第10章 巴别塔
§1
第10章 巴别塔
§2
Chap. 10 - The Tower of Babel
§3
由于人类道德的败坏，大地被洪水毁灭了，上帝为使这荒凉的世界再有人烟起见，就保全了挪亚的一家；他曾对挪亚说：“在这世代中，我见你在我面前是义人。”（创7:1）然而在挪亚的三个儿子中，很快地又显出了洪水以前世人之间善与恶的分界。洪水之后，在人类的先祖闪、含和雅弗身上，就可以看出他们后代子孙品质的类型。[1]{PP 117.1}
§4
To repeople the desolate earth, which the Flood had so lately swept from its moral corruption, God had preserved but one family, the household of Noah, to whom He had declared, Thee have I seen righteous before Me in this generation. Genesis 7:1. Yet in the three sons of Noah was speedily developed the same great distinction seen in the world before the Flood. In Shem, Ham, and Japheth, who were to be the founders of the human race, was foreshadowed the character of their posterity.{PP 117.1}[1]
§5
挪亚受上帝的灵感，预先说明了从人类这三个先祖所发源的三大民族历史。他用含的儿子迦南来代表含的后裔，论到他们说：“迦南当受咒诅，必给他弟兄作奴仆的奴仆。”（创9:25）含的不孝的恶行说明了他久已没有尊敬父母之心，并显出了他那不敬虔与邪恶的品行。这些邪恶的特性，含都遗传给迦南和他的子孙了。他们继续不断地犯罪，就招致了上帝的刑罚。[2]{PP 117.2}
§6
Noah, speaking by divine inspiration, foretold the history of the three great races to spring from these fathers of mankind. Tracing the descendants of Ham, through the son rather than the father, he declared, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. The unnatural crime of Ham declared that filial reverence had long before been cast from his soul, and it revealed the impiety and vileness of his character. These evil characteristics were perpetuated in Canaan and his posterity, whose continued guilt called upon them the judgments of God.{PP 117.2}[2]
§7
在另一方面，闪和雅弗对他们父亲所表示的孝敬，以及借此对上帝律例所表示的尊重，使他们的子孙得到光明的前途。关于这两个儿子。挪亚曾预言说：“耶和华闪的上帝，是应当称颂的，愿迦南作闪的奴仆，愿上帝使雅弗扩张，使他住在闪的帐棚里，又愿迦南作他的奴仆。”（创9:26-27）闪的后裔要作上帝的选民，他的约要归与他们，而所应许的救赎主也要从这一族出来。耶和华是闪的上帝。亚伯拉罕、以色列民、以及基督，都是闪的后裔。“有耶和华为他们的上帝，这百姓便为有福。”（诗144:15）至于雅弗，他必“住在闪的帐棚里。”雅弗的后裔必要特别分享福音的恩典。[3]{PP 117.3}
§8
On the other hand, the reverence manifested by Shem and Japheth for their father, and thus for the divine statutes, promised a brighter future for their descendants. Concerning these sons it was declared: Blessed be Jehovah, God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. The line of Shem was to be that of the chosen people, of Gods covenant, of the promised Redeemer. Jehovah was the God of Shem. From him would descend Abraham, and the people of Israel, through whom Christ was to come. Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord. Psalm 144:15. And Japheth shall dwell in the tents of Shem. In the blessings of the gospel the descendants of Japheth were especially to share.{PP 117.3}[3]
§9
迦南的后裔终于堕落到最腐败的邪教崇拜之中。虽然预言的咒诅注定他们要作奴仆，但这厄运却延迟了数百年之久。上帝容忍了他们的不敬虔和败坏的罪，直到他们超过他忍耐的限度。然后才取消了他们的所有权，使他们成了闪和雅弗后裔的奴仆。[4]{PP 118.1}
§10
The posterity of Canaan descended to the most degrading forms of heathenism. Though the prophetic curse had doomed them to slavery, the doom was withheld for centuries. God bore with their impiety and corruption until they passed the limits of divine forbearance. Then they were dispossessed, and became bondmen to the descendants of Shem and Japheth.{PP 118.1}[4]
§11
挪亚的预言，并不是任意地怒责哪一个人，而偏爱另一个人。也没有预定他儿子的品格和命运；只是显明他们各自选择的人生和所造成的品格所必有的结果。这也是上帝因着他们和他们子孙的品格与行为，而向他们所宣示的旨意。就一般说来，儿女总要承受父母的性格和习气，仿效他们的榜样，所以儿女们常犯父母所犯的罪，代代相传。这样，含的邪恶和不孝，也由他的子子孙孙传了下去，使许多代的后人都受到了咒诅。“一个罪人，能败坏许多善事。”（传9:18）[5]{PP 118.2}
§12
The prophecy of Noah was no arbitrary denunciation of wrath or declaration of favor. It did not fix the character and destiny of his sons. But it showed what would be the result of the course of life they had severally chosen and the character they had developed. It was an expression of Gods purpose toward them and their posterity in view of their own character and conduct. As a rule, children inherit the dispositions and tendencies of their parents, and imitate their example; so that the sins of the parents are practiced by the children from generation to generation. Thus the vileness and irreverence of Ham were reproduced in his posterity, bringing a curse upon them for many generations. One sinner destroyeth much good. Ecclesiastes 9:18.{PP 118.2}[5]
§13
在另一方面，闪对父亲的尊敬，所得到的报偿何等的丰厚啊；在他的子孙中出了圣人。这闪族是何等光荣的一系啊！“耶和华知道完全人的日子；”“他的后裔也蒙福。”（诗37:18,26）“所以你要知道耶和华你的上帝，他是上帝，是信实的上帝，向爱他守他诫命的人，守约施慈爱，直到千代。”（申7:9）[6]{PP 118.3}
§14
On the other hand, how richly rewarded was Shems respect for his father; and what an illustrious line of holy men appears in his posterity! The Lord knoweth the days of the upright, and his seed is blessed. Psalm 37:18, 26. Know therefore that the Lord thy God He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:9.{PP 118.3}[6]
§15
洪水之后的一段时期中，挪亚和他的儿孙们仍旧住在方舟所停留的群山之间。后来他们人数增加，不久就因背道而引起了分裂。那些要忘记创造主，并要摆脱他律法约束的人，觉得他们敬畏上帝之同伴的教训和榜样，乃是一种经常的烦扰，所以过不久，就决定离开敬拜上帝的人。因此，他们就迁到伯拉大河两岸的示拿平原去。他们被这里优美的地势和肥沃的土地吸引住了，于是就决定在这平原上居住。[7]{PP 118.4}
§16
For a time the descendants of Noah continued to dwell among the mountains where the ark had rested. As their numbers increased, apostasy soon led to division. Those who desired to forget their Creator and to cast off the restraint of His law felt a constant annoyance from the teaching and example of their God-fearing associates, and after a time they decided to separate from the worshipers of God. Accordingly they journeyed to the plain of Shinar, on the banks of the river Euphrates. They were attracted by the beauty of the situation and the fertility of the soil, and upon this plain they determined to make their home.{PP 118.4}[7]
§17
他们决意在这里造一座城，城内造一座极高的塔，使它成为世界的奇观。他们这样行，目的乃是要防止众人向外迁移。上帝曾经指示，人要散居在全地上，遍满并管理这地。但这些建造巴别塔的人，却决心要保持他们社会的团结，并要建立一个终必包括全地的大帝国。这样，他们的城就可以成为天下一统的京都，它的荣耀要为举世所景仰，并使这些发起人得以成名。这座塔顶通天的塔，要作这些建筑者智慧能力的纪功坊，使他们的名永垂不朽。[8]{PP 118.5}
§18
Here they decided to build a city, and in it a tower of such stupendous height as should render it the wonder of the world. These enterprises were designed to prevent the people from scattering abroad in colonies. God had directed men to disperse throughout the earth, to replenish and subdue it; but these Babel builders determined to keep their community united in one body, and to found a monarchy that should eventually embrace the whole earth. Thus their city would become the metropolis of a universal empire; its glory would command the admiration and homage of the world and render the founders illustrious. The magnificent tower, reaching to the heavens, was intended to stand as a monument of the power and wisdom of its builders, perpetuating their fame to the latest generations.{PP 118.5}[8]
§19
示拿平原上的居民不相信上帝所立他不再用洪水淹没世界的约。他们中间有许多人不承认有上帝，而把洪水归诸自然的原因。虽然其他的人相信有上帝，并且相信那曾经毁灭洪水以前的世界者就是他，但是他们心中就像该隐一样，起了背叛上帝之念。他们造塔的一个目的，就是一旦再遭到洪水时，他们的安全就有了保障。他们把这座塔建筑得比洪水所曾达到的水位还要高出许多，他们认为这样就可以避免一切可能的危险。他们也希望借此能升入云端里去。探出洪水的原因。这整个事业无非是要使这些设计建塔者趾高气扬，更加自负，使后世的人离弃上帝，敬拜偶像。[9]{PP 119.1}
§20
The dwellers on the plain of Shinar disbelieved Gods covenant that He would not again bring a flood upon the earth. Many of them denied the existence of God and attributed the Flood to the operation of natural causes. Others believed in a Supreme Being, and that it was He who had destroyed the antediluvian world; and their hearts, like that of Cain, rose up in rebellion against Him. One object before them in the erection of the tower was to secure their own safety in case of another deluge. By carrying the structure to a much greater height than was reached by the waters of the Flood, they thought to place themselves beyond all possibility of danger. And as they would be able to ascend to the region of the clouds, they hoped to ascertain the cause of the Flood. The whole undertaking was designed to exalt still further the pride of its projectors and to turn the minds of future generations away from God and lead them into idolatry.{PP 119.1}[9]
§21
在这塔造成一部分之后，其中有些地方就辟作建塔者的住处，还有一些房间，则陈设齐备，装饰美丽，用来供奉偶像。众人庆贺自己的成功，并赞美金银的偶像，而反叛了天地的主宰。忽然，他们进行得那么顺利的工程停止了。上帝差遣天使下来，使这些造塔之人的目的归于幻灭。那塔已经建得很高，塔上的工人无法与地面上的人直接通话；所以每一层都派有传话的人，将上层之人所需要的材料，或其他关于工作的指示，一一传达下来。可是，正当他们这样彼此指示传达的时候，他们的言语变乱了，以至下面所送上的材料，不是上面所需要的，而下面所行的，正与上面所指示的相反。于是混乱和惊慌随之而来，一切的工作都停顿了。他们不能再协调或合作下去。这些建筑的人完全不明白他们中间这奇怪的误会究竟是什么原因，所以他们在盛怒和绝望之下，就彼此责骂起来。他们过去本是联合的，这时却变成流血的争斗了。同时，天上发出闪电，表明上帝的不悦，把塔的上层击掉，抛掷地上。这时世人才体验到，天上实在有一位掌管万有的上帝。[10]{PP 119.2}
§22
When the tower had been partially completed, a portion of it was occupied as a dwelling place for the builders; other apartments, splendidly furnished and adorned, were devoted to their idols. The people rejoiced in their success, and praised the gods of silver and gold, and set themselves against the Ruler of heaven and earth. Suddenly the work that had been advancing so prosperously was checked. Angels were sent to bring to naught the purpose of the builders. The tower had reached a lofty height, and it was impossible for the workmen at the top to communicate directly with those at the base; therefore men were stationed at different points, each to receive and report to the one next below him the orders for needed material or other directions concerning the work. As messages were thus passing from one to another the language was confounded, so that material was called for which was not needed, and the directions delivered were often the reverse of those that had been given. Confusion and dismay followed. All work came to a standstill. There could be no further harmony or co-operation. The builders were wholly unable to account for the strange misunderstandings among them, and in their rage and disappointment they reproached one another. Their confederacy ended in strife and bloodshed. Lightnings from heaven, as an evidence of Gods displeasure, broke off the upper portion of the tower and cast it to the ground. Men were made to feel that there is a God who ruleth in the heavens.{PP 119.2}[10]
§23
在此以前，人人都说同样的言语，这时，他们却根据不同的口音结成许多团体，各自西东。“耶和华使他们从那里分散在全地上。”（创11:8）这次的分散，就是使人住满全地的方法，这样看来，人所用来拦阻上帝的方法，反而成全了上帝的旨意。[11]{PP 120.1}
§24
Up to this time all men had spoken the same language; now those that could understand one anothers speech united in companies; some went one way, and some another. The Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth. This dispersion was the means of peopling the earth, and thus the Lords purpose was accomplished through the very means that men had employed to prevent its fulfillment.{PP 120.1}[11]
§25
但是那些反抗上帝的人所受的损失是何等地大啊！上帝原是要人在世界各处建立国家，借以把他的旨意带到各处，使真理的光对后世的人不至朦胧不明。忠心传义道的挪亚，在洪水之后又活了三百五十年，闪又活了五百年，所以他们的后裔有机会熟悉上帝的律法，和过去他对待他们列祖的历史。但是他们不愿意听从这些逆耳的真理，也不想认识上帝，而且由于言语的混乱，他们就大半都与那些能传给他们真光的人隔绝了。[12]{PP 120.2}
§26
But at what a loss to those who had set themselves against God! It was His purpose that as men should go forth to found nations in different parts of the earth they should carry with them a knowledge of His will, that the light of truth might shine undimmed to succeeding generations. Noah, the faithful preacher of righteousness, lived for three hundred and fifty years after the Flood, Shem for five hundred years, and thus their descendants had an opportunity to become acquainted with the requirements of God and the history of His dealings with their fathers. But they were unwilling to listen to these unpalatable truths; they had no desire to retain God in their knowledge; and by the confusion of tongues they were, in a great measure, shut out from intercourse with those who might have given them light.{PP 120.2}[12]
§27
建造巴别塔的人曾放纵埋怨上帝的精神。他们非但没有以感恩的心，纪念上帝对亚当的怜爱，和他向挪亚所立的慈悲的约，反而说他强迫始祖从伊甸园出来，以后又用洪水毁灭世界，真是太严厉了。可是，当他们埋怨上帝严厉专权的时候，他们却接受了最残忍之暴君的统治。撒但想要使他们轻视那为预表基督之死而献上的牺牲，但当众人的心眼因敬拜偶像以致昏昧时，他就引诱他们仿效这些祭物，将自己的儿女献在假神的坛上为祭。人既转离了上帝，就有压迫、强暴和残忍，来代替上帝的公义、纯洁和慈爱了。[13]{PP 120.3}
§28
The Babel builders had indulged the spirit of murmuring against God. Instead of gratefully remembering His mercy to Adam and His gracious covenant with Noah, they had complained of His severity in expelling the first pair from Eden and destroying the world by a flood. But while they murmured against God as arbitrary and severe, they were accepting the rule of the cruelest of tyrants. Satan was seeking to bring contempt upon the sacrificial offerings that prefigured the death of Christ; and as the minds of the people were darkened by idolatry, he led them to counterfeit these offerings and sacrifice their own children upon the altars of their gods. As men turned away from God, the divine attributes--justice, purity, and love--were supplanted by oppression, violence, and brutality.{PP 120.3}[13]
§29
巴别城的人决意要建立一个与上帝没有关系的政权。他们中间虽然有一些敬畏上帝的人，但这些人曾一度为不敬虔之人的雄心大志所欺骗，被诱参加他们的计划。为了这些忠心之人的缘故，上帝曾迟迟不施刑罚，同时，也要给众人机会发觉他们的真相。于是上帝的众子竭力劝导他们放弃自己的意图，但是众人在大胆反抗上天的事上已经完全联合一致。如果让他们长此下去而不加以阻止，则这方在初始时期的世界就必很快的被他们败坏了。他们的联盟是在反叛中建立起来的；而所建立的国度也是为了高抬自己，上帝在其中是没有地位或尊荣的。如果容许这样的联盟发展下去，则其权力得势之后，就必从地上排斥公义、和平、幸福与安全了。因为那时人必企图把合乎他们自私残忍之心的律法，用来代替上帝“圣洁、公义、良善”的典章。（罗7:12）[14]{PP 123.1}
§30
The men of Babel had determined to establish a government that should be independent of God. There were some among them, however, who feared the Lord, but who had been deceived by the pretensions of the ungodly and drawn into their schemes. For the sake of these faithful ones the Lord delayed His judgments and gave the people time to reveal their true character. As this was developed, the sons of God labored to turn them from their purpose; but the people were fully united in their Heaven-daring undertaking. Had they gone on unchecked, they would have demoralized the world in its infancy. Their confederacy was founded in rebellion; a kingdom established for self-exaltation, but in which God was to have no rule or honor. Had this confederacy been permitted, a mighty power would have borne sway to banish righteousness--and with it peace, happiness, and security--from the earth. For the divine statutes, which are holy and just and good (Romans 7:12), men were endeavoring to substitute laws to suit the purpose of their own selfish and cruel hearts.{PP 123.1}[14]
§31
这时，敬畏上帝的人呼求他制止罪恶。“耶和华降临要看看世人所建造的城和塔。”（创11:5）他怜爱世人，所以败坏了那些造塔之人的意向，倾覆了他们胆大妄为的纪念物。他凭着怜悯变乱了他们的口音，这样就制止了他们背叛的意图。上帝长久容忍世人的刚愎，给他们充分悔改的机会；但也注意到他们抗拒他公义圣洁之律法威权所用的一切策略。人所不能见的治理宇宙的手，时常会伸出来遏止罪恶。有显著的凭据证明创造宇宙的主，就是那具有无限智慧、慈爱和诚实的上帝，乃是天地之间至高的统治者，没有人可以反抗他的威权而无被罚之虞的。[15]{PP 123.2}
§32
Those that feared the Lord cried unto Him to interpose. And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. In mercy to the world He defeated the purpose of the tower builders and overthrew the memorial of their daring. In mercy He confounded their speech, thus putting a check on their purposes of rebellion. God bears long with the perversity of men, giving them ample opportunity for repentance; but He marks all their devices to resist the authority of His just and holy law. From time to time the unseen hand that holds the scepter of government is stretched out to restrain iniquity. Unmistakable evidence is given that the Creator of the universe, the One infinite in wisdom and love and truth, is the Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth, and that none can with impunity defy His power.{PP 123.2}[15]
§33
建造巴别之人的计划终于遭到可耻的失败。他们自负的纪念塔竟成了他们愚妄的象征。虽然如此，世人今日却不断地在蹈他们的覆辙，依靠自己的力量，拒绝上帝的律法。这正是撒但企图在天上贯彻的主义；也是使该隐奉献他祭物的主义。[16]{PP 123.3}
§34
The schemes of the Babel builders ended in shame and defeat. The monument to their pride became the memorial of their folly. Yet men are continually pursuing the same course--depending upon self, and rejecting Gods law. It is the principle that Satan tried to carry out in heaven; the same that governed Cain in presenting his offering.{PP 123.3}[16]
§35
现今也有不少造塔的人。不信上帝的人根据科学的假定建立他们的学说，并拒绝上帝所启示的圣言。他们擅敢批评上帝道德的政治；他们藐视他的律法，夸耀人的理论的完全。于是“因为断定罪名，不立刻施刑。所以世人满心作恶。”（传8:11）[17]{PP 123.4}
§36
There are tower builders in our time. Infidels construct their theories from the supposed deductions of sciences, and reject the revealed word of God. They presume to pass sentence upon Gods moral government; they despise His law and boast of the sufficiency of human reason. Then, because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Ecclesiastes 8:11.{PP 123.4}[17]
§37
在公认的基督教界中，有许多人离弃了《圣经》明白的教训，而根据世人的臆测和虚空的妄言建立了一种信条；并以他们所建造的高塔为通天的道路。他们说犯罪的人不至于死，不顺从上帝的律法也可以得救，于是世人对他们口若悬河的雄辩大加赞赏。如果自称跟从基督的人愿意接受上帝的标准，这标准就必使他们联合一致；但他们既高抬人的智慧过于上帝的圣言，自然就发生分裂和冲突了。现代基督教界的混乱情形和彼此冲突的信条、宗派，与预言给予末日贪爱世俗之教会的名称“巴比伦”，正相符合。[18]{PP 124.1}
§38
In the professedly Christian world many turn away from the plain teachings of the Bible and build up a creed from human speculations and pleasing fables, and they point to their tower as a way to climb up to heaven. Men hang with admiration upon the lips of eloquence while it teaches that the transgressor shall not die, that salvation may be secured without obedience to the law of God. If the professed followers of Christ would accept Gods standard, it would bring them into unity; but so long as human wisdom is exalted above His Holy Word, there will be divisions and dissension. The existing confusion of conflicting creeds and sects is fitly represented by the term Babylon, which prophecy (Revelation 14:8; 18:2) applies to the world-loving churches of the last days.{PP 124.1}[18]
§39
如今许多人追求财富和权力，想借此为自己造一个天堂。他们“凭恶意说欺压人的话；他们说话自高，”（诗73:8）践踏人权，不顾上帝的权威。骄傲的人一时或许也能掌握大权，并在他们一切的事业上得到成功；但结果他们只有失望与悲惨。[19]{PP 124.2}
§40
Many seek to make a heaven for themselves by obtaining riches and power. They speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily (Psalm 73:8), trampling upon human rights and disregarding divine authority. The proud may be for a time in great power, and may see success in all that they undertake; but in the end they will find only disappointment and wretchedness.{PP 124.2}[19]
§41
上帝审判的时候近了。至高者必要降临，察看世人所建造的是什么。至高的权能必要显现；骄傲的狂妄必要止息。“耶和华从天上观看，他看见一切的世人，从他的居所，往外察看地上的居民。”“耶和华使列国的筹算归于无有，使众民的思念无有功效。耶和华的筹算永远立定，心中的思念万代常存。”（诗33:13-14,10-11）[20]{PP 124.3}
§42
The time of Gods investigation is at hand. The Most High will come down to see that which the children of men have builded. His sovereign power will be revealed; the works of human pride will be laid low. The Lord looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of His habitation He looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: He maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations. Psalm 33:13, 14, 10, 11.{PP 124.3}[20]