Commentary on Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Complete John Calvin (continued)
HARMONY OF THE LAW · VOLUME 1 and, partly, he sets before them the blessing of redemption, that they may willingly submit themselves to His law, from whom they have obtained their safety. For, whenever God calls Himself Jehovah, it should suggest His majesty, before which all ought to be humbled; whilst redemption should of itself produce voluntary submission. At the beginning he repeats the same words which he had lately used; and thence exhorts them to observe His statutes and judgments, i.e., treasure them diligently in their minds. Afterwards he reminds them wherefore they ought attentively to observe the Law, viz, that they may perform the works which God therein requires. Nor is it without a reason that at the end of the second verse He declares Himself to be Jehovah, because it is not easy either to subdue rebellious minds or to retain fickle ones in the fear of God. In the next verse, the qualification "which sanctify you" is added, to arouse them earnestly to prove their gratitude to God, who has by peculiar privilege separated them from the rest of mankind. leviticus 22
Leviticus 22:31-33
31. Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am the Lord.
31. Observate praecepta mea, et facite ea: ego Jehova.
32. Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the Lord which hallow you,
32. Et ne polluatis nomen sanctum meum, sed sanctificer in medio Israel. Ego Jehova sanctificans vos.
33. That brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord.
33. Qui eduxi vos e terra Aegypti, ut essem vobis in Deum: ego Jehova.
32. Neither shall ye profane. In forbidding the profanation of His name, He confirms in other words the foregoing sentiment; guarding by them His worship from all corruptions, that it may be maintained in purity and integrity. The same, too, is the object of the clause in apposition, which immediately follows; for they hallow God's name who turn not away from its rightful and sincere worship. Let this be carefully observed, that whatever fancies men devise, are so many profanations of God's name; for although the superstitious may please themselves by their imaginations, yet is all