John Calvin Commentary Romans 8:20

"For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but by reason of him who subjected it, in hope" — Romans 8:20 (ASV)

For to vanity has the creation, etc. He shows the object of their expectation by contrasting it with its opposite. For since creatures are now subject to corruption, they cannot be restored until the sons of God shall be wholly restored; therefore, longing for their renewal, they look forward to the manifestation of the celestial kingdom. He says that they have been subjected to vanity, and for this reason: because they do not abide in a constant and durable state, but, being as it were evanescent and unstable, they pass away swiftly; for he undoubtedly contrasts vanity with a perfect state.

Not willingly, etc. Since there is no reason in such creatures, their “will” must undoubtedly be understood as their natural inclination, according to which the whole nature of things tends toward its own preservation and perfection. Whatever, then, is detained under corruption suffers violence, with nature being unwilling and resistant. But he introduces all parts of the world, by a kind of personification, as being endowed with reason. And he does this to shame our spiritual dullness, when the uncertain fluctuation of this world, which we observe, does not raise our minds to higher things.

But on account of him, etc. He sets before us an example of obedience in all created things and adds that it springs from hope. For from this hope comes the alacrity of the sun and moon, and of all the stars in their constant courses; from this comes the diligence of the earth’s obedience in bringing forth fruits; from this comes the unwearied motion of the air; from this comes the water's prompt tendency to flow.

God has given to everything its charge. He has not only, by a distinct order, commanded what He willed to be done, but has also inwardly implanted the hope of renewal. For in the sad disorder that followed the fall of Adam, the whole machinery of the world would have instantly become deranged, and all its parts would have failed if some hidden strength had not supported them. It would then have been wholly inconsistent for the earnest of the Spirit to be less effective in the children of God than hidden instinct is in the lifeless parts of creation.

However much, then, created things may naturally incline another way, yet because it has pleased God to bring them under vanity, they obey His order. And since He has given them a hope of a better condition, with this hope they sustain themselves, deferring their desire, until the incorruption promised to them shall be revealed. He now, by a kind of personification, ascribes hope to them, as he did will before.