Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 1-2 NLV, Ch. 3-4 ERV, Ch. 5 CEV

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

Thoughts

I have a few short comments today about a couple of points.

1. Sometimes I think the so called modern translations go just a bit too far in trying to simplify the language. Today we heard the phrase “the Holy Box” and “the sacred chest”. Other translations call it “the special box of God” or “the ark of God”. It was the Ark of the Covenant. Maybe I’m just an old Boomer, which I am, but these others names for it just seem to diminish its importance. Don’t you agree?

2. At the of chapter 3, we read, “At that time the Lord did not speak directly to people very often. There were very few visions.” I’m so glad we have the Bible. We don’t have to wait for a prophet to have a vision and then tell us what God said. We can hear from God whenever we open the Bible, especially if we have been born again, and the Holy Spirit living in us drives it home in our heart. I think to o many believers take this precious gift for granted. Oh God, give us a new appreciation and love for your Word.

3. In verse 7 of the third chapter, we read, “7Samuel did not yet know the Lord because the Lord had not spoken directly to him before.” This ties into my last point. Samuel had served in the temple for some period of time at this point. We don’t know how long, but it was a period of years. And yet, he did not know the Lord. Why? Because the Lord had not spoken directly to him. The NIV translates it like this: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. Beloved, just because you know about the Lord, does not mean you KNOW the Lord. To know Him, He must reveal Himself to you. Today that is the ministry of the Holy Spirit, most of the time. There’s a whole sermon there, but I’ll move on.

4. Last point. In verse 9, we read, “Eli told Samuel, “Go to bed. If he calls you again, say, ‘Speak, Lord. I am your servant, and I am listening.’” This is just after we’re told that Samuel did not yet know the Lord. I think there’s a good lesson here. It is the believer’s duty to show those who don’t know the Lord how to find Him. And also, to show new believers how to grow in their relationship with God. 

Have you got a comment on my comments?