Choosing Funeral Old Testament Scriptures: A Selection Guide

The Comfort of Scripture at a Funeral

Scripture readings are a meaningful and traditional part of many funeral services. For those of the Christian faith, hearing passages from the Bible can bring comfort and a sense of peace during a difficult time. They provide structure, hope, and a connection to faith traditions. But it can be difficult to find the right words.

Old Testament scriptures, in particular, offer a wealth of wisdom, inspiration, and solace. Many passages speak to themes of hope, resilience, remembrance, and the enduring nature of the spirit.

This guide explores a selection of Old Testament scriptures suitable for funeral services, considerations for choosing the right passage, and alternatives for those with diverse preferences. We hope it helps you find the right words to honor a loved one and bring comfort to those who grieve.

Why Choose Old Testament Scriptures for a Funeral?

For many people, losing someone you love can feel like being lost at sea. The Old Testament contains passages that can offer comfort and hope when you’re grieving. These scriptures can remind you that you’re not alone.

For families rooted in Jewish or Christian traditions, Old Testament scriptures provide a sense of connection to their faith. They can show you that even though your loved one is gone, your faith continues.

Many Old Testament passages focus on themes of hope, resilience, and remembrance. They remind us that the soul endures, and that remembering loved ones is important. These passages focus on the enduring nature of the soul and the importance of remembering loved ones.

Finally, the Old Testament offers wisdom and reflections on life, mortality, and the search for meaning. These passages can help us make sense of our own lives and the lives of those we’ve lost.

Selecting Appropriate Old Testament Scriptures

Choosing readings for a funeral or memorial service can be hard. Here are some things to consider as you choose Old Testament scriptures.

Considering the Deceased’s Beliefs and Values

Try to choose passages that reflect the deceased’s personal faith and values. When you’re choosing a scripture, think about the people who are mourning and what might bring them comfort.

Choose passages that reflect their life and legacy.

Matching Scripture to the Tone and Theme of the Service

Select passages that match the tone of the funeral service. For example, is it somber? Is it celebratory? Is it more of a time for reflection? The scripture you choose should complement the eulogy and any music that will be played.

Ultimately, the message of the readings will depend on the message the family wants to convey.

Length and Accessibility

Keep in mind that people may have a hard time paying attention for long periods of time, so balance the length of the reading with the audience’s attention span. You might want to break up longer readings with shorter verses.

Also, choose a Bible version that everyone can understand. You don’t have to stick with the King James Version!

Recommended Old Testament Scriptures for Funerals: Psalms

The Old Testament book of Psalms is a collection of songs, poems, and prayers that have been sung and recited in times of joy, grief, celebration, and loss for thousands of years. Here are a few that are often read at funerals:

Psalm 23: The Lord is My Shepherd

This psalm is probably the best-known and most beloved of all the psalms. It’s a message of comfort and guidance, speaking of a loving shepherd who cares for his sheep. In times of loss, the 23rd Psalm offers peace and reassurance.

Key verses:

• “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (verse 1)
• “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (verse 4)

Psalm 46: God is Our Refuge and Strength

This psalm speaks of God’s divine protection and unwavering strength, even in the face of turmoil. Its verses offer reassurance when we’re troubled.

Psalm 90: A Prayer of Moses

This psalm reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the eternal nature of God. It encourages us to seek wisdom and live our lives with intention and purpose.

Psalm 121: A Song of Ascents

Psalm 121 is a message of hope, assuring us that God is always watching over us. The verses offer comfort and a sense of security during times of uncertainty and loss.

Other Meaningful Old Testament Passages

The Old Testament is rich with passages that can bring comfort and meaning to a funeral service. Here are a few more that you might consider:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: A Time for Everything

This passage beautifully reflects the cyclical nature of life and death, reminding us that everything has its season. There’s a time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to uproot. Finding solace in this understanding can help us accept the natural order of things and appreciate the preciousness of each moment.

Isaiah 40:28-31: Renewing Strength

These verses offer a powerful promise of renewed strength and hope for those who trust in God. Even in the face of grief, we can find encouragement and resilience in the knowledge that God will sustain us. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Lamentations 3:22-26: God’s Steadfast Love

This passage emphasizes God’s unwavering love and compassion, offering comfort and reassurance in times of sorrow. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” These verses remind us that even in our darkest moments, God’s love remains constant.

Job 19:25-27: I Know That My Redeemer Lives

This declaration of faith in resurrection and eternal life offers hope and a sense of continuity beyond death. “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another.” These verses provide a powerful message of hope and the promise of eternal life.

What if I don’t want to use Old Testament readings?

The Old Testament isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. There are plenty of other options to choose from. You can pick readings that better reflect your beliefs, the deceased’s life, or the overall tone you’re trying to set for the service.

Here are some alternatives to Old Testament readings:

• New Testament Readings: The Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation all offer messages of comfort and hope. Romans 8:35, 37-39, John 14:1-3, and Revelation 21:1-7 are some popular choices.
• Poetry: Poems can beautifully express themes of loss, love, and remembrance.
• Philosophical and Spiritual Texts: Passages from philosophical or spiritual works can provide insights into life and death.
• Native American Prayers: These prayers often honor the connection between life and nature.
• Secular Readings: These readings celebrate the deceased’s life and offer comfort to those who are grieving.
• Nature-Inspired Readings: Passages about nature can reflect themes of renewal and resilience.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Choose readings that feel meaningful and appropriate for the occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

Choosing scriptures for a funeral or memorial service is an important task. Bible readings are a common part of Christian services, and they can provide structure and comfort during a difficult time.

Think about the person who died, and the people who are grieving. What readings would have special meaning for them? What scriptures express the feelings and beliefs you want to share?

The Old Testament offers wisdom, inspiration, and comfort. The powerful words of the Hebrew scriptures can help you remember and honor the person who has died, and they can offer hope and solace to those who mourn.