« | Numbers 24 | » |
1 Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to speak good of Israel. So he did not go, as at other times, and look for special things to see. Instead he looked toward the desert.
2 Balaam looked up and saw Israel living in their tents by their families. And the Spirit of God came upon him.
3 He began speaking and said, "Balaam the son of Beor is the man whose eye is opened.
4 He hears the words of God. He sees what the All-powerful wants him to see. He falls down, but has his eyes open.
5 How fair are your tents, O Jacob, and your homes, O Israel!
6 They are like valleys that spread out, and like gardens beside the river. They are like aloes planted by the Lord, and like cedars beside the waters.
7 Water will flow from his pails. His seed will be by many waters. His king will be more powerful than Agag, and his nation will be honored.
8 God brings him out of Egypt. He is for him like the horns of the wild bull. He will destroy the nations who fight against him. He will crush their bones in pieces and cut through them with his arrows.
9 He bows down. He lies down like a lion. And as a lion, who will wake him? Good will come to everyone who prays for you. And cursed is everyone who curses you."
10 Then Balak's anger burned against Balaam, and he hit his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, "I called you to curse those who hate me. But see, you have done nothing but pray that good would come to them these three times!
11 So now run away to your place. I said I would give you much honor, but the Lord has kept you from honor."
12 Then Balaam said to Balak, "Did I not tell the men you had sent to me,
13 'Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot do anything against the Word of the Lord'? I said, 'I cannot do good or bad because I want to. What the Lord says, I will say.'
14 Now see, I am going to my people. Come, I will tell you what this people will do to your people in the days to come."
15 Then he began speaking and said, "Balaam the son of Beor is the man whose eye is opened.
16 He hears the words of God. He knows what the Most High wants him to know. He sees what the All-powerful wants him to see. He falls down, but has his eyes open.
17 I see him, but not now. I see him, but he is not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A special stick of power will rise from Israel. It will crush the forehead of Moab, and break down all the sons of Sheth.
18 It will take the land of Edom. And it will take the land of Seir, who fights against Israel. And Israel will fight with much power.
19 One from Jacob will rule. He will destroy from the city all who are left alive."
20 Then Balaam looked at Amalek and said, "Amalek was the first of the nations. But he will be destroyed in the end."
21 Then he looked at the Kenite and said, "The place where you live is strong. Your nest is set in the rock.
22 But Kain will be destroyed. How long will Asshur keep you against your will?"
23 Then Balaam said, "Who can live when God does this?
24 But ships will come from Kittim. They will bring trouble to Asshur and Eber, but they will be destroyed also."
25 Then Balaam got up and left. He returned to his place, and Balak went on his way.
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.