« | Psalm 132 | » |
1 A pilgrim song. O GOD, remember David, remember all his troubles!
2 And remember how he promised GOD, made a vow to the Strong God of Jacob,
3 "I'm not going home, and I'm not going to bed,
4 I'm not going to sleep, not even take time to rest,
5 Until I find a home for GOD, a house for the Strong God of Jacob."
6 Remember how we got the news in Ephrathah, learned all about it at Jaar Meadows?
7 We shouted, "Let's go to the shrine dedication! Let's worship at God's own footstool!"
8 Up, GOD, enjoy your new place of quiet repose, you and your mighty covenant ark;
9 Get your priests all dressed up in justice; prompt your worshipers to sing this prayer:
10 "Honor your servant David; don't disdain your anointed one."
11 GOD gave David his word, he won't back out on this promise: "One of your sons I will set on your throne;
12 If your sons stay true to my Covenant and learn to live the way I teach them, Their sons will continue the line-- always a son to sit on your throne.
13 Yes--I, GOD, chose Zion, the place I wanted for my shrine;
14 This will always be my home; this is what I want, and I'm here for good.
15 I'll shower blessings on the pilgrims who come here, and give supper to those who arrive hungry;
16 I'll dress my priests in salvation clothes; the holy people will sing their hearts out!
17 Oh, I'll make the place radiant for David! I'll fill it with light for my anointed!
18 I'll dress his enemies in dirty rags, but I'll make his crown sparkle with splendor."
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.