« | Ezekiel 34 | » |
1 GOD's Message came to me:
2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherd-leaders of Israel. Yes, prophesy! Tell those shepherds, 'GOD, the Master, says: Doom to you shepherds of Israel, feeding your own mouths! Aren't shepherds supposed to feed sheep?
3 You drink the milk, you make clothes from the wool, you roast the lambs, but you don't feed the sheep.
4 You don't build up the weak ones, don't heal the sick, don't doctor the injured, don't go after the strays, don't look for the lost. You bully and badger them.
5 And now they're scattered every which way because there was no shepherd--scattered and easy pickings for wolves and coyotes.
6 Scattered--my sheep!--exposed and vulnerable across mountains and hills. My sheep scattered all over the world, and no one out looking for them!
7 "'Therefore, shepherds, listen to the Message of GOD:
8 As sure as I am the living God--Decree of GOD, the Master--because my sheep have been turned into mere prey, into easy meals for wolves because you shepherds ignored them and only fed yourselves,
9 listen to what GOD has to say:
10 "'Watch out! I'm coming down on the shepherds and taking my sheep back. They're fired as shepherds of my sheep. No more shepherds who just feed themselves! I'll rescue my sheep from their greed. They're not going to feed off my sheep any longer!
11 "'GOD, the Master, says: From now on, I myself am the shepherd. I'm going looking for them.
12 As shepherds go after their flocks when they get scattered, I'm going after my sheep. I'll rescue them from all the places they've been scattered to in the storms.
13 I'll bring them back from foreign peoples, gather them from foreign countries, and bring them back to their home country. I'll feed them on the mountains of Israel, along the streams, among their own people.
14 I'll lead them into lush pasture so they can roam the mountain pastures of Israel, graze at leisure, feed in the rich pastures on the mountains of Israel.
15 And I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep. I myself will make sure they get plenty of rest.
16 I'll go after the lost, I'll collect the strays, I'll doctor the injured, I'll build up the weak ones and oversee the strong ones so they're not exploited.
17 "'And as for you, my dear flock, I'm stepping in and judging between one sheep and another, between rams and goats.
18 Aren't you satisfied to feed in good pasture without taking over the whole place? Can't you be satisfied to drink from the clear stream without muddying the water with your feet?
19 Why do the rest of my sheep have to make do with grass that's trampled down and water that's been muddied?
20 "'Therefore, GOD, the Master, says: I myself am stepping in and making things right between the plump sheep and the skinny sheep.
21 Because you forced your way with shoulder and rump and butted at all the weaker animals with your horns till you scattered them all over the hills,
22 I'll come in and save my dear flock, no longer let them be pushed around. I'll step in and set things right between one sheep and another.
23 "'I'll appoint one shepherd over them all: my servant David. He'll feed them. He'll be their shepherd.
24 And I, GOD, will be their God. My servant David will be their prince. I, GOD, have spoken.
25 "'I'll make a covenant of peace with them. I'll banish fierce animals from the country so the sheep can live safely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest.
26 I'll make them and everything around my hill a blessing. I'll send down plenty of rain in season--showers of blessing!
27 The trees in the orchards will bear fruit, the ground will produce, they'll feel content and safe on their land, and they'll realize that I am GOD when I break them out of their slavery and rescue them from their slave masters.
28 "'No longer will they be exploited by outsiders and ravaged by fierce beasts. They'll live safe and sound, fearless and free.
29 I'll give them rich gardens, lavish in vegetables--no more living half-starved, no longer taunted by outsiders.
30 "'They'll know, beyond doubting, that I, GOD, am their God, that I'm with them and that they, the people Israel, are my people. Decree of GOD, the Master:
31 You are my dear flock, the flock of my pasture, my human flock, And I am your God. Decree of GOD, the Master.'"
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.