Psalm 46
Words and Music by Martin Luther, 1483-1546
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Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483 in Eisleben, Saxony, Germany. He was educated at the University of Erfurt, later becoming an Augustinian monk, teaching philosophy and theology at the University of Wittenberg.
On October 31, 1517, sometimes called the "4th of July of
Protestantism," Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five
theses to the door of the Cathedral of Wittenberg,
Germany. These theses condemned various practices and
teachings of the Roman church. After several years of
stormy disputes with the Pope and other church leaders,
Martin Luther was finally excommunicated from the
fellowship of the Roman Catholic church in 1520.
One of the important benefits of the Reformation Movement
was the rediscovery of congregational singing. Luther had
strong convictions about the use and power of sacred
music. He expressed his convictions in this way, "If any
man despises music, as all fanatics do, for him I have no
liking; for music is a gift and grace of God, not an
invention of men. Thus it drives out the devil and makes
people cheerful. Then one forgets all wrath, impurity and
other devices." Again, "The Devil, the originator of
sorrowful anxieties and restless troubles, flees before
the sound of music almost as much as before the Word of
God." In another place, "I wish to compose sacred hymns so
that the Word of God may dwell among the people also by
means of songs." Finally, Luther wrote, "I would allow no
man to preach or teach God's people without a proper
knowledge of the use and power of sacred song."
The single most powerful hymn of the Protestant
Reformation Movement was Luther's "A Mighty Fortress Is
Our God," based on Psalm 46. This hymn became the battle
cry of the people, a great source of strength and
inspiration even for those who were martyred for their
convictions. This hymn has been translated into
practically every known language and is regarded as one of
the noblest and most classic examples of Christian
hymnody. It is said there are no less than sixty
translations of this text in English alone. In England the
version by Thomas Carlyle is in general use, while in this
country the translation by Frederick H. Hedge, a
professoar at Harvard University, is used most frequently.
This translation was not made until 1852 and first
appeared in a book entitled Gems of German Verse by W. H.
Furness, published in 1853.
The first line of this national hymn of Protestant Germany
is fittingly inscribed on the tomb of the great reformer
at Wittenberg, and may still be read with appreciation by
travellers to that historic spot.
Quoted from "101 Hymn Stories" by Kenneth Osbeck. Kregel Publishers, P.O. Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501, 1982.
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