« | Psalm 135 | » |
1 Hallelujah! Praise the name of GOD, praise the works of GOD.
2 All you priests on duty in GOD's temple, serving in the sacred halls of our God,
3 Shout "Hallelujah!" because GOD's so good, sing anthems to his beautiful name.
4 And why? Because GOD chose Jacob, embraced Israel as a prize possession.
5 I too give witness to the greatness of GOD, our Lord, high above all other gods.
6 He does just as he pleases-- however, wherever, whenever.
7 He makes the weather--clouds and thunder, lightning and rain, wind pouring out of the north.
8 He struck down the Egyptian firstborn, both human and animal firstborn.
9 He made Egypt sit up and take notice, confronted Pharaoh and his servants with miracles.
10 Yes, he struck down great nations, he slew mighty kings--
11 Sihon king of the Amorites, also Og of Bashan-- every last one of the Canaanite kings!
12 Then he turned their land over to Israel, a gift of good land to his people.
13 GOD, your name is eternal, GOD, you'll never be out-of-date.
14 GOD stands up for his people, GOD holds the hands of his people.
15 The gods of the godless nations are mere trinkets, made for quick sale in the markets:
16 Chiseled mouths that can't talk, painted eyes that can't see,
17 Carved ears that can't hear-- dead wood! cold metal!
18 Those who make and trust them become like them.
19 Family of Israel, bless GOD! Family of Aaron, bless GOD!
20 Family of Levi, bless GOD! You who fear GOD, bless GOD!
21 Oh, blessed be GOD of Zion, First Citizen of Jerusalem! Hallelujah!
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.