« | Psalm 35 | » |
1 A David psalm. Harass these hecklers, GOD, punch these bullies in the nose.
2 Grab a weapon, anything at hand; stand up for me!
3 Get ready to throw the spear, aim the javelin, at the people who are out to get me. Reassure me; let me hear you say, "I'll save you."
4 When those thugs try to knife me in the back, make them look foolish. Frustrate all those who are plotting my downfall.
5 Make them like cinders in a high wind, with GOD's angel working the bellows.
6 Make their road lightless and mud-slick, with GOD's angel on their tails.
7 Out of sheer cussedness they set a trap to catch me; for no good reason they dug a ditch to stop me.
8 Surprise them with your ambush-- catch them in the very trap they set, the disaster they planned for me.
9 But let me run loose and free, celebrating GOD's great work,
10 Every bone in my body laughing, singing, "GOD, there's no one like you. You put the down-and-out on their feet and protect the unprotected from bullies!"
11 Hostile accusers appear out of nowhere, they stand up and badger me.
12 They pay me back misery for mercy, leaving my soul empty.
13 When they were sick, I dressed in black; instead of eating, I prayed.
14 My prayers were like lead in my gut, like I'd lost my best friend, my brother. I paced, distraught as a motherless child, hunched and heavyhearted.
15 But when I was down they threw a party! All the nameless riffraff of the town came chanting insults about me.
16 Like barbarians desecrating a shrine, they destroyed my reputation.
17 GOD, how long are you going to stand there doing nothing? Save me from their brutalities; everything I've got is being thrown to the lions.
18 I will give you full credit when everyone gathers for worship; When the people turn out in force I will say my Hallelujahs.
19 Don't let these liars, my enemies, have a party at my expense, Those who hate me for no reason, winking and rolling their eyes.
20 No good is going to come from that crowd; They spend all their time cooking up gossip against those who mind their own business.
21 They open their mouths in ugly grins, Mocking, "Ha-ha, ha-ha, thought you'd get away with it? We've caught you hands down!"
22 Don't you see what they're doing, GOD? You're not going to let them Get by with it, are you? Not going to walk off without doing something, are you?
23 Please get up--wake up! Tend to my case. My God, my Lord--my life is on the line.
24 Do what you think is right, GOD, my God, but don't make me pay for their good time.
25 Don't let them say to themselves, "Ha-ha, we got what we wanted." Don't let them say, "We've chewed him up and spit him out."
26 Let those who are being hilarious at my expense Be made to look ridiculous. Make them wear donkey's ears; Pin them with the donkey's tail, who made themselves so high and mighty!
27 But those who want the best for me, Let them have the last word--a glad shout!-- and say, over and over and over, "GOD is great--everything works together for good for his servant."
28 I'll tell the world how great and good you are, I'll shout Hallelujah all day, every day.
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.