Title: Bible Wisdom: PSALMS of Praise & Power -- Newly translated from the Greek Old Testament
Genre: Religion Biblical Studies
Pages: 288
Synopsis:
How many Psalms are there in the Bible? Nobody knows. Psalms are scattered all through the Old Testament, but this new translation is concerned only with the Psalms in the Biblical book of that title. Even here, however, the actual number is uncertain. Some Psalms have been duplicated, some have been joined together, others split apart. Most Bibles number the Psalms from 1 to 150. Which numbers correspond to which Psalms, however, differs from Protestant to Catholic and Orthodox versions.
For easy reference, both numbers are used in this book. Disregarding duplications and material that fails to qualify as either powerful or praiseworthy, 84 uplifting Psalms are given new life and meaning in this inspired and inspiring translation from the ancient Greek Old Testament, the Septuagint.
Neither the original meaning nor the poetry is lost or diluted, for each selected Psalm is rendered in both a literal translation and a more poetic paraphrase.
The book is thus divided into two sections. In the First Section, we find a literal English translation from the Greek Septuagint Bible. In Section Two, however, the aim has been to write a more poetic paraphrase. The Psalms are poems after all!
Excerpt:
Psalm 22 [23]. The Good Shepherd
I have everything I want and need,
because you, Lord God, look after me,
and care for me like a good shepherd.
You have led me to fields of the greenest grass,
set me down by a quiet pool,
and nourished me with restful waters.
You have restored my soul
and guided me into the paths of right-living,
not because I have earned your favor,
but because you are a God
of overwhelming goodness, kindness and mercy.
Yes, even if I should wander into a sunless valley,
into the midst of the deepest shadows of death,
I’ll have no fears that any evil will befall me,
for you, Lord God, are always with me.
Your protecting arms and guiding hands will enfold me,
comfort me, and keep me safe.
You have prepared a bountiful banquet table for me,
where all my enemies can watch in envy,
while you treat me like a king,
lavishly anointing my head with sweet-scented oil,
and cheering my heart by filling my cup to the brim
again and again with the choicest wines.
Your perpetual goodness, unfailing love, mercy and comfort
shall enfold and enrich me all the days of my life.
And then I shall dwell in your house —
the house of the Lord God — forever.
