« | Jeremiah 10 | » |
1 People of Israel, listen to the message that the LORD has for you.
2 He says, "Do not follow the ways of other nations; do not be disturbed by unusual sights in the sky, even though other nations are terrified.
3 The religion of these people is worthless. A tree is cut down in the forest; it is carved by the tools of the woodworker
4 and decorated with silver and gold. It is fastened down with nails to keep it from falling over.
5 Such idols are like scarecrows in a field of melons; they cannot speak; they have to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them: they can cause you no harm, and they can do you no good."
6 LORD, there is no one like you; you are mighty, and your name is great and powerful.
7 Who would not honor you, the king of all nations? You deserve to be honored. There is no one like you among all the wise men of the nations or among any of their kings.
8 All of them are stupid and foolish. What can they learn from wooden idols?
9 Their idols are covered with silver from Spain and with gold from Uphaz, all the work of artists; they are dressed in violet and purple cloth woven by skilled weavers.
10 But you, LORD, are the true God, you are the living God and the eternal king. When you are angry, the world trembles; the nations cannot endure your anger.
11 (You people must tell them that the gods who did not make the earth and the sky will be destroyed. They will no longer exist anywhere on earth.)
12 The LORD made the earth by his power; by his wisdom he created the world and stretched out the heavens.
13 At his command the waters above the sky roar; he brings clouds from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning flash in the rain and sends the wind from his storeroom.
14 At the sight of this, people feel stupid and senseless; those who make idols are disillusioned, because the gods they make are false and lifeless.
15 They are worthless and should be despised; they will be destroyed when the LORD comes to deal with them.
16 The God of Jacob is not like them; he is the one who made everything, and he has chosen Israel to be his very own people. The LORD Almighty is his name.
17 People of Jerusalem, you are under siege! Gather up your belongings.
18 The LORD is going to throw you out of this land; he is going to crush you until not one of you is left. The LORD has spoken.
19 The people of Jerusalem cried out, "How badly we are hurt! Our wounds will not heal. And we thought this was something we could endure!
20 Our tents are ruined; the ropes that held them have broken. Our children have all gone away; there is no one left to put up our tents again; there is no one to hang their curtains."
21 I answered, "Our leaders are stupid; they do not ask the LORD for guidance. This is why they have failed, and our people have been scattered.
22 Listen! News has come! There is a great commotion in a nation to the north; its army will turn the cities of Judah into a desert, a place where jackals live."
23 LORD, I know that none of us are in charge of our own destiny; none of us have control over our own life.
24 Correct your people, LORD, but do not be too hard on us or punish us when you are angry; that would be the end of us.
25 Turn your anger on the nations that do not worship you and on the people who reject you. They have killed your people; they have destroyed us completely and left our country in ruins.
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.