Study Desk

The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message. I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God.

I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense.

For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, "Who is the Lord ?" And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God's holy name.

I said to myself, "Look, I am wiser than any of the kings who ruled in Jerusalem before me. I have greater wisdom and knowledge than any of them."

This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, "Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?" It is all so meaningless and depressing.

I have always tried my best to let wisdom guide my thoughts and actions. I said to myself, "I am determined to be wise." But it didn't work.

I am dark but beautiful, O women of Jerusalem— dark as the tents of Kedar, dark as the curtains of Solomon's tents.

Don't stare at me because I am dark— the sun has darkened my skin. My brothers were angry with me; they forced me to care for their vineyards, so I couldn't care for myself—my own vineyard.

Young Woman I am the spring crocus blooming on the Sharon Plain, the lily of the valley.

Strengthen me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples, for I am weak with love.

Young Woman My lover is mine, and I am his. He browses among the lilies.

Make this promise, O women of Jerusalem— If you find my lover, tell him I am weak with love.

I am my lover's, and my lover is mine. He browses among the lilies.

I am my lover's, and he claims me as his own.

"What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?" says the Lord . "I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle. I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.

Then I said, "It's all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven's Armies."

Then I heard the Lord asking, "Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?" I said, "Here I am. Send me."

I am sending Assyria against a godless nation, against a people with whom I am angry. Assyria will plunder them, trampling them like dirt beneath its feet.

I, the Lord , have dedicated these soldiers for this task. Yes, I have called mighty warriors to express my anger, and they will rejoice when I am exalted."

The stream near Dibon runs red with blood, but I am still not finished with Dibon! Lions will hunt down the survivors— both those who try to escape and those who remain behind.