« | Isaiah 28 | » |
1 Doom to the pretentious drunks of Ephraim, shabby and washed out and seedy-- Tipsy, sloppy-fat, beer-bellied parodies of a proud and handsome past.
2 Watch closely: GOD has someone picked out, someone tough and strong to flatten them. Like a hailstorm, like a hurricane, like a flash flood, one-handed he'll throw them to the ground.
3 Samaria, the party hat on Israel's head, will be knocked off with one blow.
4 It will disappear quicker than a piece of meat tossed to a dog.
5 At that time, GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies will be the beautiful crown on the head of what's left of his people:
6 Energy and insights of justice to those who guide and decide, strength and prowess to those who guard and protect.
7 These also, the priest and prophet, stagger from drink, weaving, falling-down drunks, Besotted with wine and whiskey, can't see straight, can't talk sense.
8 Every table is covered with vomit. They live in vomit.
9 "Is that so? And who do you think you are to teach us? Who are you to lord it over us? We're not babies in diapers to be talked down to by such as you--
10 'Da, da, da, da, blah, blah, blah, blah. That's a good little girl, that's a good little boy.'"
11 But that's exactly how you will be addressed. God will speak to this people In baby talk, one syllable at a time--
12 and he'll do it through foreign oppressors. He said before, "This is the time and place to rest, to give rest to the weary. This is the place to lay down your burden." But they won't listen.
13 So GOD will start over with the simple basics and address them in baby talk, one syllable at a time-- "Da, da, da, da, blah, blah, blah, blah. That's a good little girl, that's a good little boy." And like toddlers, they will get up and fall down, get bruised and confused and lost.
14 Now listen to GOD's Message, you scoffers, you who rule this people in Jerusalem.
15 You say, "We've taken out good life insurance. We've hedged all our bets, covered all our bases. No disaster can touch us. We've thought of everything. We're advised by the experts. We're set."
16 But the Master, GOD, has something to say to this: "Watch closely. I'm laying a foundation in Zion, a solid granite foundation, squared and true. And this is the meaning of the stone: A TRUSTING LIFE WON'T TOPPLE.
17 I'll make justice the measuring stick and righteousness the plumb line for the building. A hailstorm will knock down the shantytown of lies, and a flash flood will wash out the rubble.
18 "Then you'll see that your precious life insurance policy wasn't worth the paper it was written on. Your careful precautions against death were a pack of illusions and lies. When the disaster happens, you'll be crushed by it.
19 Every time disaster comes, you'll be in on it-- disaster in the morning, disaster at night." Every report of disaster will send you cowering in terror.
20 There will be no place where you can rest, nothing to hide under.
21 GOD will rise to full stature, raging as he did long ago on Mount Perazim And in the valley of Gibeon against the Philistines. But this time it's against you. Hard to believe, but true. Not what you'd expect, but it's coming.
22 Sober up, friends, and don't scoff. Scoffing will just make it worse. I've heard the orders issued for destruction, orders from GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies--ending up in an international disaster.
23 Listen to me now. Give me your closest attention.
24 Do farmers plow and plow and do nothing but plow? Or harrow and harrow and do nothing but harrow?
25 After they've prepared the ground, don't they plant? Don't they scatter dill and spread cumin, Plant wheat and barley in the fields and raspberries along the borders?
26 They know exactly what to do and when to do it. Their God is their teacher.
27 And at the harvest, the delicate herbs and spices, the dill and cumin, are treated delicately.
28 On the other hand, wheat is threshed and milled, but still not endlessly. The farmer knows how to treat each kind of grain.
29 He's learned it all from GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, who knows everything about when and how and where.
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.