« | Isaiah 33 | » |
1 Doom to you, Destroyer, not yet destroyed; And doom to you, Betrayer, not yet betrayed. When you finish destroying, your turn will come--destroyed! When you quit betraying, your turn will come--betrayed!
2 GOD, treat us kindly. You're our only hope. First thing in the morning, be there for us! When things go bad, help us out!
3 You spoke in thunder and everyone ran. You showed up and nations scattered.
4 Your people, for a change, got in on the loot, picking the field clean of the enemy spoils.
5 GOD is supremely esteemed. His center holds. Zion brims over with all that is just and right.
6 GOD keeps your days stable and secure-- salvation, wisdom, and knowledge in surplus, and best of all, Zion's treasure, Fear-of-GOD.
7 But look! Listen! Tough men weep openly. Peacemaking diplomats are in bitter tears.
8 The roads are empty-- not a soul out on the streets. The peace treaty is broken, its conditions violated, its signers reviled.
9 The very ground under our feet mourns, the Lebanon mountains hang their heads, Flowering Sharon is a weed-choked gully, and the forests of Bashan and Carmel? Bare branches.
10 "Now I'm stepping in," GOD says. "From now on, I'm taking over. The gloves come off. Now see how mighty I am.
11 There's nothing to you. Pregnant with chaff, you produce straw babies; full of hot air, you self-destruct.
12 You're good for nothing but fertilizer and fuel. Earth to earth--and the sooner the better.
13 "If you're far away, get the reports on what I've done, And if you're in the neighborhood, pay attention to my record.
14 The sinners in Zion are rightly terrified; the godless are at their wit's end: 'Who among us can survive this firestorm? Who of us can get out of this purge with our lives?'"
15 The answer's simple: Live right, speak the truth, despise exploitation, refuse bribes, reject violence, avoid evil amusements.
16 This is how you raise your standard of living! A safe and stable way to live. A nourishing, satisfying way to live.
17 Oh, you'll see the king--a beautiful sight! And you'll take in the wide vistas of land.
18 In your mind you'll go over the old terrors: "What happened to that Assyrian inspector who condemned and confiscated? And the one who gouged us of taxes? And that cheating moneychanger?"
19 Gone! Out of sight forever! Their insolence nothing now but a fading stain on the carpet! No more putting up with a language you can't understand, no more sounds of gibberish in your ears.
20 Just take a look at Zion, will you? Centering our worship in festival feasts! Feast your eyes on Jerusalem, a quiet and permanent place to live. No more pulling up stakes and moving on, no more patched-together lean-tos.
21 Instead, GOD! GOD majestic, God himself the place in a country of broad rivers and streams, But rivers blocked to invading ships, off-limits to predatory pirates.
22 For GOD makes all the decisions here. GOD is our king. GOD runs this place and he'll keep us safe.
23 Ha! Your sails are in shreds, your mast wobbling, your hold leaking. The plunder is free for the taking, free for all-- for weak and strong, insiders and outsiders.
24 No one in Zion will say, "I'm sick." Best of all, they'll all live guilt-free.
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.