« | 1 Chronicles 13 | » |
1 David talked with all the officers of his army, the commanders of a hundred men and the commanders of a thousand men.
2 Then David called the people of Israel together and said, "If you think it is a good idea, and if it is what the Lord our God wants, let's send a message. Let's tell our fellow Israelites in all the areas of Israel and the priests and Levites living with them in their towns and pastures to come and join us.
3 Let's bring the Ark of our God back to us. We did not use it to ask God for help while Saul was king."
4 All the people agreed with David, because they all thought it was the right thing to do.
5 So David gathered all the Israelites, from the Shihor River in Egypt to Lebo Hamath, to bring the Ark of God back from the town of Kiriath Jearim.
6 David and all the Israelites with him went to Baalah of Judah, which is Kiriath Jearim, to get the Ark of God the Lord. God's throne is between the golden, winged creatures on the Ark, and the Ark is called by his name.
7 The people carried the Ark of God from Abinadab's house on a new cart, and Uzzah and Ahio guided it.
8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating in the presence of God. With all their strength they were singing and playing lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.
9 When David's men came to the threshing floor of Kidon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark.
10 The Lord was angry with Uzzah and killed him, because he had touched the Ark. So Uzzah died there in the presence of God.
11 David was angry because the Lord had punished Uzzah in his anger. Now that place is called The Punishment of Uzzah.
12 David was afraid of God that day and asked, "How can I bring the Ark of God home to me?"
13 So David did not take the Ark with him to Jerusalem. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom who was from Gath.
14 The Ark of God stayed with Obed-Edom's family in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-Edom's family and everything he owned.
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.