« | 1 Samuel 8 | » |
1 When Samuel got to be an old man, he set his sons up as judges in Israel.
2 His firstborn son was named Joel, the name of his second, Abijah. They were assigned duty in Beersheba.
3 But his sons didn't take after him; they were out for what they could get for themselves, taking bribes, corrupting justice.
4 Fed up, all the elders of Israel got together and confronted Samuel at Ramah.
5 They presented their case: "Look, you're an old man, and your sons aren't following in your footsteps. Here's what we want you to do: Appoint a king to rule us, just like everybody else."
6 When Samuel heard their demand--"Give us a king to rule us!"--he was crushed. How awful! Samuel prayed to GOD.
7 GOD answered Samuel, "Go ahead and do what they're asking. They are not rejecting you. They've rejected me as their King.
8 From the day I brought them out of Egypt until this very day they've been behaving like this, leaving me for other gods. And now they're doing it to you.
9 So let them have their own way. But warn them of what they're in for. Tell them the way kings operate, just what they're likely to get from a king."
10 So Samuel told them, delivered GOD's warning to the people who were asking him to give them a king.
11 He said, "This is the way the kind of king you're talking about operates. He'll take your sons and make soldiers of them--chariotry, cavalry, infantry,
12 regimented in battalions and squadrons. He'll put some to forced labor on his farms, plowing and harvesting, and others to making either weapons of war or chariots in which he can ride in luxury.
13 He'll put your daughters to work as beauticians and waitresses and cooks.
14 He'll conscript your best fields, vineyards, and orchards and hand them over to his special friends.
15 He'll tax your harvests and vintage to support his extensive bureaucracy.
16 Your prize workers and best animals he'll take for his own use.
17 He'll lay a tax on your flocks and you'll end up no better than slaves.
18 The day will come when you will cry in desperation because of this king you so much want for yourselves. But don't expect GOD to answer."
19 But the people wouldn't listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We will have a king to rule us!
20 Then we'll be just like all the other nations. Our king will rule us and lead us and fight our battles."
21 Samuel took in what they said and rehearsed it with GOD.
22 GOD told Samuel, "Do what they say. Make them a king." Then Samuel dismissed the men of Israel: "Go home, each of you to your own city."
The Message (MSG)
The Message (MSG) is a contemporary, paraphrased translation of the Bible, crafted to bring the scriptures to life in modern, conversational English. Developed by pastor and scholar Eugene H. Peterson, The Message was published in segments starting in 1993, with the complete Bible released in 2002. Peterson’s aim was to make the Bible accessible and engaging for today’s readers, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional, formal language. His work sought to capture the original tone, rhythm, and intent of the biblical texts, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
One of the defining characteristics of The Message is its use of dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying the thoughts and meanings behind the original texts rather than adhering to a word-for-word translation. This approach allows for the use of idiomatic expressions and modern phrasing, making the scriptures feel more relatable and immediate. Peterson, who had a deep understanding of both the biblical languages and modern culture, aimed to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and the everyday experiences of today’s readers.
The Message has been praised for its readability and ability to convey the emotional and narrative elements of the Bible in a fresh, vivid manner. Its accessible language makes it particularly appealing to those who might find traditional translations difficult to understand or intimidating. Many readers appreciate The Message for its ability to make familiar passages feel new and impactful, often shedding light on the scriptures in ways that resonate on a personal level. It is frequently used in personal devotions, group studies, and church services where clarity and relatability are paramount.
Despite its popularity, The Message has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who argue that its paraphrased nature can lead to oversimplification and loss of nuance. Critics contend that in striving for contemporary relevance, The Message sometimes departs too far from the original texts, potentially altering the intended meanings. However, supporters of The Message appreciate its ability to engage modern readers and spark interest in the Bible, seeing it as a valuable tool for evangelism and discipleship. Overall, The Message stands out as a bold and innovative translation that has made a significant impact on how many people experience and understand the Bible.