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Daily devotions of Christian scripture and encouragement |
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:15-17 E-mail: ehwharton@Writing.com "TABLE OF CONTENTS" "KEYWORDS" Whats the meaning behind 'Doves on Distant Oaks?' ▼ While reading Psalm 56, which contains my wife's favorite verse, I was struck by the instruction at the beginning: For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks." –Preface to Psalm 56 I've worked my entire life as a forester and spent many days walking through woodlands under the sheltering arms of majestic oaks. It was during those times I recognized my insignificance and felt a great loneliness, contained as we are inside these bag of bones and skin with a spirit that longs to be free and soar with God. Psalm 56 was written by King David (before he was king) and I imagine it must have been how David felt as he was being hunted through the mountains by King Saul. He was hungry, tired, and alone. The melody, A Dove on Distant Oaks, has been lost to history, but it was probably familiar to David. He may have wished he could have sprouted wings, flown away, and joined that dove in song, much as we will one day break free of the chains of this world and sing praises directly to our Holy God. So this is just me, listening to the song of doves on distant oaks, anticipating the day I will fly away to sing my praises before God. What version of the Bible is used? ▼ According to Pastor Kenneth Collins (2010) there are three bibles you'd expect to find in mainline churches. He states these include The King James Version (KJV), the "authorized" version that remains the preferred bible; The New American Standard Bible (NASB) used in independent churches that rely heavily on bible study during worship; and the modern English Version, called the Good News Translation (GNT), that’s used with moderate to liberal theological, social, and political thought. In some churches, the only acceptable version is The King James Version, particularly for older church goers. However, It’s almost incomprehensible to anyone not at ease reading it. For the new Christian, it’s perplexing. The New American Standard Bible tried to produce an accurate translation that read more easily. It’s accurate and excellent for serious study. The Good News Translation was written so that people who didn’t go to church could understand it. It reads like a novel, particularly that of Old Testament history. Many authors use several versions, probably to present a biblical verse which supports their opinion within the context of their discourse. I prefer to use a single version because consistency is far more valuable, in my opinion, than trying to make the Bible say what you want it it say. Regardless, the version used has to be done with painstaking care that balances style, readability, and accuracy. With that in mind, I chose to use the New King James version (NKJV) because I have always loved the stylistic beauty of the King James version which the New King James version maintains. I recognize the weakness of the original version—of not having had access to more recent research. That was all resolved by the New King James version completed in 1982 after seven years of scholarly research. It remains true to the style of the King James, with a few changes to the more archaic phrases, but has the added benefit of more recent research. I know that this selection my disturb some people, particularly those who think the "old" KJV to be the only Bible, but consider the comparison of it with the King James version using one of my favorite verses of Jeremiah 29:11. Below is that verse in different versions listed by original date of publication. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. King James Version, KJV, first published in 1611 Four revisions (latest 1769—mostly fonts, typos, spelling, and punctuation). Considered the only “authorized" bible, which contains some beautiful imagery. For I have known the thoughts that I am thinking towards you—an affirmation of Jehovah; thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give to you posterity and hope. Young's Literal Translation, YLT, first published in 1862 Two revisions (latest 1898). Though difficult to read, this literal translation conforms to the actual grammar and verb tenses of the original Greek and Hebrew. For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. New American Standard Bible, NASB, full Bible first published in 1971 Five revisions (latest 1995—vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure). A contemporary English Bible maintaining word-for-word translation with improved reliability while maintaining fidelity to original languages and latest finds. I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. Good News Translation, GNT, full Bible first published in 1976 One revision (1992—incorporates inclusive language). A clear modern translation whose focus on ease of understanding sometimes sacrifices poetry for clarity. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. New International Version, NIV, first published in 1978 Two revisions (latest 2011—dropping gender specific language). A middle of the road version that expresses the scriptures in broadly understood modern English. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. New King James Version, NKJV, full Bible first published 1982 No revisions. Retains the stylistic beauty and textual basis of the original King James updated to modern language and includes most recent research. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. The Message, MSG, first published in 1993 Two revisions (latest 2008). A reading Bible that facilitates easy and enjoyable reading and which tries to recapture the Bible in the words we use today. For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. New Living Translation, NLT, first published in 1996 Two revisions (latest 2007). A thought-by-thought translation less accurate but easier understood on the presumption that more hear the Bible read aloud than study it. I've included Young's Literal Translation because it's wise to compare scriptural passages from other versions with it. Compiled by Robert Young in 1862, it renders the syntax of the wording as close as possible to the original Greek and Hebrew. Young was attempting to make sure that translations not forget, as they often do, that punctuation and grammar can change meanings. In the preface to the second edition, he wrote: … It is clear that verbal inspiration is as much overlooked as if it had no existence. The Word of God is made void by the traditions of men. This translation may suffer from being published before some recent research was available (particularly in terms of word definitions), but it can lead to greater understanding when comparing the arrangements of words and phrases and verb tenses. An analysis of the differences of this verse can be broken down into three phrases: 1) an acknowledgment of God's contemplation, 2) God's exact thinking, and 3) the consequences. God's contemplation The KJV, YLT, and NKJV indicate that God is thinking about us. All other versions specify what those thoughts are, that of His plans for us. This does not mean the word "thoughts" is wrong. It's the case of all thumbs are fingers, but not all fingers are thumbs. Plans are thoughts, but thoughts are not necessarily plans. So which is it? Thoughts in general or the more specific plans ... and does it really matter? In all translations, we know God had not abandoned His people. God's exact thinking Once again the KJV, YLT, and NKJV are consistent in their use of "peace and not evil." The others, however, are quite dissimilar. NASB — welfare and not calamity GNT — prosperity and not disaster NIV — to prosper you and not to harm you MSG — to take care of you, not to abandon you NLT — for good and not for disaster My take would be that the translations that seeks to make the text more readable are casting about, trying to find an appropriate word in modern English that approximates "peace and not evil." That, rather than more precise words from updated textual research. Otherwise, the more modern versions would all have the same words. This is where these modern "readable" translations fall apart, because who is to say what is the correct modern word to use in that context. The word "prosperity" is a big leap from "good" and "disaster" a big leap from "abandonment." The consequences KJV — an expected end YLT — posterity and hope NASB — future and a hope NKJV — future and a hope NLT — future and a hope NIV — hope and a future GNT — the future you hope for MSG — the future you hope for Here we begin to see a difference that may actually be a result of more recent research into linguistics resulting in a more accurate translation. The "expected end" of the KJV (which is quite vague) became "posterity and hope" by the time of the YLT translation in 1862. Posterity relates to future generations, so by then the translators were getting close to the actual meaning. By modern times that was translated simply as "a future." The only disturbing thing here is that the GNT and MSG have altered "a future and a hope" into "the future you hope for," which produces a vastly different understanding. In their attempt to make the text more readable, they have altered the meaning … in my opinion. Why the NIV felt the need to flip the two is beyond my abilities to understand. It seems that each version has its own particular use. For personal Bible study, I lean toward the NASB with a pinch of YLT thrown in to promote comprehension. For reading to children our reading aloud to assemblies of people, I lean toward the NLT, GNT, or MSG. For a devotional such as this, where style and readability with accuracy is needed, I've leaned toward the NKJV. I don't want to slight the NIV, which, though wildly popular, suffers from trying to be a compromise version between modern language and textual accuracy—incorporating the weaknesses of both. I also don't mean to slight the KJV which, in some ways, is still my favorite version because I grew up on it. I just feel that the most recent research in archaeology, linguistics, and textual studies needs to be acknowledged. Source: Collins, Rev. Kenneth in www.kencollins.com/bible-t2.htm#nasb |
Never thought about quite like that. Thank you for posting. I always learn something or see it in a different way. Dianne |
Sometimes we forget to listen. |
I have great faith in God and what He has planned for me. But, a question popped into my mind. Where did God come from? I know He created everything, but where is His beginning? |
lbidler You're very good at being philosophical. |
Eric, this is beautiful!! It gave me the comfort I needed today. Thank you. |
Eric, I love the C.S. Lewis quote. Thank you for bringing this subject to light. I, too, looked up the word "pride". I found fulfillment, gratification, joy, and delight. While they have their opposites, I wonder if it's a matter of degree. There's a difference between pride and ego vs. humility and a healthy sense of accomplishment. But as you say we must always give God the glory for the accomplishments in our lives. He works in us and through us for His glory, not ours. I'm very glad to see you writing again ... but you're getting me all philosophical here (lol) |
My favorite lines are: "When we hold back, we are depending on ourselves. When we give all, we are depending on Christ." So many times, I had to stop and think, "How can I help this person?" and just as quickly I decided I had the willingness but not the means. But I now know that only God knows what we need and I believe that every person we encounter was put in our path by God. I don't believe we choose the people in our lives. Nothing happens in God's world by chance. But many times we walk away from opportunities thinking we don't have enough, don't know enough only to find out all that is needed is a smile or a prayer ... so much more than any material thing can ever bring and a chance to look outside ourselves and into the world of another one of God's children. Eric, thank you for shining the light on self-sacrifice and following the Lord's direction. |
People think Life's all about the big events; but, I suspect it's the little kindnesses that count. I rubbed Pan's feet today. Why? I dunno. It was a small thing I could do without him asking. |
Well written and the metaphor of faith as a shield is strong. |
Eric, thank you for another in-depth look at the history of the Bible and the people God chose to show us the lessons He has planned for us. I especially appreciated the reminder that Jesus changes our hearts, not our behavior. Our behavior is changed by knowing and following the example of Jesus Christ. I am impressed by your ability and willingness to dig deep into God's Word to point out what many of us miss. The Holy Spirit is truly working through you when you research, write and share. God bless your inqusiive mind! |
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