Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 8:20

20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly , but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope

If these words be understood of the World, and all the Creatures therein contained, then they shew the Creatures present condition, it is subject to vanity, and that first in regard of its insufficiency, it falling short of that for which it was first created and ordained; then a thing is said to be vain, when it doth not answer or reach its proper end: Or in respect of its Transitoriness and uncertainty, of which see, 1 Cor. 7.31. Heb. 1.11, 12. 1 Iohn 2.17. The next verse tells us it is subject to the Bondage of Corruption as well as Vanity. Now this must needs be an unwilling subjection, therefore 'tis here said it is not subject willingly. i. e. of its one accord, or of its proper Instinct and Inclination; what the Will is in those that are rational, the Inclination is in these things that are natural; how comes it then into this condition? The next clause tells us, it is by reason of him who hath subjected the same in Hope.

i. e. God for the Sin of Man hath curst the Creature, and Subjected it to vanity and corruption. vid. Gen. 3.17. and 4.12. Levit. 26.19, 20. And though he hath done this, yet there is ground to expect and hope that the Creature shall return again to its former estate wherein it was created; that it shall be delivered and restored into a better condition, as in the next verse. Those that by the Creature understand the Gentile World, give a different interpretation of these words; they say that the Gentiles are made subject to Vanity. i. e. To Idolatry or a Vain Superstitious Worship. (Idols are called Vanities, Act. 14.15.) or to a miserable wretched estate that (as Hesychius notes) is the import of the word Vanity. And this not so much of their own accord, or by their own free choice, but by the power and malice of Satan, to whom they are justly given up of God, he rules in their hearts, carries them captive at his will, subjects them to all villany and misery. And it is reasonable to suppose of these poor Heathens, that they are willing to be rescued (at least some, and a considerable number of them) from under this vanity and slavery (as it is said, v. 22.) Q. But if he that thus subjects them be the Devil, how is he said to do this in hope? A. These words in hope belong to the end of the former Verse; all the rest of this verse being read or included in a Parenthesis. q. d. The Creature attends the manifestations of the Sons of God in Hope. Mean while it is subject to Vanity, &c.