« | Psalm 132 | » |
1 A Song of Degrees. Lord, remember David, and all his meekness:
2 how he swore to the Lord, [and] vowed to the God of Jacob, [saying],
3 I will not go into the tabernacle of my house; I will not go up to the couch of my bed;
4 I will not give sleep to my eyes, nor slumber to my eyelids, nor rest to my temples,
5 until I find a place for the Lord, a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephratha; we found it in the fields of the wood.
7 Let us enter into His tabernacles: let us worship at His footstool.
8 Arise, O Lord, into Your rest; You, and the ark of Your holiness.
9 Your priests shall clothe themselves with righteousness; and Your saints shall rejoice.
10 For the sake of Your servant David turn not away the face of Your Anointed.
11 The Lord has sworn [in] truth to David, and He will not annul it, [saying], Of the fruit of your body will I set [a king] upon your throne.
12 If your children will keep My covenant, and these My testimonies which I shall teach them, their children also shall sit upon your throne forever.
13 For the Lord has elected Zion, He has chosen her for a habitation for Himself, [saying],
14 This is My rest forever: here will I dwell; for I have chosen it.
15 I will surely bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16 I will clothe her priests with salvation; and her saints shall greatly rejoice.
17 There will I cause to spring up a horn to David: I have prepared a lamp for My Anointed.
18 His enemies will I clothe with shame; but upon Himself shall My holiness flourish.
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.