« | Psalm 90 | » |
1 A prayer of Moses, man of God. God, it seems you've been our home forever;
2 long before the mountains were born, Long before you brought earth itself to birth, from "once upon a time" to "kingdom come"--you are God.
3 So don't return us to mud, saying, "Back to where you came from!"
4 Patience! You've got all the time in the world--whether a thousand years or a day, it's all the same to you.
5 Are we no more to you than a wispy dream, no more than a blade of grass
6 That springs up gloriously with the rising sun and is cut down without a second thought?
7 Your anger is far and away too much for us; we're at the end of our rope.
8 You keep track of all our sins; every misdeed since we were children is entered in your books.
9 All we can remember is that frown on your face. Is that all we're ever going to get?
10 We live for seventy years or so (with luck we might make it to eighty), And what do we have to show for it? Trouble. Toil and trouble and a marker in the graveyard.
11 Who can make sense of such rage, such anger against the very ones who fear you?
12 Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!
13 Come back, GOD--how long do we have to wait?-- and treat your servants with kindness for a change.
14 Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we'll skip and dance all the day long.
15 Make up for the bad times with some good times; we've seen enough evil to last a lifetime.
16 Let your servants see what you're best at-- the ways you rule and bless your children.
17 And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do. Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do!
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.