Is the Bible literature, a work of art? Some find the idea offensive, as though we were arguing the Bible is ONLY literature, when it is much more. But as a work of art, as a carefully-crafted collection of words, the Bible is UNPARALLELED. Consider Genesis 1, Psalm 23, John 1, or Luke 2. I taught British Literature to public school students from a textbook that included the Lord’s Prayer and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The Bible contains some of HISTORY’S GREATEST WORDS. And no other work can match its influence—the King James translation, particularly.
Consider this obscure passage from Isaiah 22:17-18:
“Behold the Lord will … violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country. There shalt thou die.” (KJV).
Other translations:
“Look, you strong man! The Lord is about to shake you violently… He will wind you up into a ball and sling you into a wide land.”
“He will whirl you around and around and throw you like a ball into the open countryside.”
“He will crush you like a ball and hurl you deep into a land far, far away.”
“He will wrap you up tightly like a turban. He will throw you far away into another land.”
“He will grab you by the hair, swing you round and round dizzyingly, and then let you go, sailing through the air like a ball, until you’re out of sight. Where you will land, nobody knows.”
Is that not great imagery? Can’t you just see it? What an unusual picture: God will roll the strong man into a ball and throw him far away. Is that not a great warning against pride? And a reminder of the awesome power of the Almighty God?
Believe it or not, studying the Bible will make you better with words—a better reader and a better writer.
God, remind us to be HUMBLE. Remind us of your power to ball up the arrogant and throw them away. Help us love your POWERFUL WORDS more every day.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 