« | Numbers 17 | » |
1 GOD spoke to Moses:
2 "Speak to the People of Israel. Get staffs from them--twelve staffs in all, one from the leader of each of their ancestral tribes. Write each man's name on his staff.
3 Start with Aaron; write Aaron's name on the staff of Levi and then proceed with the rest, a staff for the leader of each ancestral tribe.
4 Now lay them out in the Tent of Meeting in front of The Testimony where I keep appointments with you.
5 What will happen next is this: The staff of the man I choose will sprout. I'm going to put a stop to this endless grumbling by the People of Israel against you."
6 Moses spoke to the People of Israel. Their leaders handed over twelve staffs, one for the leader of each tribe. And Aaron's staff was one of them.
7 Moses laid out the staffs before GOD in the Tent of Testimony.
8 Moses walked into the Tent of Testimony the next day and saw that Aaron's staff, the staff of the tribe of Levi, had in fact sprouted--buds, blossoms, and even ripe almonds!
9 Moses brought out all the staffs from GOD's presence and presented them to the People of Israel. They took a good look. Each leader took the staff with his name on it.
10 GOD said to Moses, "Return Aaron's staff to the front of The Testimony. Keep it there as a sign to rebels. This will put a stop to the grumbling against me and save their lives."
11 Moses did just as GOD commanded him.
12 The People of Israel said to Moses, "We're as good as dead. This is our death sentence.
13 Anyone who even gets close to The Dwelling of GOD is as good as dead. Are we all doomed?"
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.