« | Psalm 55 | » |
1 A David psalm. Open your ears, God, to my prayer; don't pretend you don't hear me knocking.
2 Come close and whisper your answer. I really need you. I shudder
3 at the mean voice, quail before the evil eye, As they pile on the guilt, stockpile angry slander.
4 My insides are turned inside out; specters of death have me down.
5 I shake with fear, I shudder from head to foot.
6 "Who will give me wings," I ask-- "wings like a dove?" Get me out of here on dove wings;
7 I want some peace and quiet. I want a walk in the country,
8 I want a cabin in the woods. I'm desperate for a change from rage and stormy weather.
9 Come down hard, Lord--slit their tongues. I'm appalled how they've split the city Into rival gangs prowling the alleys
10 Day and night spoiling for a fight, trash piled in the streets,
11 Even shopkeepers gouging and cheating in broad daylight.
12 This isn't the neighborhood bully mocking me--I could take that. This isn't a foreign devil spitting invective--I could tune that out.
13 It's you! We grew up together! You! My best friend!
14 Those long hours of leisure as we walked arm in arm, God a third party to our conversation.
15 Haul my betrayers off alive to hell--let them experience the horror, let them feel every desolate detail of a damned life.
16 I call to God; GOD will help me.
17 At dusk, dawn, and noon I sigh deep sighs--he hears, he rescues.
18 My life is well and whole, secure in the middle of danger Even while thousands are lined up against me.
19 God hears it all, and from his judge's bench puts them in their place. But, set in their ways, they won't change; they pay him no mind.
20 And this, my best friend, betrayed his best friends; his life betrayed his word.
21 All my life I've been charmed by his speech, never dreaming he'd turn on me. His words, which were music to my ears, turned to daggers in my heart.
22 Pile your troubles on GOD's shoulders-- he'll carry your load, he'll help you out. He'll never let good people topple into ruin.
23 But you, God, will throw the others into a muddy bog, Cut the lifespan of assassins and traitors in half. And I trust in you. A David psalm, when he was captured by the Philistines in Gath.
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.