A Wonderful Victory
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
PSALM 23:5
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A Wonderful Victory
How highly blessed David exalts and praises the dear Word, namely, by telling us that by means of it the believers gain the victory over the devil, the world, the flesh, sin, conscience, and death. When one has the Word and in faith clings to it firmly, these enemies, who otherwise are invincible, must all yield and let themselves be taken captive. It is, however, a wonderful victory and power, also a very proud and haughty boast on the part of the believers, that they may compel and conquer all of these horrible and, as it were, almighty enemies—not by raging, biting, resisting, striking back, avenging, seeking counsel and help here and there, but by eating, drinking, rejoicing, sitting, being happy, and resting. All of this, as we have said, is accomplished through the Word. For in Scripture "eating and drinking" means believing and clinging firmly to the Word; and from this proceeds peace, joy, comfort, strength, and the like.
From Commentary on Psalm 23 (Luther's Works 12:172-73)
PSALM 23:5
+
A Wonderful Victory
How highly blessed David exalts and praises the dear Word, namely, by telling us that by means of it the believers gain the victory over the devil, the world, the flesh, sin, conscience, and death. When one has the Word and in faith clings to it firmly, these enemies, who otherwise are invincible, must all yield and let themselves be taken captive. It is, however, a wonderful victory and power, also a very proud and haughty boast on the part of the believers, that they may compel and conquer all of these horrible and, as it were, almighty enemies—not by raging, biting, resisting, striking back, avenging, seeking counsel and help here and there, but by eating, drinking, rejoicing, sitting, being happy, and resting. All of this, as we have said, is accomplished through the Word. For in Scripture "eating and drinking" means believing and clinging firmly to the Word; and from this proceeds peace, joy, comfort, strength, and the like.
From Commentary on Psalm 23 (Luther's Works 12:172-73)
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