« | Amos 6 | » |
1 Oh, look at the people enjoying life in Zion, and those on Mount Samaria who feel so safe. They are such important leaders of a most important nation. The "House of Israel" comes to you for advice.
2 Go look at Calneh. From there, go to the large city Hamath. Go to the Philistine city of Gath. Are you better than these kingdoms? Their countries are larger than yours.
3 You people are rushing toward the day of punishment. You bring near the rule of violence.
4 {But now} you lie on ivory beds and stretch out on your couches. You eat tender young lambs from the flock, and young calves from the stable.
5 You play your harps, and like David, you practice on your musical instruments.
6 You drink wine in fancy cups. You use the best perfumes. And it doesn't even bother you that Joseph's family is being destroyed.
7 You people are stretched out on your couches now, but your good times will end. You will be taken away as prisoners to a foreign country, and you will be some of the first people taken.
8 The Lord God used his own name and made an oath. The Lord God All-Powerful said: "I hate what Jacob is proud of. I hate his strong towers. So I will let an enemy take the city and everything in it."
9 At that time ten people in one house might survive, but they too will die.
10 And when someone dies, a relative will come to get the body so that it can be taken out and burned. Relatives will come to take away the bones. They will call to anyone who might be hiding back in the house, "Are there any other dead bodies in there with you?" That person will answer, "No, —" But the relative will interrupt and say, "Hush! We must not mention the name of the Lord."
11 Look, the Lord God will give the command, and the large houses will be broken to pieces, and the small houses will be broken to small pieces.
12 Do horses run over loose rocks? No, and people don't use cows for plowing. But you turned everything upside down. You changed justice and goodness to bitter poison.
13 You are happy in Lo-Debar. You say, "We have taken Karnaim by our own strength."
14 "But Israel, I will bring a nation against you that will bring troubles to your whole country from Lebo-Hamath to Arabah Brook." This is what the Lord God All- Powerful said.
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV) is a Bible translation specifically designed to be accessible and comprehensible for people with limited reading skills or those for whom English is a second language. Originally published in 1987 by the World Bible Translation Center, the ERV was initially developed to serve the deaf community, using a simplified vocabulary and straightforward sentence structures. The goal of the ERV is to make the scriptures understandable to a wide range of readers, ensuring that everyone can grasp the essential messages of the Bible without being hindered by complex language or archaic terms.
One of the defining characteristics of the ERV is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators employed a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, focusing on conveying the meaning of the original texts in plain, everyday English. This approach ensures that readers can easily comprehend the Bible’s teachings and narratives, making it a valuable resource for children, new Christians, and those with limited literacy skills. The ERV avoids technical theological terms and instead uses language that is commonly spoken, making it accessible for personal study and public reading alike.
The ERV also pays careful attention to the cultural and contextual nuances of the original manuscripts. The translators sought to present the Bible’s messages in a way that is relevant and meaningful to contemporary readers while maintaining faithfulness to the original texts. This cultural sensitivity helps bridge the gap between ancient scriptures and modern readers, allowing them to connect more deeply with the biblical stories and teachings. Additionally, the ERV includes helpful footnotes and cross-references that provide further explanation and context, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the ERV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the simplified language and thought-for-thought approach can sometimes result in a loss of depth and richness found in the original texts. Some theologians believe that the ERV’s emphasis on accessibility may lead to oversimplification of complex theological concepts. Nonetheless, the Easy-To-Read Version remains a highly valuable translation for its target audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps people of all backgrounds engage with and understand the scriptures.