« | Psalm 74 | » |
1 An Asaph psalm. You walked off and left us, and never looked back. God, how could you do that? We're your very own sheep; how can you stomp off in anger?
2 Refresh your memory of us--you bought us a long time ago. Your most precious tribe--you paid a good price for us! Your very own Mount Zion--you actually lived here once!
3 Come and visit the site of disaster, see how they've wrecked the sanctuary.
4 While your people were at worship, your enemies barged in, brawling and scrawling graffiti.
5 They set fire to the porch; axes swinging, they chopped up the woodwork,
6 Beat down the doors with sledgehammers, then split them into kindling.
7 They burned your holy place to the ground, violated the place of worship.
8 They said to themselves, "We'll wipe them all out," and burned down all the places of worship.
9 There's not a sign or symbol of God in sight, nor anyone to speak in his name, no one who knows what's going on.
10 How long, God, will barbarians blaspheme, enemies curse and get by with it?
11 Why don't you do something? How long are you going to sit there with your hands folded in your lap?
12 God is my King from the very start; he works salvation in the womb of the earth.
13 With one blow you split the sea in two, you made mincemeat of the dragon Tannin.
14 You lopped off the heads of Leviathan, then served them up in a stew for the animals.
15 With your finger you opened up springs and creeks, and dried up the wild floodwaters.
16 You own the day, you own the night; you put stars and sun in place.
17 You laid out the four corners of earth, shaped the seasons of summer and winter.
18 Mark and remember, GOD, all the enemy taunts, each idiot desecration.
19 Don't throw your lambs to the wolves; after all we've been through, don't forget us.
20 Remember your promises; the city is in darkness, the countryside violent.
21 Don't leave the victims to rot in the street; make them a choir that sings your praises.
22 On your feet, O God-- stand up for yourself! Do you hear what they're saying about you, all the vile obscenities?
23 Don't tune out their malicious filth, the brawling invective that never lets up.
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.