« | Psalm 74 | » |
1 A maskil of Asaph. God, why have you turned away from us for so long? Why are you still angry with us, your own flock?
2 Remember the people you bought so long ago. You saved us, and we belong to you. And remember Mount Zion, the place where you lived.
3 God, come walk through these ancient ruins. Come back to the Holy Place that the enemy destroyed.
4 The enemy shouted their war cries in the Temple. They put up their flags there to show they had won the war.
5 Their soldiers attacked the doors, like workmen chopping down trees.
6 Using axes and hatchets, they smashed the carved panels inside.
7 They burned down your Holy Place. It was built to honor your name, but they pulled it down to the ground.
8 The enemy decided to crush us completely. They burned every holy place in the country.
9 We do not see any of our signs. There are no more prophets. And no one knows how long this will last.
10 God, how much longer will the enemy make fun of us? Will you let them insult your name forever?
11 Why won't you help us? Use your power to defeat our enemies!
12 God, you have been our King for a long time. You have saved us many times on this earth.
13 With your great power you split open the sea and broke the heads of the sea monster.
14 Yes, you smashed the heads of Leviathan and left his body for animals to eat.
15 You make the springs and rivers flow, and you make the rivers dry up.
16 You control the day and the night. You made the sun and the moon.
17 You set the limits for everything on earth. And you created summer and winter.
18 Lord, remember, the enemy insulted you! Those foolish people hate your name.
19 Don't give us like a helpless dove to those wild animals. Never forget your poor, suffering people.
20 Remember the agreement you gave us, because violence fills every dark place in this land.
21 Your people were treated badly. Don't let them be hurt anymore. Let your poor, helpless people praise you.
22 God, get up and defend yourself! Remember, those fools challenged you.
23 Don't forget the shouts of your enemies. They insulted you again and again.
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV) is a Bible translation specifically designed to be accessible and comprehensible for people with limited reading skills or those for whom English is a second language. Originally published in 1987 by the World Bible Translation Center, the ERV was initially developed to serve the deaf community, using a simplified vocabulary and straightforward sentence structures. The goal of the ERV is to make the scriptures understandable to a wide range of readers, ensuring that everyone can grasp the essential messages of the Bible without being hindered by complex language or archaic terms.
One of the defining characteristics of the ERV is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators employed a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, focusing on conveying the meaning of the original texts in plain, everyday English. This approach ensures that readers can easily comprehend the Bible’s teachings and narratives, making it a valuable resource for children, new Christians, and those with limited literacy skills. The ERV avoids technical theological terms and instead uses language that is commonly spoken, making it accessible for personal study and public reading alike.
The ERV also pays careful attention to the cultural and contextual nuances of the original manuscripts. The translators sought to present the Bible’s messages in a way that is relevant and meaningful to contemporary readers while maintaining faithfulness to the original texts. This cultural sensitivity helps bridge the gap between ancient scriptures and modern readers, allowing them to connect more deeply with the biblical stories and teachings. Additionally, the ERV includes helpful footnotes and cross-references that provide further explanation and context, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the ERV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the simplified language and thought-for-thought approach can sometimes result in a loss of depth and richness found in the original texts. Some theologians believe that the ERV’s emphasis on accessibility may lead to oversimplification of complex theological concepts. Nonetheless, the Easy-To-Read Version remains a highly valuable translation for its target audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps people of all backgrounds engage with and understand the scriptures.