« | Psalm 72 | » |
1 A Solomon psalm. Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God, the gift of just rule to the crown prince.
2 May he judge your people rightly, be honorable to your meek and lowly.
3 Let the mountains give exuberant witness; shape the hills with the contours of right living.
4 Please stand up for the poor, help the children of the needy, come down hard on the cruel tyrants.
5 Outlast the sun, outlive the moon-- age after age after age.
6 Be rainfall on cut grass, earth-refreshing rain showers.
7 Let righteousness burst into blossom and peace abound until the moon fades to nothing.
8 Rule from sea to sea, from the River to the Rim.
9 Foes will fall on their knees before God, his enemies lick the dust.
10 Kings remote and legendary will pay homage, kings rich and resplendent will turn over their wealth.
11 All kings will fall down and worship, and godless nations sign up to serve him,
12 Because he rescues the poor at the first sign of need, the destitute who have run out of luck.
13 He opens a place in his heart for the down-and-out, he restores the wretched of the earth.
14 He frees them from tyranny and torture-- when they bleed, he bleeds; when they die, he dies.
15 And live! Oh, let him live! Deck him out in Sheba gold. Offer prayers unceasing to him, bless him from morning to night.
16 Fields of golden grain in the land, cresting the mountains in wild exuberance, Cornucopias of praise, praises springing from the city like grass from the earth.
17 May he never be forgotten, his fame shine on like sunshine. May all godless people enter his circle of blessing and bless the One who blessed them.
18 Blessed GOD, Israel's God, the one and only wonder-working God!
19 Blessed always his blazing glory! All earth brims with his glory.
20 Yes and Yes and Yes.
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.