Ode 42 — the dove
James H. Charlesworth / J.R. Harris (composite, selections) · Public domain / scholarly composite. Reproduced for educational and religious commentary.
1I extended my hands and approached my Lord — for the extension of my hands is his sign. My extension is the upright cross.
2Hallelujah.
3I have risen and am with them, and speak through their mouth. They have rejected those who persecuted them, and I have cast over them the yoke of my love.
4I have not been rejected, although I was reckoned to be so. I have not perished, although they thought it of me.
5Sheol saw me and was made miserable. Death cast me up, and many along with me. I was vinegar and bitterness to him; I went down with him to all his depth.
6And the feet and the head he released — for he was not able to endure my face. And I made the congregation of the living among his dead. And I spoke with them by living lips, in order that my word may not be stopped.
7And those who had died ran to me; and they cried out and said: Son of God, have pity on us, and deal with us according to thy mercy. Bring us out of the chains of the darkness. Open the gate to us, that we may go out to thee.
8For we see that our death has not approached thee. Let us also be saved with thee — for thou art our Saviour.
9And I heard their voice, and laid up their faith in my heart. And I sealed my name on their head; for they are free, and they are mine.
10Hallelujah.