Psalm 46

The St. James version of the Bible, originally published in the 17th Century, was Western man's attempt to bring these words of faith and providence to the common man, in a language he could readily understand. And yet, in addition to it's importance in a religious sense, it remains a remarkable literary work. Most people do not realize the scholarly effort to create this translation, which has remained the most used version of the Bible for nearly 400 years.

One of the translators and interpreters was William Shakspeare. Amongst many other verses, Shakespeare was responsible for the Psalm 46. Interesting trivia: Shakespeare was 46 at the time of his involvement in the St. James translation, and if you count 46 words from the beginning of the Psalm, you will note that you come to the word "Shake." It gets better. You try it. Count 46 words from the end of the Psalm. Put it together, what have you got? Pretty good, eh?

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear,
though the earth be removed,
and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,
though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
Selah.
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God,
the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her;
she shall not be moved:
God shall help her, and that right early.
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved:
he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah.
Come, behold the works of the LORD,
what desolations he hath made in the earth.
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth;
he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder;
he burneth the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the heathen,
I will be exalted in the earth.
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

On the board in our room is a timeline of the King James Bible and its origins from the Latin, Hebrew and Greek. Seniors, this timeline is meant to convey the connection between Grendel and Cain. 11th graders, this is just good general information, particularly in light of the Arthurian Legends. As an internet assignment, both classes may delve more deeply into the Bible as it relates to King Arthur, Beowulf and the Canterbury Tales (I understand that 11th graders have not yet touched upon the latter works).