JERUSALEM — In a crowded laboratory painted in gray and cooled like a cave, half a dozen specialists embarked this week on a historic undertaking: digitally photographing every one of the thousands of fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls with the aim of making the entire file — among the most sought-after and examined documents on earth — available to all on the Internet.
The process will take 1-2 years, so don’t look for it soon, but they plan for it all to be available in the future. But allowing every person to examine the documents for themselves would have been unimaginable 15 years ago. The technology available today and the availability of the Internet allows that increased knowledge to be spread around the world virtually instantly.
When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand) (Matthew 24:15 KJV)
That’s another place in the Bible making little sense decades ago. How could everyone see what occurs in the temple? They couldn’t, until the advent of satellite TV. As technology continues to advance, it’s a notice the 70th week of Daniel draws near; for complete notes see our commentary on Daniel for MP3 teachings and complete study notes on the entire book of Daniel (including extensive discussion of the 70 weeks of Daniel). Daniel’s entire book remains vitally relevant for today.
The advantages of the Internet are obvious — while it has problems (and you must be careful and watch your step, it really can be a cesspool), technology allows every person to study the Bible in detail for themselves, without spending years in school, or $$$ on books. If you’re not taking advantage of the incredible power of computer and technology to increase your study of God’s Word, you’re not being as effective as you could be.
Don’t know where to start? Try blueletterbible — the entire Bible online with commentary and language helps. Additionally, if you have an iPod or MP3 player, many podcasts are available which automatically download the latest teachings for you to listen to at your leisure. We have a podcast as well, if you want to follow our current study (approximately one message per month).
It’s not so important how you study the Bible, it’s important you do as Daniel’s 70th week comes closer and closer (events in the Bible are closer than they appear), and it’s one area in the Bible uniquely called out for your understanding. It’s time to do your homework.