« | Numbers 24 | » |
1 And Balaam saw that it pleased Jehovah to bless Israel, and he did not go, as at other times, to seek for secret arts, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel pitched, according to their tribes. And the Spirit of God came upon him.
3 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor has said, and the man whose eyes are open has said;
4 he has said; he who heard the words of God, who saw the vision of the Almighty, falling down but having his eyes open;
5 How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your tabernacles, O Israel!
6 They are spread forth like the valleys, like gardens by the river's side, like the trees of aloes which Jehovah has planted, like cedar trees beside the waters.
7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters. And his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
8 God brought him forth out of Egypt. He has as it were the strength of an ox. He shall eat up the nations, his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
9 He crouched. He lay down as a lion, and as a great lion. Who shall stir him up? Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you.
10 And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam. And he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam, I called you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have kept on blessing these three times.
11 Therefore now flee to your place. I thought to lift you up to great honor, but lo, Jehovah has kept you back from honor.
12 And Balaam said to Balak, Did I not speak also to your messengers whom you sent to me, saying,
13 If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the mouth of Jehovah, to do good or bad of my own mind. What Jehovah said, that I will speak.
14 And now, behold, I go to my people. Come! I will make known to you what this people shall do to your people in the latter days.
15 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor has said, and the man whose eyes are open has said;
16 he has said, he who heard the words of God and knew the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down but having his eyes open;
17 I shall see him, but not now. I shall behold him, but not near. There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall strike the corners of Moab, and destroy all the sons of tumult.
18 And Edom shall be a possession. Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies. And Israel shall do valiantly.
19 Out of Jacob shall come He who shall have dominion and shall destroy him who remains of the city.
20 And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable and said, Amalek was the first of the nations. But his latter end is to destruction.
21 And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable and said, Strong is your dwelling-place, and you put your nest in a rock.
22 But the Kenites shall be wasted until Assyria shall carry you away captive.
23 And he took up his parable and said, Alas, who shall live when God puts out!
24 And ships shall come from the coast of Cyprus, and shall afflict Assyria and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish forever.
25 And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place. And Balak also went his way.
The Modern King James Version (MKJV)
The Modern King James Version (MKJV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible that aims to preserve the majesty and accuracy of the original King James Version (KJV) while updating its language for modern readers. Developed by Jay P. Green Sr. and first published in 1990, the MKJV seeks to maintain the literary beauty and doctrinal reliability of the KJV, making only necessary adjustments to archaic terms and phrases to enhance readability. This careful balance allows the MKJV to retain the classic feel of the KJV while making it more accessible to today’s audience.
One of the standout features of the MKJV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or word-for-word translation. The translators have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time. This approach ensures that the MKJV remains faithful to the original texts and maintains the theological and literary integrity of the KJV. By preserving the cadence and phrasing of the original, the MKJV offers a reading experience that is both familiar and refreshed for modern readers.
The MKJV also pays special attention to the textual basis of the translation. Like the KJV, it relies on the Textus Receptus for the New Testament and the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament. This adherence to traditional source texts underscores the MKJV’s commitment to continuity with the historic Christian tradition. The translation is designed to serve both devotional and scholarly purposes, providing a text that is suitable for study, teaching, and public reading in a variety of settings.
Despite its strengths, the Modern King James Version has faced some criticism. Some scholars and readers argue that the translation could benefit from a more extensive revision to fully embrace contemporary language, suggesting that the MKJV’s adherence to the structure and style of the KJV may still pose challenges for modern readers. Others appreciate the balance it strikes but note that it occupies a niche space, appealing primarily to those who have a strong attachment to the KJV. Nonetheless, the MKJV remains a respected and valued translation for those seeking a modern update of the KJV that honors its rich heritage and timeless message.