« | Psalm 80 | » |
1 For the end, for alternate [strains], a testimony of Asaph, A Psalm concerning the Assyrian. Attend, O Shepherd of Israel, who guides Joseph like a flock; You who sit upon the cherubim, manifest Yourself;
2 before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up Your power, and come to deliver us.
3 Turn us, O God, and cause Your face to shine; and we shall be delivered.
4 O Lord God of hosts, how long will You be angry with the prayer of Your servant?
5 You will feed us with the bread of tears; and will cause us to drink tears by measure.
6 You have made us a strife to our neighbors; and our enemies have mocked at us.
7 Turn us, O Lord God of hosts, and cause Your face to shine; and we shall be saved. Pause.
8 You have transplanted a vine out of Egypt; You have cast out the heathen, and planted it.
9 You made a way before it, and caused its roots to strike, and the land was filled [with it].
10 Its shadow covered the mountains, and its shoots [equaled] the choice cedars.
11 It sent forth its branches to the sea, and its shoots to the river.
12 Why have You broken down its hedge, while all that pass by the way pluck it?
13 The boar out of the wood has laid it waste, and the wild beast has devoured it.
14 O God of hosts, turn, we pray; look on [us] from heaven, and behold and visit this vine;
15 and restore that which Your right hand has planted, and look on the son of man whom You have strengthened for Yourself.
16 [It is] burned with fire and dug up; they shall perish at the rebuke of Your presence.
17 Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, and upon the son of man whom You have strengthened for Yourself.
18 So will we not depart from You: You shall revive us, and we shall call upon Your name.
19 Turn us, O Lord God of hosts, and cause Your face to shine; and we shall be saved.
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.