« | Psalm 83 | » |
1 One of Asaph's songs of praise. God, don't keep quiet! Don't close your ears! Please say something, God.
2 Your enemies are getting ready to do something. Those who hate you will soon attack.
3 They are making secret plans against your people. Your enemies are discussing plans against the people you love.
4 They say, "Come, let us destroy them completely. Then no one will ever again remember the name Israel. "
5 God, they have all joined together. They have united against you.
6 Their army includes the Edomites, Ishmaelites, Moabites, and Hagar's descendants, the people of Byblos, Ammon, and Amalek, the Philistines, and the people of Tyre.
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8 Even the Assyrians have joined them. They have made Lot's descendants very powerful. Selah
9 God, defeat them just as you defeated Midian. Do what you did to Sisera and Jabin at the Kishon River.
10 You destroyed the enemy at Endor, and their bodies rotted on the ground.
11 Punish their leaders as you did Oreb and Zeeb. Do what you did to Zebah and Zalmunna.
12 They said, "Let's make this land our own— these fields of grass that belong to God!"
13 Make them like tumbleweeds blown by the wind. Scatter them, like the wind scatters straw.
14 Be like a fire that destroys a forest or like a flame that sets the hills on fire.
15 Chase them away with your blasts of wind; frighten them with your storms.
16 Lord, cover them with shame until they come to you for help.
17 May they be forever ashamed and afraid. Disgrace and defeat them.
18 Then they will know that your name is Yahweh — that you alone are the Lord. They will know that you are God Most High, ruler over all the earth!
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.