The Bible is a truly amazing book, and there is much evidence of an unseen hand bringing it all together. Note this fact: the King James Bible has 31,174 verses — an even number — so there is no one "center" verse, but there are center verses, which echo the same truth. The 15,587th and the 15,588th verses, within Psalm 118 (Psalm 118:8-9, to be exact). They state: "8 It is better to trust in the LORD, than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the LORD, than to put confidence in princes." Modern day princes are governmental leaders, and we learn more and more that they, in their utter human-ness in this broken world, are not he source of our well-being. We must put our trust in the LORD!
The absolute center chapter of the Bible is Psalm 117 -- and it is the shortest chapter, with just two verses -- "1 O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him all ye people. 2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord!" There are 594 chapters up to (and including) Psalm 116, and 594 Chapters from 118 on (including Psalm 118). So at the very center of the Bible is the call to trust the LORD, and to sing His praises, for He is merciful and kind to us, and His truth endures forever.
Psalm 119, with its famous verse 105, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet," is the longest chapter in the Bible. What is more, Psalm 119 is an acrostic, written with 8 verses for each of the Hebrew consonants in order, so verses 1-8 each have a first word beginning with 'aleph and verses 9-16 each have a first word beginning with beth, etc.
The next time you pick up a Bible know that it is much more than a book or a collection of books. It really is God's Word and it has been inspired and nurtured and preserved by the Holy Spirit so that you might read it and use it in this time and place. These words are good medicine for your mind and spirit and healing to your very bones. May they seep into your being and give you comfort, joy and peace.
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