« | Psalm 109 | » |
1 A David prayer. My God, don't turn a deaf ear to my hallelujah prayer.
2 Liars are pouring out invective on me; Their lying tongues are like a pack of dogs out to get me,
3 barking their hate, nipping my heels--and for no reason!
4 I loved them and now they slander me--yes, me!-- and treat my prayer like a crime;
5 They return my good with evil, they return my love with hate.
6 Send the Evil One to accuse my accusing judge; dispatch Satan to prosecute him.
7 When he's judged, let the verdict be, "Guilty," and when he prays, let his prayer turn to sin.
8 Give him a short life, and give his job to somebody else.
9 Make orphans of his children, dress his wife in widow's weeds;
10 Turn his children into begging street urchins, evicted from their homes--homeless.
11 May the bank foreclose and wipe him out, and strangers, like vultures, pick him clean.
12 May there be no one around to help him out, no one willing to give his orphans a break.
13 Chop down his family tree so that nobody even remembers his name.
14 But erect a memorial to the sin of his father, and make sure his mother's name is there, too--
15 Their sins recorded forever before GOD, but they themselves sunk in oblivion.
16 That's all he deserves since he was never once kind, hounded the afflicted and heartbroken to their graves.
17 Since he loved cursing so much, let curses rain down; Since he had no taste for blessing, let blessings flee far from him.
18 He dressed up in curses like a fine suit of clothes; he drank curses, took his baths in curses.
19 So give him a gift--a costume of curses; he can wear curses every day of the week!
20 That's what they'll get, those out to get me-- an avalanche of just deserts from GOD.
21 Oh, GOD, my Lord, step in; work a miracle for me--you can do it! Get me out of here--your love is so great!--
22 I'm at the end of my rope, my life in ruins.
23 I'm fading away to nothing, passing away, my youth gone, old before my time.
24 I'm weak from hunger and can hardly stand up, my body a rack of skin and bones.
25 I'm a joke in poor taste to those who see me; they take one look and shake their heads.
26 Help me, oh help me, GOD, my God, save me through your wonderful love;
27 Then they'll know that your hand is in this, that you, GOD, have been at work.
28 Let them curse all they want; you do the blessing.
29 Let them be jeered by the crowd when they stand up, followed by cheers for me, your servant. Dress my accusers in clothes dirty with shame, discarded and humiliating old ragbag clothes.
30 My mouth's full of great praise for GOD, I'm singing his hallelujahs surrounded by crowds,
31 For he's always at hand to take the side of the needy, to rescue a life from the unjust judge.
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.