Treasure-house of Mysteries: Exploration of the Sacred Text Through Poetry in the Syriac Tradition: Exploration of the Sacred Text Through Poetry in the Syriac Tradition (Popular Patristics)

Popular Patristics Series Volume 45 Why was Cain's sacrifice rejected, but Abel's accepted? How did Joseph react when he came home and found Mary with child? Questions such as these served as the starting points for St Ephrem and other poets of the early Syriac tradition in these lively and highly imaginative poems where they explore the deeper spiritual meanings of the biblical text with great insight. Written with considerable verve, these narrative poems and dramatic dialogues offer the modern reader an unusual and refreshing perspective on some key passages in the Bible. I Introduction Notes II Ephrem on Reading Scripture Notes III The Old Testament 1. The rivers Pishon and Jordan (Genesis 2:11; Matthew 3:13): anonymous dialogue poem Introduction Translation 2. Paradise described (Genesis 2–3): Ephrem, Hymns on Paradise, 2 Introduction (to Hymns on Paradise, 2 and 3) Translation 3. Paradise described (continued): Ephrem, Hymns on Paradise, 3 Introduction (see above) Translation 4. Abel and Cain (Genesis 4:8–12): anonymous dialogue poem Introduction Translation 5. Noah’s Ark (Genesis 7–8): Ephrem, Hymns on Faith, 49 Introduction Translation 6. Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22): anonymous dialogue poem Introduction (to 6 and 7) Translation 7. Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22): anonymous narrative poem Introduction (see on 6) Translation 8.Tamar and Judah (Genesis 38): Jacob of Serugh, verse homily Introduction Translation 9. Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39): anonymous dialogue poem Introduction Translation 10. The Passover Lamb and the Exodus (Exodus 12, 14): Ephrem, Hymns on Unleavened Bread, 3 Introduction Translation 11. The Veil of Moses (Exodus 34:33–35): Ephrem, Hymns on Faith, 8 Introduction Translation 12. Elijah and the Widow of Sarepta (I Kings 17): anonymous narrative poem Introduction Translation Notes IV New Testament 1. The Angel and Zechariah (Luke 1:5–22): anonymous dialogue poem Introduction Translation 2. The Angel and Mary (Luke 1:26–38): anonymous dialogue poem Introduction Translation 3. Mary and Joseph (Matthew 1:18–24): anonymous dialogue poem Introduction Translation 4. Mary and Joseph (Matthew 1:18–24): anonymous narrative poem Introduction Translation 5. Mary and the Magi (Matthew 2:11): anonymous dialogue poem Introduction Translation 6. John the Baptist and Christ (Matthew 3:14–15): anonymous dialogue poem Introduction Translation 7. The Sinful Woman who anointed Christ (Luke 7): Ephrem, narrative poem Introduction Translation 8. The Sinful Woman and Satan (Luke 7): anonymous dialogue poem Introduction Translation 9. Two thieves (Luke 23:39–41): anonymous dialogue poem Introduction Translation 10. The Cherub and Thief (Luke 23:43): anonymous dialogue poem Introduction Translation 11. Death and Satan (Matthew 27:50, 52): Ephrem, Nisibene Hymns, 41 Introduction Translation 12. The risen Christ and Mary (John 20): anonymous dialogue poem Introduction Translation Notes V From Bible to Liturgy 1. Annunciation: anonymous hymn Introduction Translation 2. Nativity: Ephrem, Hymns on the Nativity, 17 Introduction Translation 3. Epiphany: Hymns on Epiphany 6, attributed to Ephrem Introduction Translation 4. Epiphany: anonymous hymn Introduction Translation 5. Lent: Ephrem, Hymns on the Fast, 6 Introduction Translation 6. Resurrection: Jacob of Serugh, hymn Introduction Translation 7. Resurrection: anonymous hymn Introduction Translation 8. Salvation history: Jacob of Serugh, Hymn on the Soul Introduction Translation 9. Baptism: anonymous baptismal hymn. Introduction Translation 10. Eucharist: Ephrem, Hymns on Faith, 10 Introduction Translation 11. Marriage: anonymous marriage hymn Introduction Translation 12. Death: anonymous dialogue between the Soul and the Body Introduction Translation Notes Appendix: Sources III. Old Testament IV. New Testament V. From Bible to Liturgy The Main Purpose Of This Collection Of Translations Is To Make Available To A Wider Readership A Selection Of Poems That Deal Specifically With Biblical Topics. -- [edited By] Sebastian Brock. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 291-296) And Indexes. "The main purpose of this collection of translations is to make available to a wider readership a selection of poems that deal specifically with biblical topics."--Introduction, page 12