« | Psalm 79 | » |
1 An Asaph psalm. God! Barbarians have broken into your home, violated your holy temple, left Jerusalem a pile of rubble!
2 They've served up the corpses of your servants as carrion food for birds of prey, Threw the bones of your holy people out to the wild animals to gnaw on.
3 They dumped out their blood like buckets of water. All around Jerusalem, their bodies were left to rot, unburied.
4 We're nothing but a joke to our neighbors, graffiti scrawled on the city walls.
5 How long do we have to put up with this, GOD? Do you have it in for us for good? Will your smoldering rage never cool down?
6 If you're going to be angry, be angry with the pagans who care nothing about you, or your rival kingdoms who ignore you.
7 They're the ones who ruined Jacob, who wrecked and looted the place where he lived.
8 Don't blame us for the sins of our parents. Hurry up and help us; we're at the end of our rope.
9 You're famous for helping; God, give us a break. Your reputation is on the line. Pull us out of this mess, forgive us our sins-- do what you're famous for doing!
10 Don't let the heathen get by with their sneers: "Where's your God? Is he out to lunch?" Go public and show the godless world that they can't kill your servants and get by with it.
11 Give groaning prisoners a hearing; pardon those on death row from their doom--you can do it!
12 Give our jeering neighbors what they've got coming to them; let their God-taunts boomerang and knock them flat.
13 Then we, your people, the ones you love and care for, will thank you over and over and over. We'll tell everyone we meet how wonderful you are, how praiseworthy you are!
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.