« | Deuteronomy 16 | » |
1 "Honor the LORD your God by celebrating Passover in the month of Abib; it was on a night in that month that he rescued you from Egypt.
2 Go to the one place of worship and slaughter there one of your sheep or cattle for the Passover meal to honor the LORD your God.
3 When you eat this meal, do not eat bread prepared with yeast. For seven days you are to eat bread prepared without yeast, as you did when you had to leave Egypt in such a hurry. Eat this bread---it will be called the bread of suffering---so that as long as you live you will remember the day you came out of Egypt, that place of suffering.
4 For seven days no one in your land is to have any yeast in the house; and the meat of the animal killed on the evening of the first day must be eaten that same night.
5 "Slaughter the Passover animals at the one place of worship---and nowhere else in the land that the LORD your God will give you. Do it at sunset, the time of day when you left Egypt.
6 (SEE 16:5)
7 Boil the meat and eat it at the one place of worship; and the next morning return home.
8 For the next six days you are to eat bread prepared without yeast, and on the seventh day assemble to worship the LORD your God, and do no work on that day.
9 "Count seven weeks from the time that you begin to harvest the grain,
10 and then celebrate the Harvest Festival, to honor the LORD your God, by bringing him a freewill offering in proportion to the blessing he has given you.
11 Be joyful in the LORD's presence, together with your children, your servants, and the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows who live in your towns. Do this at the one place of worship.
12 Be sure that you obey these commands; do not forget that you were slaves in Egypt.
13 "After you have threshed all your grain and pressed all your grapes, celebrate the Festival of Shelters for seven days.
14 Enjoy it with your children, your servants, and the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows who live in your towns.
15 Honor the LORD your God by celebrating this festival for seven days at the one place of worship. Be joyful, because the LORD has blessed your harvest and your work.
16 "All the men of your nation are to come to worship the LORD three times a year at the one place of worship: at Passover, Harvest Festival, and the Festival of Shelters. Each man is to bring a gift
17 as he is able, in proportion to the blessings that the LORD your God has given him.
18 "Appoint judges and other officials in every town that the LORD your God gives you. These men are to judge the people impartially.
19 They are not to be unjust or show partiality in their judgments; and they are not to accept bribes, for gifts blind the eyes even of wise and honest men, and cause them to give wrong decisions.
20 Always be fair and just, so that you will occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you and so that you will continue to live there.
21 "When you make an altar for the LORD your God, do not put beside it a wooden symbol of the goddess Asherah.
22 And do not set up any stone pillar for idol worship; the LORD hates them.
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.