« | Psalm 107 | » |
1 Oh, thank GOD--he's so good! His love never runs out.
2 All of you set free by GOD, tell the world! Tell how he freed you from oppression,
3 Then rounded you up from all over the place, from the four winds, from the seven seas.
4 Some of you wandered for years in the desert, looking but not finding a good place to live,
5 Half-starved and parched with thirst, staggering and stumbling, on the brink of exhaustion.
6 Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to GOD. He got you out in the nick of time;
7 He put your feet on a wonderful road that took you straight to a good place to live.
8 So thank GOD for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.
9 He poured great draughts of water down parched throats; the starved and hungry got plenty to eat.
10 Some of you were locked in a dark cell, cruelly confined behind bars,
11 Punished for defying God's Word, for turning your back on the High God's counsel--
12 A hard sentence, and your hearts so heavy, and not a soul in sight to help.
13 Then you called out to GOD in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time.
14 He led you out of your dark, dark cell, broke open the jail and led you out.
15 So thank GOD for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves;
16 He shattered the heavy jailhouse doors, he snapped the prison bars like matchsticks!
17 Some of you were sick because you'd lived a bad life, your bodies feeling the effects of your sin;
18 You couldn't stand the sight of food, so miserable you thought you'd be better off dead.
19 Then you called out to GOD in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time.
20 He spoke the word that healed you, that pulled you back from the brink of death.
21 So thank GOD for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves;
22 Offer thanksgiving sacrifices, tell the world what he's done--sing it out!
23 Some of you set sail in big ships; you put to sea to do business in faraway ports.
24 Out at sea you saw GOD in action, saw his breathtaking ways with the ocean:
25 With a word he called up the wind-- an ocean storm, towering waves!
26 You shot high in the sky, then the bottom dropped out; your hearts were stuck in your throats.
27 You were spun like a top, you reeled like a drunk, you didn't know which end was up.
28 Then you called out to GOD in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time.
29 He quieted the wind down to a whisper, put a muzzle on all the big waves.
30 And you were so glad when the storm died down, and he led you safely back to harbor.
31 So thank GOD for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.
32 Lift high your praises when the people assemble, shout Hallelujah when the elders meet!
33 GOD turned rivers into wasteland, springs of water into sunbaked mud;
34 Luscious orchards became alkali flats because of the evil of the people who lived there.
35 Then he changed wasteland into fresh pools of water, arid earth into springs of water,
36 Brought in the hungry and settled them there; they moved in--what a great place to live!
37 They sowed the fields, they planted vineyards, they reaped a bountiful harvest.
38 He blessed them and they prospered greatly; their herds of cattle never decreased.
39 But abuse and evil and trouble declined
40 as he heaped scorn on princes and sent them away. He gave the poor a safe place to live,
41 treated their clans like well-cared-for sheep.
42 Good people see this and are glad; bad people are speechless, stopped in their tracks.
43 If you are really wise, you'll think this over-- it's time you appreciated GOD's deep love.
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.