« | Joshua 14 | » |
1 What follows is an account of how the land of Canaan west of the Jordan was divided among the people of Israel. Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders of the families of the Israelite tribes divided it among the population.
2 As the LORD had commanded Moses, the territories of the nine and one-half tribes west of the Jordan were determined by drawing lots.
3 Moses had already assigned the land east of the Jordan to the other two and one-half tribes. (The descendants of Joseph were divided into two tribes: Manasseh and Ephraim.) However, Moses gave the Levites no portion of the territory. Instead, they received cities to live in, with fields for their cattle and flocks.
4 (SEE 14:3)
5 The people of Israel divided the land as the LORD had commanded Moses.
6 One day some people from the tribe of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal. One of them, Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, said to him, "You know what the LORD said in Kadesh Barnea about you and me to Moses, the man of God.
7 I was forty years old when the LORD's servant Moses sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out this land. I brought an honest report back to him.
8 The men who went with me, however, made our people afraid. But I faithfully obeyed the LORD my God.
9 Because I did, Moses promised me that my children and I would certainly receive as our possession the land which I walked over.
10 But now, look. It has been forty-five years since the LORD said that to Moses. That was when Israel was going through the desert, and the LORD, as he promised, has kept me alive ever since. Look at me! I am eighty-five years old
11 and am just as strong today as I was when Moses sent me out. I am still strong enough for war or for anything else.
12 Now then, give me the hill country that the LORD promised me on that day when my men and I reported. We told you then that the race of giants called the Anakim were there in large walled cities. Maybe the LORD will be with me, and I will drive them out, just as the LORD said."
13 Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him the city of Hebron as his possession.
14 Hebron still belongs to the descendants of Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, because he faithfully obeyed the LORD, the God of Israel.
15 Before this, Hebron was called the city of Arba. (Arba had been the greatest of the Anakim.) There was now peace in the land.
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.