Hymnody and Pulpit Review: Herberger

Herberger, Valerius. Translated by Matthew Carver. The Great Works of God Parts One and Two: The Mysteries of Christ and the Book of Genesis, Chapters 1-15. St. Louis: Concordia, 2010. 401 Pages. Paper. $44.99.  https://www.cph.org/p-23379-great-works-of-god-set.aspx (P)

Herberger, Valerius. Translated by Matthew Carver. The Great Works of God Parts Three and Four: The Mysteries of Christ and the Book of Genesis, Chapters 16-50. St. Louis: Concordia, 2011. 513 Pages. Paper. $44.99.  https://www.cph.org/p-23379-great-works-of-god-set.aspx (P)


"All Theology is Christology" is proved once again by this set published by Concordia, translated by Matthew Carver, and authored by pastor, author, hymnwriter, and "Jesus Preacher" Valerius Herberger.

Herberger (1562-1627), a Lutheran pastor in Fraustadt (now Wschowa), Poland, at the turn of the seventeenth century, preached through the books of the Old Testament from Genesis through Ruth, producing devout meditations on the Scriptures. "These he regarded rather like the linen cloths that wrapped the infant Jesus in the manger, and traced his Lord in every little wrinkle" (from the translator's preface).

Two Book Set Includes:
The Great Works of God Parts 1 & 2: Genesis 1-15
The Great Works of God Parts 3 & 4: Genesis 16-50

Pastor Valerius Herberger (1562-1627) served St. Mary's parish church in Fraustadt (now Wschowa) Poland during the most difficult days of the Counter-Reformation when a royal decree ousted the congregation from its building in 1604. As a deacon and preacher in the congregation for nearly forty years, Herberger left us a remarkable example of biblical interpretation, application, and sincere devotion.

 

Matthew Carver, MFA, is a translator of German and classical literature. He resides in Nashville, TN, with his wife Amanda, where they pursue interests in art, orthodox Lutheran theology, liturgy, and hymnody. (Publisher's Website)

 

Christ is the focus of this two-volume Genesis Commentary, expertly translated by Matthew Carver. His translation style and hymnological expertise is a great fit for Herberger's writing style, exegetically rich like Luther, and also personal and rich with Bible connections like Gerhard. (Our review of Carver's translation of Walther's Hymnal: http://lhpqbr.blogspot.com/2013/03/lhp-review-classics-old-and-new.html.)

I loved Herberer's intoductory dedications, pithily quoting Bernard, how he parallels the passion of Christ with Joseph, Isaac, Jacob, and the other patriarchs, and a section on Adam and Even and Holy Matrimony that is comforting, instructive, and timely today.

We'd love to see more from Herberger/Carver. The Great Works of God was completed through the book of Ruth. Perhaps Concordia would consider adding to this set?

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The Rev. Paul J Cain is Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming, Headmaster of Martin Luther Grammar School, Yellowstone Circuit Visitor (LCMS Wyoming District), a permanent member of the Board of Directors of The Consortium for Classical and Lutheran Education, Wyoming District Worship Chairman, and Editor of QBR.