« | Joel 3 |
1 "In those days, yes, at that very time when I put life back together again for Judah and Jerusalem,
2 I'll assemble all the godless nations. I'll lead them down into Judgment Valley And put them all on trial, and judge them one and all because of their treatment of my own people Israel. They scattered my people all over the pagan world and grabbed my land for themselves.
3 They threw dice for my people and used them for barter. They would trade a boy for a whore, sell a girl for a bottle of wine when they wanted a drink.
4 "As for you, Tyre and Sidon and Philistia, why should I bother with you? Are you trying to get back at me for something I did to you? If you are, forget it. I'll see to it that it boomerangs on you.
5 You robbed me, cleaned me out of silver and gold, carted off everything valuable to furnish your own temples.
6 You sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem into slavery to the Greeks in faraway places.
7 But I'm going to reverse your crime. I'm going to free those slaves. I'll have done to you what you did to them:
8 I'll sell your children as slaves to your neighbors, And they'll sell them to the far-off Sabeans." GOD's Verdict.
9 Announce this to the godless nations: Prepare for battle! Soldiers at attention! Present arms! Advance!
10 Turn your shovels into swords, turn your hoes into spears. Let the weak one throw out his chest and say, "I'm tough, I'm a fighter."
11 Hurry up, pagans! Wherever you are, get a move on! Get your act together. Prepare to be shattered by GOD!
12 Let the pagan nations set out for Judgment Valley. There I'll take my place at the bench and judge all the surrounding nations.
13 "Swing the sickle-- the harvest is ready. Stomp on the grapes-- the winepress is full. The wine vats are full, overflowing with vintage evil.
14 "Mass confusion, mob uproar-- in Decision Valley! GOD's Judgment Day has arrived in Decision Valley.
15 "The sky turns black, sun and moon go dark, stars burn out.
16 GOD roars from Zion, shouts from Jerusalem. Earth and sky quake in terror. But GOD is a safe hiding place, a granite safe house for the children of Israel.
17 Then you'll know for sure that I'm your GOD, Living in Zion, my sacred mountain. Jerusalem will be a sacred city, posted: 'NO TRESPASSING.'
18 "What a day! Wine streaming off the mountains, Milk rivering out of the hills, water flowing everywhere in Judah, A fountain pouring out of GOD's Sanctuary, watering all the parks and gardens!
19 But Egypt will be reduced to weeds in a vacant lot, Edom turned into barren badlands, All because of brutalities to the Judean people, the atrocities and murders of helpless innocents.
20 Meanwhile, Judah will be filled with people, Jerusalem inhabited forever.
21 The sins I haven't already forgiven, I'll forgive." GOD has moved into Zion for good.
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.