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Exploring the art in God’s Word.

To start us off look at the example from:

1^st Samuel 3:19 (CEV) As Samuel grew up, the LORD helped him and made everything Samuel said come true.

— This is the meaning of the scripture spelled out simply and clearly.

— It is of good use in understanding how God preserved the integrity and truthfulness of His Prophet Samuel.

1^st Samuel 3:19 (ESV) And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.

— This English Version more directly communicates what the original Hebrew writings state.

— Do you ever wonder why God isn’t more direct and straightforward in dealing with us and in the communications of His Word to us?

It is God trying to teach us to draw deeper into His Word…

— As you read the Contemporary English Version above, “made everything Samuel said come true.” – You may quickly pass on to the following verses.

— However, when you read the more accurate wording of the English Standard Version, you find yourself even if only momentarily, pausing at the words, “let none of his words fall to the ground.”

That is the true purpose of True Art, to make a person think… And God is indeed the greatest artist of time and eternity.

Jesus, who is also God, used this art in speaking to the people in Matthew 24:35…

(ESV) “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

(CEV) “The sky and the earth won’t last forever, but my words will.”

Some people appreciate art more than others. It is to do with your inherited mindset, your upbringing, and indeed your personality.

— That is why we should appreciate the more direct modern versions of the Bible. They do indeed have value and can reach some that the more artistic versions miss.

— On the other hand, we should also value those versions that awaken the artist in people and draw them deeper into God’s Word.

There are so many more examples of language art in the Bible, however, for brevity’s sake I will end there.

So what to do? — That’s easy… read, use, and appreciate both these types of translations. That way we can better communicate God’s Truths to all that we meet.

Any comments? – Just use the contact forms below and I will be happy to hear from you. KK