Four Prophets: Amos, Hosea, First Isaiah, Micah: A Modern Translation from the Hebrew

J. B. Phillips began to translate the Bible during World War II for study by youth groups of the Anglican church in London of which he was then vicar; his New Testament translations have since been read by millions. Four Prophets is his first translation from the Old Testament. But as for me, my eyes look for the Lord. I will wait for the God who will save me; Yes, my God will deliver me! Never exult over me, my enemy-- When I fail, I shall rise again; When I sit in darkness, The Lord shall be my light. I will endure the displeasure of the Lord, (For I have sinned against him), Until the day when he takes up my cause, And vindicates my right. He will bring me out into the light, And I shall see the justness of his ways. Micah 7:7

John Bertram Phillips (1906-1982) was a Bible translator, writer, and clergyman. His work translating the New Testament made him one of Britain's most famous Bible communicators. He talked of the revelation received as he translated the New Testament, describing it as "extraordinarily alive"--unlike any experience he had had with non-scriptural ancient texts. He referred to Scripture speaking to his condition in an "uncanny way." Phillips was a masterful apologist and defender of the Christian faith. He upheld the basic tenets of the faith, and was able to present them as fresh to the modern reader and hearer, much as he had done with his translation of the New Testament.