« | Psalm 22 | » |
1 A David psalm. God, God . . . my God! Why did you dump me miles from nowhere?
2 Doubled up with pain, I call to God all the day long. No answer. Nothing. I keep at it all night, tossing and turning.
3 And you! Are you indifferent, above it all, leaning back on the cushions of Israel's praise?
4 We know you were there for our parents:
5 they cried for your help and you gave it; they trusted and lived a good life.
6 And here I am, a nothing--an earthworm, something to step on, to squash.
7 Everyone pokes fun at me; they make faces at me, they shake their heads:
8 "Let's see how GOD handles this one; since God likes him so much, let him help him!"
9 And to think you were midwife at my birth, setting me at my mother's breasts!
10 When I left the womb you cradled me; since the moment of birth you've been my God.
11 Then you moved far away and trouble moved in next-door. I need a neighbor.
12 Herds of bulls come at me, the raging bulls stampede,
13 Horns lowered, nostrils flaring, like a herd of buffalo on the move.
14 I'm a bucket kicked over and spilled, every joint in my body has been pulled apart. My heart is a blob of melted wax in my gut.
15 I'm dry as a bone, my tongue black and swollen. They have laid me out for burial in the dirt.
16 Now packs of wild dogs come at me; thugs gang up on me. They pin me down hand and foot,
17 and lock me in a cage--a bag Of bones in a cage, stared at by every passerby.
18 They take my wallet and the shirt off my back, and then throw dice for my clothes.
19 You, GOD--don't put off my rescue! Hurry and help me!
20 Don't let them cut my throat; don't let those mongrels devour me.
21 If you don't show up soon, I'm done for--gored by the bulls, meat for the lions.
22 Here's the story I'll tell my friends when they come to worship, and punctuate it with Hallelujahs:
23 Shout Hallelujah, you God-worshipers; give glory, you sons of Jacob; adore him, you daughters of Israel.
24 He has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around. He has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there, listening.
25 Here in this great gathering for worship I have discovered this praise-life. And I'll do what I promised right here in front of the God-worshipers.
26 Down-and-outers sit at GOD's table and eat their fill. Everyone on the hunt for God is here, praising him. "Live it up, from head to toe. Don't ever quit!"
27 From the four corners of the earth people are coming to their senses, are running back to GOD. Long-lost families are falling on their faces before him.
28 GOD has taken charge; from now on he has the last word.
29 All the power-mongers are before him --worshiping! All the poor and powerless, too --worshiping! Along with those who never got it together --worshiping!
30 Our children and their children will get in on this As the word is passed along from parent to child.
31 Babies not yet conceived will hear the good news-- that God does what he says.
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.