« | Psalm 132 | » |
1 LORD, do not forget David and all the hardships he endured.
2 Remember, LORD, what he promised, the vow he made to you, the Mighty God of Jacob:
3 "I will not go home or go to bed;
4 I will not rest or sleep,
5 until I provide a place for the LORD, a home for the Mighty God of Jacob."
6 In Bethlehem we heard about the Covenant Box, and we found it in the fields of Jearim.
7 We said, "Let us go to the LORD's house; let us worship before his throne."
8 Come to the Temple, LORD, with the Covenant Box, the symbol of your power, and stay here forever.
9 May your priests do always what is right; may your people shout for joy!
10 You made a promise to your servant David; do not reject your chosen king, LORD.
11 You made a solemn promise to David--- a promise you will not take back: "I will make one of your sons king, and he will rule after you.
12 If your sons are true to my covenant and to the commands I give them, their sons, also, will succeed you for all time as kings."
13 The LORD has chosen Zion; he wants to make it his home:
14 "This is where I will live forever; this is where I want to rule.
15 I will richly provide Zion with all she needs; I will satisfy her poor with food.
16 I will bless her priests in all they do, and her people will sing and shout for joy.
17 Here I will make one of David's descendants a great king; here I will preserve the rule of my chosen king.
18 I will cover his enemies with shame, but his kingdom will prosper and flourish."
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.