« | Psalm 59 | » |
1 My God! Rescue me from my enemies, defend me from these mutineers.
2 Rescue me from their dirty tricks, save me from their hit men.
3 Desperadoes have ganged up on me, they're hiding in ambush for me. I did nothing to deserve this, GOD,
4 crossed no one, wronged no one. All the same, they're after me, determined to get me. Wake up and see for yourself!
5 You're GOD, God of angel armies, Israel's God! Get on the job and take care of these pagans, don't be soft on these hard cases.
6 They return when the sun goes down, They howl like coyotes, ringing the city.
7 Then suddenly they're all at the gate, Snarling invective, drawn daggers in their teeth. They think they'll never get caught.
8 But you, GOD, break out laughing; you treat the godless nations like jokes.
9 Strong God, I'm watching you do it, I can always count on you.
10 God in dependable love shows up on time, shows me my enemies in ruin.
11 Don't make quick work of them, GOD, lest my people forget. Bring them down in slow motion, take them apart piece by piece.
12 Let all their mean-mouthed arrogance catch up with them, Catch them out and bring them down --every muttered curse --every barefaced lie.
13 Finish them off in fine style! Finish them off for good! Then all the world will see that God rules well in Jacob, everywhere that God's in charge.
14 They return when the sun goes down, They howl like coyotes, ringing the city.
15 They scavenge for bones, And bite the hand that feeds them.
16 And me? I'm singing your prowess, shouting at cockcrow your largesse, For you've been a safe place for me, a good place to hide.
17 Strong God, I'm watching you do it, I can always count on you-- God, my dependable love. A David psalm, when he fought against Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah and Joab killed twelve thousand Edomites at the Valley of Salt.
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.