The Message: The Old Testament History Books in Contemporary Language

by Eugene H. Peterson (Editor)

Among ancient people, no one was more interested in history than the Hebrews. In fact, they were the world's first historians. But their historical records reveal far more than a chronology of significant events; they reveal how the events related to God. God was constantly active and involved in the lives of his people. He was always and everywhere working his will, evoking faith and obedience, and showing his love and compassion -- just as he does in our lives.Thankfully, to our benefit, the Hebrews' accounts were recorded. By observing how God and our ancestors dealt with each other, we learn valuable lessons that still apply now, so many years later. In The Message: Old Testament History Books, Eugene Peterson recounts the Bible's historical books (Joshua through Esther) in the language we use today.

Come, celebrate as Joshua, a man of courage and strength, leads the people of Israel in settling the Promised Land. Watch as God weaves the quiet, ordinary life of Ruth into his great plan of salvation. Observe God's way of dealing with human sin as Saul's arrogance and disobedience cost him his dynasty. Join King David on his path of both sweet prosperity and bitter failure. And rejoice as the wise Solomon builds the long-awaited temple and dedicates it to God.

Though these events took place long ago, Peterson's vivid, easy-to-read paraphrase brings them to life in the present, helping us relate God's eternal truths to our contemporary world.

Genres: History

483 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2002

About the author

Eugene H. Peterson was a pastor, scholar, author, and poet. For many years he was James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. He had written over thirty books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language a contemporary translation of the Bible. After retiring from full-time teaching, Eugene and his wife Jan lived in the Big Sky Country of rural Montana. He died in October 2018.

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among other things, what I like about Eugene Peterson's paraphrase of the Bible is his introductions to each book. He does a fine job of putting each book in context and helping me to understand why this ancient history, filled with strange customs and -- at times -- seemingly endless lists of names -- applies to my life today.

[Darla · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay...I'm not saying I didn't like the Old Testament. I am saying I did NOT like the Message. I am so glad I switched from this interpretation to a parallel bible. Made me a lot less angry...you don't really want to be angry when you're reading the bible, it's angry enough. On to the New Testament.

[Robert Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, haters, calm down. This is NOT a Bible translation. It's a paraphrase. It's meant to make you hear the Bible in a new way. This is for people who've read the Bible 100 times and want to hear it fresh but faithful. That it does wonderfully.