« | Psalm 105 | » |
1 Give thanks to the LORD, proclaim his greatness; tell the nations what he has done.
2 Sing praise to the LORD; tell the wonderful things he has done.
3 Be glad that we belong to him; let all who worship him rejoice.
4 Go to the LORD for help; and worship him continually.
5 You descendants of Abraham, his servant; you descendants of Jacob, the man he chose: remember the miracles that God performed and the judgments that he gave.
6 (SEE 105:5)
7 The LORD is our God; his commands are for all the world.
8 He will keep his covenant forever, his promises for a thousand generations.
9 He will keep the agreement he made with Abraham and his promise to Isaac.
10 The LORD made a covenant with Jacob, one that will last forever.
11 "I will give you the land of Canaan," he said. "It will be your own possession."
12 God's people were few in number, strangers in the land of Canaan.
13 They wandered from country to country, from one kingdom to another.
14 But God let no one oppress them; to protect them, he warned the kings:
15 "Don't harm my chosen servants; do not touch my prophets."
16 The LORD sent famine to their country and took away all their food.
17 But he sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who had been sold as a slave.
18 His feet were kept in chains, and an iron collar was around his neck,
19 until what he had predicted came true. The word of the LORD proved him right.
20 Then the king of Egypt had him released; the ruler of nations set him free.
21 He put him in charge of his government and made him ruler over all the land,
22 with power over the king's officials and authority to instruct his advisers.
23 Then Jacob went to Egypt and settled in that country.
24 The LORD gave many children to his people and made them stronger than their enemies.
25 He made the Egyptians hate his people and treat his servants with deceit.
26 Then he sent his servant Moses, and Aaron, whom he had chosen.
27 They did God's mighty acts and performed miracles in Egypt.
28 God sent darkness on the country, but the Egyptians did not obey his command.
29 He turned their rivers into blood and killed all their fish.
30 Their country was overrun with frogs; even the palace was filled with them.
31 God commanded, and flies and gnats swarmed throughout the whole country.
32 He sent hail and lightning on their land instead of rain;
33 he destroyed their grapevines and fig trees and broke down all the trees.
34 He commanded, and the locusts came, countless millions of them;
35 they ate all the plants in the land; they ate all the crops.
36 He killed the first-born sons of all the families of Egypt.
37 Then he led the Israelites out; they carried silver and gold, and all of them were healthy and strong.
38 The Egyptians were afraid of them and were glad when they left.
39 God put a cloud over his people and a fire at night to give them light.
40 They asked, and he sent quails; he gave them food from heaven to satisfy them.
41 He opened a rock, and water gushed out, flowing through the desert like a river.
42 He remembered his sacred promise to Abraham his servant.
43 So he led his chosen people out, and they sang and shouted for joy.
44 He gave them the lands of other peoples and let them take over their fields,
45 so that his people would obey his laws and keep all his commands. Praise the LORD!
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.