« | Psalm 102 | » |
1 GOD, listen! Listen to my prayer, listen to the pain in my cries.
2 Don't turn your back on me just when I need you so desperately. Pay attention! This is a cry for help! And hurry--this can't wait!
3 I'm wasting away to nothing, I'm burning up with fever.
4 I'm a ghost of my former self, half-consumed already by terminal illness.
5 My jaws ache from gritting my teeth; I'm nothing but skin and bones.
6 I'm like a buzzard in the desert, a crow perched on the rubble.
7 Insomniac, I twitter away, mournful as a sparrow in the gutter.
8 All day long my enemies taunt me, while others just curse.
9 They bring in meals--casseroles of ashes! I draw drink from a barrel of my tears.
10 And all because of your furious anger; you swept me up and threw me out.
11 There's nothing left of me-- a withered weed, swept clean from the path.
12 Yet you, GOD, are sovereign still, always and ever sovereign.
13 You'll get up from your throne and help Zion-- it's time for compassionate help.
14 Oh, how your servants love this city's rubble and weep with compassion over its dust!
15 The godless nations will sit up and take notice --see your glory, worship your name--
16 When GOD rebuilds Zion, when he shows up in all his glory,
17 When he attends to the prayer of the wretched. He won't dismiss their prayer.
18 Write this down for the next generation so people not yet born will praise GOD:
19 "GOD looked out from his high holy place; from heaven he surveyed the earth.
20 He listened to the groans of the doomed, he opened the doors of their death cells."
21 Write it so the story can be told in Zion, so GOD's praise will be sung in Jerusalem's streets
22 And wherever people gather together along with their rulers to worship him.
23 GOD sovereignly brought me to my knees, he cut me down in my prime.
24 "Oh, don't," I prayed, "please don't let me die. You have more years than you know what to do with!
25 You laid earth's foundations a long time ago, and handcrafted the very heavens;
26 You'll still be around when they're long gone, threadbare and discarded like an old suit of clothes. You'll throw them away like a worn-out coat,
27 but year after year you're as good as new.
28 Your servants' children will have a good place to live and their children will be at home with you."
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.