The Table
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Table
Scripture Reference:
- Matthew 8 (further images / scripture text)
Description: A family is seated around a bountiful table. A woman clasps her hands in prayer as the reader is invited by this peaceful scene and by the citation of Matthew 8:11 to remember the words of Jesus about the kingdom of heaven and all those who come from the east and the west to gather at the banquet with Abraham. The Dutch artist and poet Jan Luiken (1649–1712) whose initials are at the lower right, was responsible for drawing and etching this emblem and wrote the accompanying poem.
Motto: The Shadow, of Existence.
Poem:
The daily prepared Table,
With an abundance of nourishing Food,
Where one in familiar company,
Is seated with Peace and Rest,
Signifies the Hunger and the desire,
That strives for Eternal life,
To one day joyfully and contented
Be lifted into such a State,
Where life is Heavenly fed,
In Company of dear Friends,
Who as the Soul’s relatives,
Will blissfully find each other there;
From East, from West, From South and North,
Though they have never seen each other,
And the one has never heard of the other,
In the Vale of tears of these days.
O Table so perfectly set!
And so perfectly and beautifully surrounded,
Thou art the magnet drawing us,
To live Eternally from thy food,
Accompanied so enjoyably and beautifully,
By Abraham, Isaac and his Son.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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