More of the ESV Study Bible

Another peek into the upcoming ESV Study Bible - the introduction and beginning chapters of Revelation.

You can learn more about the ESV Study Bible and get a pre-order discount at www.ESVStudyBible.org.

The Word more precious than Gold

The Word more precious than Gold

- a hymn by John Newton-

Precious Bible! what a treasure
Does the word of God afford!
All I want for life and pleasure,
FOOD and MEDICINE, SHIELD and SWORD:
Let the world account me poor,
Having this I need no more.

FOOD to which the world's a stranger,
Here my hungry soul enjoys;
Of excess there is no danger,
Though it fills, it never cloys:
On a dying Christ I feed,
He is meat and drink indeed!

When my faith is faint and sickly,
Or when Satan wounds my mind,
Cordials to revive me quickly,
Healing MEDICINES here I find:
To the promises I flee,
Each affords a remedy.

In the hour of dark temptations
Satan cannot make me yield;
For the word of consolation
Is to me a mighty SHIELD:
While the Scripture-truths are sure,
From this malice I'm secure.

Vain his threats to overcome me,
When I take the Spirit's sword;
Then with ease I drive him from me,
Satan trembles at the word:
'Tis a SWORD for conquest made,
Keen the edge, and strong the blade.

Shall I envy then the miser,
Doating on his golden store?
Sure I am, or should be wiser,
I am rich, 'tis he is poor:
Jesus gives me in his word,
FOOD and MEDICINE, SHIELD and SWORD.

Psalms 19:8-11

ESV Study Bible Update

While I regularly read the NASB version of the Bible, I also read the ESV Bible. I enjoy the creativity of Crossway in their many different covers, Bible sizes and text formats. While the NASB follows a strictly literal translation, the ESV follows an "essentially literal" philosophy of translation while also putting importance on "clarity of expression and literary excellence" which allows the text to flow more naturally. This makes the ESV a good overall Bible for both study and devotional use - especially with children (8th Grade Reading Level). I also like the fact that the publisher is a not for profit organization. One day I may switch over completely.

Anyway, I am looking forward to the upcoming ESV Study Bible. Here is a preview of the Introduction to the Gospel of Luke. I am a sucker for good maps.