« | Psalm 80 | » |
1 An Asaph psalm. Listen, Shepherd, Israel's Shepherd-- get all your Joseph sheep together. Throw beams of light from your dazzling throne
2 So Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh can see where they're going. Get out of bed--you've slept long enough! Come on the run before it's too late.
3 God, come back! Smile your blessing smile: That will be our salvation.
4 GOD, God of the angel armies, how long will you smolder like a sleeping volcano while your people call for fire and brimstone?
5 You put us on a diet of tears, bucket after bucket of salty tears to drink.
6 You make us look ridiculous to our friends; our enemies poke fun day after day.
7 God of the angel armies, come back! Smile your blessing smile: That will be our salvation.
8 Remember how you brought a young vine from Egypt, cleared out the brambles and briers and planted your very own vineyard?
9 You prepared the good earth, you planted her roots deep; the vineyard filled the land.
10 Your vine soared high and shaded the mountains, even dwarfing the giant cedars.
11 Your vine ranged west to the Sea, east to the River.
12 So why do you no longer protect your vine? Trespassers pick its grapes at will;
13 Wild pigs crash through and crush it, and the mice nibble away at what's left.
14 God of the angel armies, turn our way! Take a good look at what's happened and attend to this vine.
15 Care for what you once tenderly planted-- the vine you raised from a shoot.
16 And those who dared to set it on fire-- give them a look that will kill!
17 Then take the hand of your once-favorite child, the child you raised to adulthood.
18 We will never turn our back on you; breathe life into our lungs so we can shout your name!
19 GOD, God of the angel armies, come back! Smile your blessing smile: That will be our salvation.
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.