The Christian Old Testament is the first division of the Christian bible. It is based on the 24 books of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Tanakh. The Old Testament contains different books attributed to various authors that serve as instruction for a moral life and the story of Jesus Christ.
‘Ecclesiastes Chapter 1’ reflects on life’s futility and cycles, questioning the value of wisdom and toil in a world where “all is vanity.”
What do people gain from all their labors
at which they toil under the sun?
Generations come and generations go,
but the earth remains forever.
‘The Lord is My Shepherd’ is one of the most recognizable and iconic passages from the Bible, dealing with themes such as faith and discovery.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
‘Psalm 84’ captures King David’s longing for God, seeing beauty in faith during hardship, and affirming the eternal blessings of trust.
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
‘Song of Solomon – Chapter 1’ features shifting perspectives and rich imagery, exploring deep themes of love.
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!
For your love is better than wine;
your anointing oils are fragrant;
your name is oil poured out;
The second chapter of the Song of Solomon quickly reveals that the woman is still the main speaker. Her voice begins chapter 2.
I am a rose of Sharon,
a lily of the valleys.
Chapter 3 begins with the dream of the woman speaker, the shepherdess, where she “sought him” when she was on her “bed by night”.
On my bed by night
I sought him whom my soul loves;
I sought him, but found him not.
I will rise now and go about the city,
In ‘Song of Solomon – Chapter 4,’ the lover praises his beloved’s beauty, describing her as flawless, expressing deep admiration and desire.
Behold, you are beautiful, my love,
behold, you are beautiful!
Your eyes are doves
behind your veil.
In ‘Song of Solomon – Chapter 5,’ the man accepts the woman’s invitation to her “garden,” affirming their love and commitment.
I came to my garden, my sister, my bride,
I gathered my myrrh with my spice,
I ate my honeycomb with my honey,
I drank my wine with my milk.
In ‘Song of Solomon – Chapter 6,’ the woman finds her beloved, they reaffirm their love, contrasting with others’ objectifying gaze.
Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee.
My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.
‘Song of Solomon – Chapter 7′ muses on the lovers’ deep desire for each other, eagerly awaiting their wedding night.
How beautiful are your feet in sandals,
O noble daughter!
Your rounded thighs are like jewels,
the work of a master hand.
In ‘Song of Solomon – Chapter 8,’ the lovers finally consummate their marriage, expressing deep, fierce love.
O that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised.
I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.
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