« | Psalm 99 | » |
1 GOD rules. On your toes, everybody! He rules from his angel throne--take notice!
2 GOD looms majestic in Zion, He towers in splendor over all the big names.
3 Great and terrible your beauty: let everyone praise you! Holy. Yes, holy.
4 Strong King, lover of justice, You laid things out fair and square; You set down the foundations in Jacob, Foundation stones of just and right ways.
5 Honor GOD, our God; worship his rule! Holy. Yes, holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were his priests, Samuel among those who prayed to him. They prayed to GOD and he answered them;
7 He spoke from the pillar of cloud. And they did what he said; they kept the law he gave them.
8 And then GOD, our God, answered them (But you were never soft on their sins).
9 Lift high GOD, our God; worship at his holy mountain. Holy. Yes, holy is GOD our God.
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.