« | 2 Samuel 8 | » |
1 Some time later King David attacked the Philistines again, defeated them, and ended their control over the land.
2 Then he defeated the Moabites. He made the prisoners lie down on the ground and put two out of every three of them to death. So the Moabites became his subjects and paid taxes to him.
3 Then he defeated the king of the Syrian state of Zobah, Hadadezer son of Rehob, as Hadadezer was on his way to restore his control over the territory by the upper Euphrates River.
4 David captured seventeen hundred of his cavalry and twenty thousand of his foot soldiers. He kept enough horses for a hundred chariots and crippled all the rest.
5 When the Syrians of Damascus sent an army to help King Hadadezer, David attacked it and killed twenty-two thousand men.
6 Then he set up military camps in their territory, and they became his subjects and paid taxes to him. The LORD made David victorious everywhere.
7 David captured the gold shields carried by Hadadezer's officials and took them to Jerusalem.
8 He also took a great quantity of bronze from Betah and Berothai, cities ruled by Hadadezer.
9 King Toi of Hamath heard that David had defeated all of Hadadezer's army.
10 So he sent his son Joram to greet King David and congratulate him for his victory over Hadadezer, against whom Toi had fought many times. Joram took David presents made of gold, silver, and bronze.
11 King David dedicated them for use in worship, along with the silver and gold he took from the nations he had conquered---
12 Edom, Moab, Ammon, Philistia, and Amalek---as well as part of the loot he had taken from Hadadezer.
13 David became even more famous when he returned from killing eighteen thousand Edomites in Salt Valley.
14 He set up military camps throughout Edom, and the people there became his subjects. The LORD made David victorious everywhere.
15 David ruled over all of Israel and made sure that his people were always treated fairly and justly.
16 Joab, whose mother was Zeruiah, was the commander of the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was in charge of the records;
17 Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the court secretary;
18 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of David's bodyguards; and David's sons were priests.
The Good News Bible (GNB)
The Good News Bible (GNB), also known as the Good News Translation (GNT) in the United States, is an English translation of the Bible that prioritizes readability and accessibility for a diverse audience. First published in 1966 by the American Bible Society, the GNB was originally designed as a translation for people with limited English proficiency, including non-native speakers and those with lower literacy levels. Its straightforward and contemporary language makes it particularly effective for use in educational settings, churches, and personal study.
One of the hallmark features of the Good News Bible is its dynamic equivalence translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the thought and meaning of the original texts rather than adhering strictly to a word-for-word approach. This allows the translators to use idiomatic expressions and familiar language that resonate with modern readers. The GNB aims to present the Bible in a way that is relatable and engaging, making it easier for readers to connect with the biblical stories and teachings without getting bogged down by archaic language or complex theological terminology.
In addition to its clear language, the Good News Bible includes helpful illustrations, maps, and notes that enhance the reader’s understanding of the text. The translation is structured to facilitate comprehension, often breaking up longer passages into shorter paragraphs and sections. This visual organization aids readers in navigating the biblical narrative and understanding the context of various stories and teachings. The GNB also includes helpful footnotes that provide additional information and insights into specific verses, making it a valuable resource for study and reflection.
Despite its strengths, the Good News Bible has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can lead to a loss of nuance and depth present in the original languages. Additionally, some readers express concern that the GNB’s simplified language may not adequately convey the richness of the biblical text. However, the Good News Bible remains a widely used and appreciated translation, particularly for its commitment to making the scriptures accessible to all, allowing readers from various backgrounds to engage with and understand the timeless messages of the Bible.