Verse 26: saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer.”
Verse 27: Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there by the water.
‘Diligently listen to the voice of the LORD’. Perhaps he would have more to say to me if I diligently listened. And to do right in his eyes, because he sees everything I do. I dont know how relevant the Egyptian thing is but probably best to avoid that considering the context of the verse. ‘I am the LORD, your healer’ Praise God!
I think it is interesting that God provided 12 springs of water. There were 12 tribes of Israel right? So that would help prevent fighting over water and that sort of thing.
Also you can see God testing them by saying that, in verse 25 and then in 16:4 where he gives them bread from heaven for them but says only to gather enough for one day each time, to test them to see if they will obey and walk in his law. This is before he gives them ‘The Law’ in chapter 20 onwards. Even in chapter 20, verse 20: ‘Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you,that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin” ‘
Any thoughts? Comments welcome.
-Paul
(Clipart from Clipartheaven.com)
June 26, 2007
Yesterday the French language bible that I ordered in the bookshop arrived and I went down and picked it up. A couple of months ago I found a bible like this in my university library and was reading it. Since I am studying French and want to read the bible too I thought it would be a good way to do both. I wouldn’t recommend reading the bible only in your second language but I think it is useful still, that’s why I bought the book.
These are the advantages as I see them:
Reading the same thing in 2 languages improves your vocabulary in the 2nd language. (Even though in my opinion its very old fashioned French I’m dealing with here – The equivalent of King James Bible English.)
- Just like when you read the bible in a couple of different translations in one language, and pick up different subtleties, there is the same effect when reading in two different languages only more so, because the translators have a different way of thinking defined by their native language.
- It helps with memorisation of the bible verses and chapters because if there is a lot of words you don’t know, you have to remember back to your previous readings or look it up and compare.
- Better understanding - another thing is I find that I know some parts so well in my first language that I read too fast without taking it in so reading it in a language which I don’t know as well slows me down and makes me think about every word.
Disadvantage: Its time consuming. If you’re too busy then don’t attempt it but if you are learning a language anyway, you have to set aside some time for practicing.
At biblegateway there is many translations and versions of the bible so you can read online. I rarely use it because I cant concentrate well reading off a screen but its a good way to try these things out. And a good way to get into God’s word if you dont have any bible 
Oh and its searchable unlike the paper versions. Very useful
Paul
June 17, 2007
