« | Psalm 72 | » |
1 Teach the king to judge with your righteousness, O God; share with him your own justice,
2 so that he will rule over your people with justice and govern the oppressed with righteousness.
3 May the land enjoy prosperity; may it experience righteousness.
4 May the king judge the poor fairly; may he help the needy and defeat their oppressors.
5 May your people worship you as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon gives light, for ages to come.
6 May the king be like rain on the fields, like showers falling on the land.
7 May righteousness flourish in his lifetime, and may prosperity last as long as the moon gives light.
8 His kingdom will reach from sea to sea, from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.
9 The peoples of the desert will bow down before him; his enemies will throw themselves to the ground.
10 The kings of Spain and of the islands will offer him gifts; the kings of Sheba and Seba will bring him offerings.
11 All kings will bow down before him; all nations will serve him.
12 He rescues the poor who call to him, and those who are needy and neglected.
13 He has pity on the weak and poor; he saves the lives of those in need.
14 He rescues them from oppression and violence; their lives are precious to him.
15 Long live the king! May he be given gold from Sheba; may prayers be said for him at all times; may God's blessings be on him always!
16 May there be plenty of grain in the land; may the hills be covered with crops, as fruitful as those of Lebanon. May the cities be filled with people, like fields full of grass.
17 May the king's name never be forgotten; may his fame last as long as the sun. May all nations ask God to bless them as he has blessed the king.
18 Praise the LORD, the God of Israel! He alone does these wonderful things.
19 Praise his glorious name forever! May his glory fill the whole world. Amen! Amen!
20 This is the end of the prayers of David son of Jesse.
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.