Reading and Scripture

Most still measure a good education by ability to read and reading comprehension. Colonial America emphasized school for learning to read scripture. Noah Webster published the first American Dictionary of the English Language in two volumes in 1828, which used Bible verses as the examples for the usage of words. The early United States required schools in its new territories because the founders wanted reading of the Bible.

Various forms of the word “reading” occur eighty-two times in God’s Word. God wanted His will expressed in writing. Scripture mentions reading first in Exodus 24:7, which says, “And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.” The next time is Deuteronomy 17:19: “And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them.” In the New Testament, referring to scripture Jesus very often asked, “Have ye not read?” He expected reading.

Revelation 1:3 promises: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” One element of the true worship of a church comes in 1 Timothy 4:13: “Till I come, give attendance to reading.” The first step to memorizing and then meditating upon scripture is reading it. God-approved study and right division of the Word of truth requires reading it. I challenge you to read the Bible daily.