It is the ancient landmark that our fathers have set and it should not be moved, yet neither should it be regarded as the final boundary of the Truth, when the plain meaning of the original languages give us more light. In all places where the Hebrew, Chaldean, or Greek has a more exact meaning, it should be set forth in English, even though we have become enamored to the way the KJV phrases familiar passages.
Considering earlier translations, such as the Septuagint of the Old Testament, and the Lamsa version, based on the ancient Syriac text, is a help in shedding light on obscure KJV renderings. Using the earlier English Geneva translation, is also a good way to supplement the KJV.
The major difference between the KJV and the Geneva Bible, is that the latter contained thousands of marginal notes which upheld the rule of Biblical law in the society of man. King James, strongly believing in his own divine right to rule, ordered the translators to publish his new version without marginal commentaries.
As the Geneva Bible was phased out of publication being replaced in usage by the KJV, the standard of respect for Biblical Law declined. This course of action has proceeded to the present time to the point that the proverb is fulfilled: "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer shall be abomination" (Proverbs 28:9).
Amongst all the curses active in the earth, none is more miserable than the Babylonish church-world which HAS turned away from hearing the law and therefore sanctions abomination! (abortion, homosexuality, unisex clothing, woman preachers, unclean foods, etc.)
Such titles applied to any man are sordid flattery and downright blasphemy-- only the fear of man would cause such to be written about any earthly ruler. King James was a persecutor of the Church: our Pilgrim and Puritan forefathers fled England to escape his tyranny and usurpations. Even saying nothing of the depravity of King James personal life, how could these churchmen who worked on the KJV praise such a ruler as he?
The record of history is that King James was impractical, unwise, and intolerant of those who differed from the beliefs of the Church of England. Yet this is the man whom we habitually mention in connection with the Bible?!!
By having his name associated with the Bible, King James has been venerated above the measure of man, with respect and even worship being given to him continually, though inadvertantly, which should be given only to the Almighty.
Do you think for a minute that King David would have accepted or allowed such language to be used about him as the translators used toward King James in their dedication?
If King David had authorized a translation of the Scriptures to be published in his day, and the men he set to the task had handed him their finished work with such an idolatrous dedication, he would have first rent his garment and fallen to the earth on his face, and afterwards would at least rip that dedication to shreds if not lay hands on his flatterers.
"Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles, in so doing my Maker would soon take me away." Job 32:21,22
With the idolatrous statements still in the dedication of the KJV and the scripture's admonition to keep ourselves from idols, we need to be aware and cautious as to the deadliest aspect of having idols: THEY THAT MAKE THEM ARE LIKE UNTO THEM! Psalm 114:8
By making an idol out of King James via the KJV, Christians throughout the last four centuries have been made like King James: impractical, unwise, stubbornly willful, insubordinate, and intolerant of other believers. As such, the church has been a major stumbling block to all the people of the earth.
While it is proper to show respect to a righteous king, it is evident that such due respect had been grossly exaggerated by the time of King James reign. Additional evidence of this fact is the word "Lord"-- a title used in English to address both God and men!
Over 7000 times in the Old Testament KJV the title LORD is used instead of Yahweh, the name of our heavenly Father. Our Saviour said He came in His Father's Name (John 5:43), which is plain to see in the Hebrew YAHshua-- though it is obscured by the KJV's transliteration "Jesus". Of course, the title Lord was also applied to our Saviour in the KJV, further blurring the distinction between the reign of Yah through His Word and the dominion of man.
Cease ye from man whose breath is in his nostrils and sanctify Yahweh of Hosts Himself: Let Him be your fear, let Him be your dread! The fear of man brings a snare, but where the Spirit of YAH is, there is liberty!
King James ruled OVER the Church of England, and today we in the church are still plagued by the rule of men's governments over us. Most churches are officially incorporated by the state, which gives authority to state officials' interference in church matters.
Such voluntary associations with the rule of man drain our resources, throttle our blessings, and curse us with an unequal yoke. Knowing that the Lord is returning to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, we are nevertheless joined with the wicked through governmental entrapments. The proper order is that the government should be submitted to Yah and should defend Christian liberty.
COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM AND BE YE SEPARATE, SAYS THE LORD, THAT YE BE NOT PARTAKERS OF HER SINS AND THAT YE RECEIVE NOT OF HER PLAGUES. Revelation 18:4
Another way in which the church is plagued by the rule of man is the efforts by pastors, councils, associations, denominations, etc. to set themselves up as LORDS over Christianity. Yahshua established the ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to function all together in the church.
He commanded that the greatest among us should be the servant of all, with all of the Body submitted to one another in the fear of God. Yet there are men, and a conglomerate mindset of man that declares the church is their's to rule: just as King James did!
The effect of giving honor to the attitude of King James is that we have been cursed for centuries by the efforts of men to be rulers and overlords in the church. Instead of the anointed fellowship of ministry with liberty so that all can share their gifts in worship, we have many men running "one-man shows", clashing with their fellow servants, daring to exalt themselves over the flock as a standard course of events.
While there is certainly a place for "obeying them that have the rule over you and submitting yourselves...", that scripture does not authorize corporate heirarchy, or individual manipulation, oppression, and defraudment. All of these woes have been a result of men's usurpations.
The liveliness and cooperative power of the assemblies of believers have been rendered void by the rule of such men.
Yet Yahweh has looked upon the situation, and by His Spirit NOW brings liberty to every soul truly submitted to Him. He is exalted in every heart which fears His Name, as we come together and speak His Word one to another. We believers through the ages have given place for the usurpations of men by mistakenly exalting King James and his ilk, but let us NOW pull this stronghold down through the Messiah Yahshua living in us. Let us cease from this shameful affront to His Faithful and True, meek and lowly heart.
This is the final battle of the ages: the traditions and rule of man have exalted themselves in the church and throughout the earth. Yet Yah's Word will reign forever and His Law is an immutable portion of His Word: It shall stand as long as heaven and earth still stand. Ultimately, everyone will submit to Yah's Law and exalt His Will above every principality, power, prophet, priest, and king.
This is the bottom line of all the Word of Truth: Keep and teach all the commandments, from the very greatest (Loving the Almighty with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength), to the very least of the commandments (such as tithing the increase of your mint, anise, and cumin). Doing this from a humble heart and serving your fellowservants without the respect of persons will make you great in the Kingdom of Heaven, but speaking against and disobeying the Law will make you least in the Kingdom.
Love is the fulfilling of the Law, even as Yahshua said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments". He never transgressed against even the least of the commandments and He'll never lead you to disregard any portion of the Law either. The spirit of old King James and the rule of antiChrist is defeated by the Spirit of King Yahshua, the Living Word, and by the administration of His Law.
The reinstitution of the national Sabbaths, Jubilee, the health laws, along with the prohibition of usury and just punishment of crime required by the Law will bless our society beyond all previous human experience.
As foretold, men have thought to change times and laws, but the judgement of Yahweh Almighty now sits to take away the dominion of antiChrist, consuming and destroying it unto the End. (Daniel 7:25,26)
Since one jot or tittle of the Law shall in no wise pass away... we esteem all Yah's precepts concerning all things to be right, and we hate every false way. It is time for Thee, O Yahweh, to work, for they have made void Thy Law.