Joel 1 | » |
1 This is the LORD's message to Joel son of Pethuel.
2 Pay attention, you older people; everyone in Judah, listen. Has anything like this ever happened in your time or the time of your ancestors?
3 Tell your children about it; they will tell their children, who in turn will tell the next generation.
4 Swarm after swarm of locusts settled on the crops; what one swarm left, the next swarm devoured.
5 Wake up and weep, you drunkards; cry, you wine-drinkers; the grapes for making new wine have been destroyed.
6 An army of locusts has attacked our land; they are powerful and too many to count; their teeth are as sharp as those of a lion.
7 They have destroyed our grapevines and chewed up our fig trees. They have stripped off the bark, till the branches are white.
8 Cry, you people, like a young woman who mourns the death of the man she was going to marry.
9 There is no grain or wine to offer in the Temple; the priests mourn because they have no offerings for the LORD.
10 The fields are bare; the ground mourns because the grain is destroyed, the grapes are dried up, and the olive trees are withered.
11 Grieve, you farmers; cry, you that take care of the vineyards, because the wheat, the barley, yes all the crops are destroyed.
12 The grapevines and fig trees have withered; all the fruit trees have wilted and died. The joy of the people is gone.
13 Put on sackcloth and weep, you priests who serve at the altar! Go into the Temple and mourn all night! There is no grain or wine to offer your God.
14 Give orders for a fast; call an assembly! Gather the leaders and all the people of Judah into the Temple of the LORD your God and cry out to him!
15 The day of the LORD is near, the day when the Almighty brings destruction. What terror that day will bring!
16 We look on helpless as our crops are destroyed. There is no joy in the Temple of our God.
17 The seeds die in the dry earth. There is no grain to be stored, and so the empty granaries are in ruins.
18 The cattle are bellowing in distress because there is no pasture for them; the flocks of sheep also suffer.
19 I cry out to you, LORD, because the pastures and trees are dried up, as though a fire had burned them.
20 Even the wild animals cry out to you because the streams have become dry.
The Good News Bible (GNB)
The Good News Bible (GNB), also known as the Good News Translation (GNT) in the United States, is an English translation of the Bible that prioritizes readability and accessibility for a diverse audience. First published in 1966 by the American Bible Society, the GNB was originally designed as a translation for people with limited English proficiency, including non-native speakers and those with lower literacy levels. Its straightforward and contemporary language makes it particularly effective for use in educational settings, churches, and personal study.
One of the hallmark features of the Good News Bible is its dynamic equivalence translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the thought and meaning of the original texts rather than adhering strictly to a word-for-word approach. This allows the translators to use idiomatic expressions and familiar language that resonate with modern readers. The GNB aims to present the Bible in a way that is relatable and engaging, making it easier for readers to connect with the biblical stories and teachings without getting bogged down by archaic language or complex theological terminology.
In addition to its clear language, the Good News Bible includes helpful illustrations, maps, and notes that enhance the reader’s understanding of the text. The translation is structured to facilitate comprehension, often breaking up longer passages into shorter paragraphs and sections. This visual organization aids readers in navigating the biblical narrative and understanding the context of various stories and teachings. The GNB also includes helpful footnotes that provide additional information and insights into specific verses, making it a valuable resource for study and reflection.
Despite its strengths, the Good News Bible has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can lead to a loss of nuance and depth present in the original languages. Additionally, some readers express concern that the GNB’s simplified language may not adequately convey the richness of the biblical text. However, the Good News Bible remains a widely used and appreciated translation, particularly for its commitment to making the scriptures accessible to all, allowing readers from various backgrounds to engage with and understand the timeless messages of the Bible.