« | Hosea 7 | » |
1 "Every time I gave Israel a fresh start, wiped the slate clean and got them going again, Ephraim soon filled the slate with new sins, the treachery of Samaria written out in bold print. Two-faced and double-tongued, they steal you blind, pick you clean.
2 It never crosses their mind that I keep account of their every crime. They're mud-spattered head to toe with the residue of sin. I see who they are and what they've done.
3 "They entertain the king with their evil circus, delight the princes with their acrobatic lies.
4 They're a bunch of overheated adulterers, like an oven that holds its heat From the kneading of the dough to the rising of the bread.
5 On the royal holiday the princes get drunk on wine and the frenzy of the mocking mob.
6 They're like wood stoves, red-hot with lust. Through the night their passion is banked; in the morning it blazes up, flames hungrily licking.
7 Murderous and volcanic, they incinerate their rulers. Their kings fall one by one, and no one pays any attention to me.
8 "Ephraim mingles with the pagans, dissipating himself. Ephraim is half-baked.
9 Strangers suck him dry but he doesn't even notice. His hair has turned gray-- he doesn't notice.
10 Bloated by arrogance, big as a house, Israel's a public disgrace. Israel lumbers along oblivious to GOD, despite all the signs, ignoring GOD.
11 "Ephraim is bird-brained, mindless, clueless, First chirping after Egypt, then fluttering after Assyria.
12 I'll throw my net over them. I'll clip their wings. I'll teach them to mind me!
13 Doom! They've run away from home. Now they're really in trouble! They've defied me. And I'm supposed to help them while they feed me a line of lies?
14 Instead of crying out to me in heartfelt prayer, they whoop it up in bed with their whores, Gash themselves bloody in their sex-and-religion orgies, but turn their backs on me.
15 I'm the one who gave them good minds and healthy bodies, and how am I repaid? With evil scheming!
16 They turn, but not to me-- turn here, then there, like a weather vane. Their rulers will be cut down, murdered-- just deserts for their mocking blasphemies. And the final sentence? Ridicule in the court of world opinion.
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.