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For that past couple of years, we have been
recommending the English Standard Version of the Bible, and it continues to grow
in popularity and receptivity. Its attempt to give us a word-for-word
translation of the Hebrew and Greek texts, as far as is possible, has found
acclamation.
Having reviewed the ESV in earlier Equip for
Ministry issues, we will focus on the Children’s Bible, ESV. The many pages of
art and illustrations help children visualize some the Bible’s story lines. The
text is the actual ESV translation; however, each book of the Bible is
artistically designed to appeal to the younger readers. The headers on each page
as well as the chapter numbers follow the same bright red motif of the cover.
Blanketed through the Bible are illustrations and pictures ranging from Moses
and two tablets containing the Ten Commandments, to Naaman washing in the Jordon
River, to the potter working with clay illustrating Isaiah’s teaching.
I found the supplementary inclusions were very
well done. The Bible study helps will be extremely beneficial to teachers,
parents, and young readers. There are sections such as: who is God and what is
God like, God chooses a people for himself, and God making himself known.
There are numerous other topics with brief
descriptions and definitions on things such as the Good News, The Gospel of
Jesus, and salvation. The ordo salutis, along with its explanation is well done.
There are also good tips on Bible reading, as well as a plan for reading the
Bible. Even adults will benefit from this schedule and plan.
While there is no concordance included, there are
two additional valuable resources: a Bible Memory plan and a dictionary of
carefully selected terms for understanding the Bible.
I encourage parents and Sunday school teachers to
use this edition of the ESV for children. It would be good to encourage parents
and churches to help their children acquire their own copy.
- Charles Dunahoo, CEP Coordinator
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