« | Isaiah 21 | » |
1 The vision of the desert. As though a whirlwind should pass through the desert, coming from a desert, [even] from such a land,
2 [so] a fearful and a grievous vision was declared to me; he that is treacherous deals treacherously, the transgressor transgresses. The Elamites are upon me, and the ambassadors of the Persians come against me; now will I groan and comfort myself.
3 Therefore are my loins filled with feebleness, and pangs have seized me as a travailing woman; I dealt wrongfully that I might not hear; I hastened that I might not see.
4 My heart wanders, and transgression overwhelms me; my soul is occupied with fear.
5 Prepare the table; eat, drink. Arise, you princes, and prepare [your] shields.
6 For thus said the Lord to me, Go and station a watchman for yourself, and declare whatever you shall see.
7 And I saw two mounted horsemen, and a rider on a donkey, and a rider on a camel.
8 Hearken with great attention, and call Uriah to the watchtower; the Lord has spoken. I stood continually during the day, and I stood in the camp all night;
9 and behold, he comes riding in a chariot and pair; and he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all her images and her idols have been crushed to the ground.
10 Hear, you that are left, and you that are in pain, hear what things I have heard of the Lord of hosts, [which] the God of Israel has declared to us.
11 The vision of Edom. Call to me out of Seir; guard the bulwarks.
12 I watch in the morning and the night, if you would inquire, inquire, and dwell by me.
13 You may lodge in the forest in the evening, or in the way of Dedan.
14 You that dwell in the country of Tema, bring water to meet him that is thirsty;
15 meet the fugitives with bread, because of the multitude of the slain, and because of the multitude of them that lose their way, and because of the multitude of swords, and because of the multitude of bent bows, and because of the multitude of them that have fallen in war.
16 For thus said the Lord to me, Yet a year, as the year of a hireling, [and] the glory of the sons of Kedar shall fail;
17 and the remnant of the strong bows of the sons of Kedar shall be small; for the Lord God of Israel has spoken [it].
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.