And the women who grind become idle because they are few (Ecclesiastes 12:3).

This metaphor of old age compares teeth to women who grind grain. One of the most constant, necessary, and menial tasks in the ancient world was grinding grain. The tools used for this task in Solomon’s day were the same as they had been for centuries: a small, handheld stone was used on a larger flat stone to crush and grind the grain. These two stones together were referred to as the handmill, or “millstones” (Heb. harekhayim). The model shown here demonstrates how this common task was accomplished. This statue was photographed at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

And those who look out at the windows will see dimly (Ecclesiastes 12:3)

The Preacher compares failing eyesight with “those who look out at the windows.” Numerous ivory carvings of this motif, the woman at the window, have been recovered from various Iron Age settings. They were originally used as insets to decorate various pieces of furniture in very lavish homes or palaces. This artifact was photographed in the British Museum.

The almond tree blossoms (Ecclesiastes 12:5).

In old age, one’s hair often turns gray, and the writer of Ecclesiastes likens this to the blossoming of an almond tree. Reaching 12–15 feet (3.5 -4.5 m) in height, the almond tree flowers before it produces leaves. Its early flowering in January or February led to its being symbolic of hastening events. Although many Hebrew terms are associated with the almond (gavial, perah, luz, and kaftor) one particular term, shaked, means “the wakeful” and is probably named for its being the first tree to blossom before winter’s end.

While mourners move about in the streets (Ecclesiastes 12:5).

The people shown here lining a street in Jerusalem came out to mourn the passing of Gamal Abdel Nasser, president of Egypt from 1956–1970. Nasser suffered a heart attack after the 1970 Arab League summit. An estimated five to six million mourners attended his funeral in Cairo.

Fear God and keep His commands, for this is required of everyone (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

This stone plaque was a mezuzah. The inscription is in Samaritan, and it contains an abbreviated version of the Ten Commandments. It reads, “In the beginning God created; I am Yahweh your God; you shall have no other gods; you shall not make [graven images] for yourself; you shall not take [the Lord’s name] in vain; you shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear [false witness]; you shall not covet.” The Samaritan script is similar to the Hebrew script, having developed out of it.