Barack Obama’s inauguration feels like a wedding to me, where everything from the ministers to the flowers will be scrutinized. And yes, even the Bible passage Obama turns to for the “I do solemnly swear…” part will be picked apart.
But for historical context, The Wall Street Journal has an excellent interactive graphic with pictures, the Bible, and the text used for several presidents’ inaugurations. Here’s a few of them (I pulled the KJV versions):
George W. Bush: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Bill Clinton: “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” – Isaiah 58:12
Ronald Reagan: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – II Chronicles 7:14
Jimmy Carter: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” – Micah 6:8
Abraham Lincoln: “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” – Matthew 7:1
George Washington: “Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.” – Genesis 49:13
USA Today‘s Cathy Lynn Grossman suggests that Obama should pick Deuteronomy 16:20: “That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
What do you think? Which passage should Obama choose?
(h/t Justin Taylor)
