The Ancient Law Departs
The ancient law departs
This hymn celebrates Christ's circumcision and naming as the fulfillment and supersession of Old Testament ceremonial law, a key Lutheran understanding of redemptive history. It articulates the transition from law to gospel, demonstrating how Christ's obedience to the law culminates in grace for all believers.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this hymn in early 17th-century Germany, originally in German as "Das alte Gesetz vergehet." The text was translated into English through various versions and entered Lutheran hymnals in the 19th century, appearing in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) and continuing in contemporary Lutheran hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 898
- Lutheran Worship — 22
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 117
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Martin Behm in 1610, this hymn teaches the Reformation conviction that Christ's obedience to Old Testament law fulfills and transcends it, opening grace for all believers. A meditation on redemptive history in verse.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Lutheran understanding of how Christ's circumcision embodies the Law-Gospel transition: the ceremonial law finds its end and purpose in Christ, whose atoning work makes way for grace.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (external threats to faith) → Gospel (Christ's lordship and defense) → Spirit (eschatological comfort and final victory)
Themes
Christ's fulfillment of the Law Grace superseding ceremonial law Christological fulfillment The New Testament economy