second chapter.

"On the fourth and twentieth day of the sixth month" and [v. 2.] "on the one and twentieth day of the seventh month," how does this agree with each other? On the first day of the s

P. Interpretations on the prophet Zechariah.

Published by Luther himself in German at the end of December 1527. 1. God, the Almighty Father, has given us at this time many excellent, learned people, who act mightily on the Ho

The first chapter.

(1) In the prophet Habakkuk (preface § 5. 6) we heard how the ministry and preaching of the old prophets had been of the two things: The first, that they kept the people in discipl

The second chapter.

This is also a new sermon and a new vision, there are three angels. The first one appears with a cord or measure. The other one, who is used to speak with the prophet, who is Micha

The third chapter.

V. 1. 2. And Joshua the high priest was shown to me, standing before the angel of the Lord. And Satan stood on his right hand to oppose him. [And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord

The fourth chapter.

V.1-3. And the angel that talked with me came again, and awoke me, as one is awakened from sleep. And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said: I look, and behold, there is a cand

The fifth chapter.

(1) Thus do the holy apostles: when they have preached the faith and Christian doctrine, they afterwards proclaim the future deceivers and false teachers, as Christ also does, sayi

The sixth chapter.

V.1-3. And I lifted up mine eyes, and looked. And, behold, there were four chariots coming out from between two mountains; and the same mountains were of brass. In the first chario

The seventh chapter.

So far the prophet has preached for two years and brought the people back to the right faith, comforting them that they should be safe from their enemies from the north, because tw

The eighth chapter.

(vv. 1-3) And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I have been almost very jealous over Zion, and have been jealous over her in great wrath. Thu

The ninth chapter.

So far we have heard how the prophet comforted and strengthened the stupid and frightened Jews to build the temple for the preparation of the future kingdom of Christ. And even tho

The tenth chapter.

1 This is said of the spiritual rain, that is, of the teaching of the gospel, on the opinion: Since the gospel is promised to come in the previous chapter, send yourselves also to

The eleventh chapter.

(1) Hitherto he had proclaimed the kingdom of Christ, and the power and fruit of the gospel, that is, faith among the Gentiles; but here he proclaims the destruction of the temple

The twelfth chapter.

(1) This chapter I understand from the burden of the cross, which should go over the right people of Israel for the sake of the gospel. For in the previous chapter he separated him

The fourteenth chapter.

V. 1.2 Behold, the time cometh unto the Lord, that thou shalt be a spoil and a prey. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle. And the city shall be taken, and the

2. interpretation on the prophet Zechariah,

according to the Altenburg manuscript. *) Translated from Latin.

[The first chapter.]

Above in the beginning of the Haggai I reminded that these two, Haggai and Zechariah, had been contemporaries. Haggai, however, preceded him by two months, which is indicated by th

The second chapter.

In this second chapter, the prophet himself does what a preacher is wont to do, and turns history into a prophecy with a spiritual interpretation (prophetiam allegoricam). For as h

The third chapter.

In the previous chapters we have seen that the prophet dealt with it, that he encouraged and strengthened the people, so that they should continue to promote and finish building th

The fourth chapter.

In the previous chapter we saw the abundant comfort with which the Lord, through the prophet, comforted the high priest, who was the leader of the people who had returned from capt

The fifth chapter.

This chapter has been dealt with in many ways by the sacred writers, but we will leave such trivial things and human opinions and tackle the matter ourselves as best we can. In the

The sixth chapter.

This chapter is dark in itself, and the various opinions of the commentators darken it even more. Therefore, I am also somewhat in doubt about the correct interpretation, but I bel

The seventh chapter.

The following two chapters are in themselves quite clear and easy, now that the difficulties of the visions are over. With the exposition of what is contained in the first six chap

The eighth chapter.

This chapter is also easy and clear from the previous one. For I have said that it is necessary to observe how the prophet describes two times: the one in which the people were bro

The ninth chapter.

The first part of this prophet is approximately finished. In what follows, he will prophesy of things to come, namely of what follows in the times until Christ and after Christ. Ho

The tenth chapter.

The prophet continues to play with secret interpretations, images and figures as he had started. But this whole passage is quoted almost verbatim in Matthew Cap. 9, 1) 36, where he

The eleventh chapter.

So far the prophet has predicted the future kingdom of Christ and what fruit the gospel to be spread in the world by the apostles would bring, namely that the Gentiles should be co

The twelfth chapter.

The exegetes make a strange effort in explaining this chapter, one twisting it here, the other there. Lyra interprets it from the persecution of the first church, and goes over to

The thirteenth chapter.

The prophets, who had the custom of the law and the ceremonies in the law, had at the same time the understanding of the future things, because the Holy Spirit taught them inwardly

Q. D. Martin Luther's interpretation of the prophet Malachi. *)

Probably laid out in 1526; printed in 1552. About Malachi.

The first chapter.

The summa of this prophet is that he rejects the synagogue and describes it as contemptible, as it were, as an old hag, which is now should be abandoned. Therefore, almost all the

The second chapter.

Above they used poverty as an excuse for their avarice, therefore God threatens them here that he will send them poverty in truth. For what the wicked fears will come upon him. But

The third chapter.

The people are weary, the preacher and the prophet are weary. They say, "Wait here, wait there" [Isa. 28:10.] etc. As much as we serve the Lord, the Gentiles fare better than we. Bu

The fourth chapter.

All this is said of Christ, and this is spoken by those who fear God and comfort one another. Admittedly, the godly have everything against them for a time while they trust in the