Odes of Solomon

Ode VIII

translated by James H Charlesworth, Scholars Press, ©1977

Open, open your hearts to exultation of the Lord,
And let your love abound from the lips.

In order to bring forth fruits to the Lord a holy life;
And to talk with watchfulness in His light.

Rise up and stand erect,
You who once were brought low.

You who were in silenced, speak,
For you mouth has been opened.

You who were despised, from henceforth be lifted up,
For your Righteousness has been lifted up;

For the right hand of the Lord is with you,
And He will be your Helper.

And peace was prepared for you,
Before what may be your war.

(Christ Speaks)

Hear the world of truth,
And receive the knowledge of the Most High.

Your flesh may not understand that which I am about to say to you;
Nor your garment that which I am about to show you.

Keep my mystery, you are who are kept by it;
Keep my faith, you who are kept by it.

And understand my knowledge, you who know me in truth;
Love me affection, you who love;

For I turn no my face from my own,
Because I know them.

And before they had existed, I recognized them;
And imprinted a seal on their faces.,

I fashioned their member,
And my own breast I prepared for them,
That they might drink my holy milk and live by it.

I am pleased by them,
And the strength of my thoughts.

For my workmanship are they,
And the strength of my thoughts.

Therefore who can stand against my work?
Or who is not subject to them?

I willed and fashioned mind and heart,
And they my own.
And upon my right hand have set my elect ones.

And my righteousness goes before them,
And they shall not deprived of my name;
For it is with them.

(The Odist Himself Speaks)

Pray and increase,
And abide in the love of the Lord;

And you who are loved in the Beloved,
And you who are kept in Him who lives,
And you who are saved in Him who was saved.

And you shall be found incorrupted in all ages,
On account of the name of your Father.

Hallelujah.