The Bible is the oldest book most will ever read. These 66 books were ancient when Washington, Columbus, and Luther read them. And the Bible has always been challenging. Today I read one of the harder parts—lengthy descriptions of Solomon’s temple:
“He made two capitals of cast bronze to set on top of the pillars, 7 ½ feet was the height of the first capital, and 7 ½ feet was the height of the second capital. The capitals on top of the pillars had gratings of latticework, wreaths made of chainwork—seven for the first capital and seven for the second….” 1 Kings 7:16-17.
I admit, two or three pages like this might allow a reader’s mind to wander. But TAKE CONTROL! How? With imagination. Can you IMAGINE the details? Could you draw them? What if you had graphing paper and could get the measurements to scale? With time, you could sketch the entire temple by carefully reading the prose description.
And though you may lack the skill to produce blueprints from written descriptions, simply taking the time to think about it will make you a better reader. What about other tough passages? Again: imagination. ASK: WHAT GENRE WOULD A MODERN WRITER USE TO CONVEY THIS INFORMATION? If you are reading architectural descriptions of the temple or Noah’s Ark, realize today’s writer would use blueprints, drawings, and architectural models. Lists of laws? Today we would organize them by subject and use outlines and bullet points. Genealogies? We would use spreadsheets or online family trees with collapsible links. Mysterious passages of prophecy? Today’s genre might be film, with montages and dream sequences.
But GOD CHOSE THE WRITTEN WORD to convey His truth. Read it. Study it. Focus your mind and control your attention. He will bless your study:
“My word that goes out from My Mouth WILL NOT RETURN TO ME EMPTY, BUT WILL ACCOMPLISH WHAT I DESIRE” Isaiah 55:11.
God, inspire us to read Your word diligently. Show us how to understand and enjoy even the difficult passages!
ΑΩ
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