第16章 雅各与以扫
§1
第16章 雅各与以扫
§2
Chap. 16 - Jacob and Esau
§3
以撒的双生子雅各和以扫，在品格和生活上是非常悬殊的。这种不同点在他们出世之前已由上帝的天使预先说明了。当利百加心中困惑向主祷告时，耶和华回答说，她必生两个儿子，而且主把这两个儿子将来的历史展开在她面前，他们各要成为一个大国之首，可是这国要强于那国，小的要胜过大的。[1]{PP 177.1}
§4
Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac, present a striking contrast, both in character and in life. This unlikeness was foretold by the angel of God before their birth. When in answer to Rebekahs troubled prayer he declared that two sons would be given her, he opened to her their future history, that each would become the head of a mighty nation, but that one would be greater than the other, and that the younger would have the pre-eminence.{PP 177.1}[1]
§5
以扫长大之后，性情自私自利，把一切的心思都集中于今生的事上。他性情暴躁，不受约束，喜爱打猎的自由生活，所以很早就作了猎人。然而他却是父亲所宠爱的。以扫经常毫无畏惧地跋涉于深山旷野之间，回家时常带来野味给父亲吃，并向他述说自己冒险生活的一些紧张动人的经过，这一个安静而喜爱和平的老牧人以撒，就被他长子的胆量和勇力所吸引了。雅各则秉性审慎、殷勤、细心，考虑将来的事总是过于目前的事。他欢喜住在家里，从事看守羊群和耕种田地的工作。他的坚忍、节俭和先见，颇为他母亲所器重。他的爱情是深切而坚强的；而他的温文和殷勤，比以扫那粗暴而偶然表示的亲切，更使利百加感到欢悦。故此雅各是她的宠儿。[2]{PP 177.2}
§6
Esau grew up loving self-gratification and centering all his interest in the present. Impatient of restraint, he delighted in the wild freedom of the chase, and early chose the life of a hunter. Yet he was the fathers favorite. The quiet, peace-loving shepherd was attracted by the daring and vigor of this elder son, who fearlessly ranged over mountain and desert, returning home with game for his father and with exciting accounts of his adventurous life. Jacob, thoughtful, diligent, and care-taking, ever thinking more of the future than the present, was content to dwell at home, occupied in the care of the flocks and the tillage of the soil. His patient perseverance, thrift, and foresight were valued by the mother. His affections were deep and strong, and his gentle, unremitting attentions added far more to her happiness than did the boisterous and occasional kindnesses of Esau. To Rebekah, Jacob was the dearer son.{PP 177.2}[2]
§7
上帝所赐给亚伯拉罕并向他儿子重述的诸般应许，乃是以撒和利百加一切希望中最大的目标。以扫和雅各对这些应许也是很熟悉的。他们都曾受过父母的教训，知道应当把长子的承继权看为一件非常重要的事，因为这不但包括承继属世的财富，而也附有属灵的特权。那承受长子权的要作一家的祭司；而且世界的救赎主也要从他的世系中出来。但在另一方面，他身上也负有种种的责任。那承受长子福分的，必须终身侍奉上帝。他必须像亚伯拉罕一样顺从上帝的命令。在婚姻家族的关系和社交生活上，他都必须求问上帝的旨意。[3]{PP 177.3}
§8
The promises made to Abraham and confirmed to his son were held by Isaac and Rebekah as the great object of their desires and hopes. With these promises Esau and Jacob were familiar. They were taught to regard the birthright as a matter of great importance, for it included not only an inheritance of worldly wealth but spiritual pre-eminence. He who received it was to be the priest of his family, and in the line of his posterity the Redeemer of the world would come. On the other hand, there were obligations resting upon the possessor of the birthright. He who should inherit its blessings must devote his life to the service of God. Like Abraham, he must be obedient to the divine requirements. In marriage, in his family relations, in public life, he must consult the will of God.{PP 177.3}[3]
§9
以撒向他的两个儿子说明了这些特权和条件，并声明以扫既然是长子，他就是长子权的合法继承人。可是以扫不爱好崇拜，也不热心于宗教的生活。他不欢喜长子权所附带的属灵条件，甚至于以这些本分为可憎的拘束。上帝的律法，就是他与亚伯拉罕立约的条件，在以扫看来这乃是束缚他的一个重轭。他纵情任性，最喜爱毫无拘束的自由。在他，只有权势、财富、盛宴、狂饮才是幸福；他因自己那种放浪游荡的生活而得意。利百加记得天使的话语，所以她以比丈夫更清楚的见识来洞察他们两个儿子的品格。她深信雅各是要承受上帝应许的。她曾再三向以撒述说天使的话；可是父亲的爱心却专注于长子身上，他的意志坚决，丝毫不为所动。[4]{PP 178.1}
§10
Isaac made known to his sons these privileges and conditions, and plainly stated that Esau, as the eldest, was the one entitled to the birthright. But Esau had no love for devotion, no inclination to a religious life. The requirements that accompanied the spiritual birthright were an unwelcome and even hateful restraint to him. The law of God, which was the condition of the divine covenant with Abraham, was regarded by Esau as a yoke of bondage. Bent on self-indulgence, he desired nothing so much as liberty to do as he pleased. To him power and riches, feasting and reveling, were happiness. He gloried in the unrestrained freedom of his wild, roving life. Rebekah remembered the words of the angel, and she read with clearer insight than did her husband the character of their sons. She was convinced that the heritage of divine promise was intended for Jacob. She repeated to Isaac the angels words; but the fathers affections were centered upon the elder son, and he was unshaken in his purpose.{PP 178.1}[4]
§11
雅各曾从他母亲那里得悉上帝暗示长子权要归到他身上，所以他对于这个特权，心中充满了说不出来的愿望。他所渴求的目标，倒不是他父亲的财富；而是属灵的长子权。那引起他热烈愿望的特权和尊荣，乃是能像公义的亚伯拉罕一样，与上帝交往，能为全家奉献赎罪祭，得以作选民和所应许之弥赛亚的祖先，并承受上帝的应许所包括的永远产业。他心中总是仰望着将来的事，想要把握住那看不见的福分。[5]{PP 178.2}
§12
Jacob had learned from his mother of the divine intimation that the birthright should fall to him, and he was filled with an unspeakable desire for the privileges which it would confer. It was not the possession of his fathers wealth that he craved; the spiritual birthright was the object of his longing. To commune with God as did righteous Abraham, to offer the sacrifice of atonement for his family, to be the progenitor of the chosen people and of the promised Messiah, and to inherit the immortal possessions embraced in the blessings of the covenant--here were the privileges and honors that kindled his most ardent desires. His mind was ever reaching forward to the future, and seeking to grasp its unseen blessings.{PP 178.2}[5]
§13
他暗暗带着渴望的心，听父亲讲述那有关属灵长子权的一切事；他也小心地珍藏着从母亲那里听来的话。他昼夜思想这事，这已成了他一生所最关心的问题。雅各虽然这样重视永远的福分过于暂时的利益，但他对于所敬拜的上帝还没有从经验中得着实际的认识。他的心还没有因上帝的恩典而更新。他相信，只要以扫一天保持着长子的权利，上帝对他的应许就一天不能实现，所以他经常在设计、研究，有什么方法可以得着那为他哥哥所轻看却为他自己所珍视的福分。[6]{PP 178.3}
§14
With secret longing he listened to all that his father told concerning the spiritual birthright; he carefully treasured what he had learned from his mother. Day and night the subject occupied his thoughts, until it became the absorbing interest of his life. But while he thus esteemed eternal above temporal blessings, Jacob had not an experimental knowledge of the God whom he revered. His heart had not been renewed by divine grace. He believed that the promise concerning himself could not be fulfilled so long as Esau retained the rights of the first-born, and he constantly studied to devise some way whereby he might secure the blessing which his brother held so lightly, but which was so precious to himself.{PP 178.3}[6]
§15
有一天，雅各正在家里预备食物，以扫打猎回来，累得发昏了，就向他要东西吃；雅各心中最先想到的总是那一件事，他就利用这个机会，应许给他哥哥食物充饥，而以他长子的名分为代价。当时，这个放荡无羁，纵情任性的猎人说：“我将要死，这长子的名分于我有什么益处呢？”（创25:32）他为了一碗红豆汤就出卖了长子的名分，并起誓确定这一次的交易。原来他只要再等一会儿，就可以到父亲的帐棚里得到食物；但他竟为了满足一时的欲望，而将上帝亲自应许列祖的光荣产业轻易地断送了。他完全的兴趣只在目前。为要得着地上的利益，他随时可以牺牲属天的福分，他把将来的好处换取一时的享受。[7]{PP 179.1}
§16
When Esau, coming home one day faint and weary from the chase, asked for the food that Jacob was preparing, the latter, with whom one thought was ever uppermost, seized upon his advantage, and offered to satisfy his brothers hunger at the price of the birthright. Behold, I am at the point to die, cried the reckless, self-indulgent hunter, and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And for a dish of red pottage he parted with his birthright, and confirmed the transaction by an oath. A short time at most would have secured him food in his fathers tents, but to satisfy the desire of the moment he carelessly bartered the glorious heritage that God Himself had promised to his fathers. His whole interest was in the present. He was ready to sacrifice the heavenly to the earthly, to exchange a future good for a momentary indulgence.{PP 179.1}[7]
§17
“这就是以扫轻看了他长子的名分。”（创25:34）他出卖这名分之后，倒有了轻松的感觉。现在他不再受约束，可以为所欲为了。今日有多少人也在为了他们所谓自由的、无拘束的享乐，而出卖了他们承受天上纯洁无疵、永远产业的权利啊！[8]{PP 179.2}
§18
Thus Esau despised his birthright. In disposing of it he felt a sense of relief. Now his way was unobstructed; he could do as he liked. For this wild pleasure, miscalled freedom, how many are still selling their birthright to an inheritance pure and undefiled, eternal in the heavens!{PP 179.2}[8]
§19
以扫一向为外表和世俗的事物所吸引，他娶了两个赫人的女儿为妻。她们都是敬拜假神的，她们带来的偶像使以撒和利百加非常忧伤。以扫已经违犯了圣约所禁止选民与外邦人通婚的条件；然而以撒仍毫不动摇地决意将长子名分给予以扫。利百加的理由、雅各想得这福分的强烈愿望和以扫对本分的漠不关心，都不足以改变父亲的意志。[9]{PP 179.3}
§20
Ever subject to mere outward and earthly attractions, Esau took two wives of the daughters of Heth. They were worshipers of false gods, and their idolatry was a bitter grief to Isaac and Rebekah. Esau had violated one of the conditions of the covenant, which forbade intermarriage between the chosen people and the heathen; yet Isaac was still unshaken in his determination to bestow upon him the birthright. The reasoning of Rebekah, Jacobs strong desire for the blessing, and Esaus indifference to its obligations had no effect to change the fathers purpose.{PP 179.3}[9]
§21
光阴易逝，岁月如流；以撒年纪老迈，眼目昏花，自觉不久于人世，所以决意给他的长子祝福，不愿再事耽延了。但他知道利百加和雅各必要反对，所以决定暗暗地举行这庄严的仪式。按着当时的风俗，遇到这样的事总是要摆设筵席的。因此以撒吩咐以扫说：“往田野去为我打猎；照我所爱的做成美味，拿来给我吃，使我在未死之先，给你祝福。”（创27:3-4）[10]{PP 179.4}
§22
Years passed on, until Isaac, old and blind, and expecting soon to die, determined no longer to delay the bestowal of the blessing upon his elder son. But knowing the opposition of Rebekah and Jacob, he decided to perform the solemn ceremony in secret. In accordance with the custom of making a feast upon such occasions, the patriarch bade Esau, Go out to the field, and take me some venison; and make me savory meat, . . . that my soul may bless thee before I die. {PP 179.4}[10]
§23
利百加看透以撒的用意。她深信这是有悖于上帝所启示的旨意的；以撒这样行是有危险的，他必要招致神怒，并会使幼子不能承受上帝所应许给他的地位。利百加曾和以撒辩论，但依然无效，所以这时她决定采用权谋了。[11]{PP 180.1}
§24
Rebekah divined his purpose. She was confident that it was contrary to what God had revealed as His will. Isaac was in danger of incurring the divine displeasure and of debarring his younger son from the position to which God had called him. She had in vain tried the effect of reasoning with Isaac, and she determined to resort to stratagem.{PP 180.1}[11]
§25
以扫一出去打猎，利百加就下手布置她的计谋了。她把一切经过都告诉了雅各，竭力怂恿他立即采取行动，免得这福分最后落到以扫身上无法挽回。她向她儿子雅各保证如果他顺从她的指示，就可以得到这福分，正如上帝所应许的一样。雅各当时没有十分赞同他母亲所建议的计划。他一想到欺骗他的父亲，就十分不安。他认为这种罪行不但得不到福气，反而会招致咒诅。可是他的顾虑终于被母亲打消了，于是他就实行他母亲的建议。他原没有存心撒谎，只是他一到父亲面前，就似乎骑虎难下，只好利用诈术骗取他所羡慕的福分了。[12]{PP 180.2}
§26
No sooner had Esau departed on his errand than Rebekah set about the accomplishment of her purpose. She told Jacob what had taken place, urging the necessity of immediate action to prevent the bestowal of the blessing, finally and irrevocably, upon Esau. And she assured her son that if he would follow her directions, he might obtain it as God had promised. Jacob did not readily consent to the plan that she proposed. The thought of deceiving his father caused him great distress. He felt that such a sin would bring a curse rather than a blessing. But his scruples were overborne, and he proceeded to carry out his mothers suggestions. It was not his intention to utter a direct falsehood, but once in the presence of his father he seemed to have gone too far to retreat, and he obtained by fraud the coveted blessing.{PP 180.2}[12]
§27
雅各和利百加的计划终于成功了，然而他们由于欺骗所得到的不过是烦恼和忧伤而已。上帝曾宣布雅各应承受长子的名分，如果他们凭着信心等候上帝为他们安排，则到了上帝自己所预定的时候，上帝的话就必实现。但是他们像今日许多自称为上帝的儿女者一样，不愿意把事情交托在上帝的手中。利百加因自己向儿子所作的建议深为悔恨；这一件事使他们母子分离，今生不再见面。雅各从承受长子名分的时候起，就为良心自责所苦。他已经得罪了他的父亲、他的哥哥、他自己的良心，并得罪了上帝。短短一小时内的罪行，使他终身悔恨不已。当他晚年因自己儿子的恶行而心中苦恼时，这一幕景象常活现在他的眼前。[13]{PP 180.3}
§28
Jacob and Rebekah succeeded in their purpose, but they gained only trouble and sorrow by their deception. God had declared that Jacob should receive the birthright, and His word would have been fulfilled in His own time had they waited in faith for Him to work for them. But like many who now profess to be children of God, they were unwilling to leave the matter in His hands. Rebekah bitterly repented the wrong counsel she had given her son; it was the means of separating him from her, and she never saw his face again. From the hour when he received the birthright, Jacob was weighed down with self-condemnation. He had sinned against his father, his brother, his own soul, and against God. In one short hour he had made work for a lifelong repentance. This scene was vivid before him in afteryears, when the wicked course of his sons oppressed his soul.{PP 180.3}[13]
§29
雅各一离开他父亲的帐棚，以扫就进来了。虽然他已经出卖了长子的名分，并且已经庄严地起誓来坚定那一次的交易，可是他现在却不顾他兄弟的权利，决意要得到长子的福分。因为长子权除了属灵的福分之外，还有今世的好处，就是作一家之主，并承受双份的产业；这一点是他所看为最有价值的。他说：“请父亲起来，吃你儿子的野味，好给我祝福。”[14]{PP 180.4}
§30
No sooner had Jacob left his fathers tent than Esau entered. Though he had sold his birthright, and confirmed the transfer by a solemn oath, he was now determined to secure its blessings, regardless of his brothers claim. With the spiritual was connected the temporal birthright, which would give him the headship of the family and possession of a double portion of his fathers wealth. These were blessings that he could value. Let my father arise, he said, and eat of his sons venison, that thy soul may bless me.{PP 180.4}[14]
§31
这眼睛昏花的老父亲一知道自己已经受了骗，就战兢懊恼，颤抖不已。他长久所怀抱的希望已经受了挫折，他也深深地体会到他长子所必有的失望。可是他忽然感到自己的计划被打消，而所实现的却正是他所决意防止的事，这乃是出于上帝的安排。于是他忆起天使向利百加所说的话，虽然雅各刚才犯了欺骗的罪，但他看出成全上帝的旨意最合适的还是雅各。当祝福的话还在他口中的时候，他已感到有启示的圣灵降在他身上；现在他既已明白一切的情形，他就坚定了他在无意之中为雅各所祝的福说：“我已经……为他祝福，他将来也必蒙福。”（创27:33）[15]{PP 181.1}
§32
Trembling with astonishment and distress, the blind old father learned the deception that had been practiced upon him. His long and fondly cherished hopes had been thwarted, and he keenly felt the disappointment that must come upon his elder son. Yet the conviction flashed upon him that it was Gods providence which had defeated his purpose and brought about the very thing he had determined to prevent. He remembered the words of the angel to Rebekah, and notwithstanding the sin of which Jacob was now guilty, he saw in him the one best fitted to accomplish the purposes of God. While the words of blessing were upon his lips, he had felt the Spirit of inspiration upon him; and now, knowing all the circumstances, he ratified the benediction unwittingly pronounced upon Jacob: I have blessed him; yea, and he shall be blessed.{PP 181.1}[15]
§33
以扫在福分伸手可得之时看轻了它，而今在福分永远丧失的时候倒很羡慕它了。这时他百感交集，悲愤之情无以复加。他号啕大哭说：“我父啊！求你也为我祝福。”“你没有留下为我可祝的福吗？”但应许既已发出就无法挽回了。他轻易出卖的长子权，现在也不能再得回来了。以扫“因一点食物，”因一时满足那从来不受约束的食欲，就把长子的名分出卖了；及至他看出自己的愚拙，而想要挽回所卖去的福分时，已是后悔莫及了。他“虽然号哭切求，却得不着门路。”（来12:16-17）以扫并不是没有权利借着悔改去求得上帝之恩惠的；只是他已无法恢复长子的名分了。他的忧愁并不是因为觉悟自己的罪；他没有想与上帝和好。他号啕大哭，乃是因为犯罪的结果，而不是为了罪恶的本身。[16]{PP 181.2}
§34
Esau had lightly valued the blessing while it seemed within his reach, but he desired to possess it now that it was gone from him forever. All the strength of his impulsive, passionate nature was aroused, and his grief and rage were terrible. He cried with an exceeding bitter cry, Bless me, even me also, O my father! Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me? But the promise given was not to be recalled. The birthright which he had so carelessly bartered he could not now regain. For one morsel of meat, for a momentary gratification of appetite that had never been restrained, Esau sold his inheritance; but when he saw his folly, it was too late to recover the blessing. He found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. Hebrews 12:16, 17. Esau was not shut out from the privilege of seeking Gods favor by repentance, but he could find no means of recovering the birthright. His grief did not spring from conviction of sin; he did not desire to be reconciled to God. He sorrowed because of the results of his sin, but not for the sin itself.{PP 181.2}[16]
§35
因为以扫不关心上帝的恩典和命令，所以《圣经》称他为“贪恋世俗”的人。以扫代表那些轻视基督救赎他们的代价，并随时为了身外之物而牺牲承受天国之权的人，许多人专为目前而生活，一点也没有想到或顾虑到将来的事。他们像以扫一样说：“我们就吃吃喝喝吧，因为明天要死了。”（林前15:32）他们被嗜好所管束；宁可放弃最有价值的事，而不愿克己牺牲。如果他们考虑：或是要满足卑劣的食欲，或是要承受那单单应许给克己而敬畏上帝之人的天国福分，二者必须放弃其一之时，食欲的要求总是得胜，而上帝和天国实际上就被轻视了。有多少人依恋于那有害健康并麻木知觉的情欲啊！甚至连一些自称为基督徒的人也是如此。当人劝他们应当洁净身体和灵魂的污秽，敬畏上帝并追求完全圣洁时，他们就起了反感。他们看出自己既不能保留有害的嗜好，而同时也得到天国，就认为永生的道路太窄而不再行这条路了。[17]{PP 181.3}
§36
Because of his indifference to the divine blessings and requirements, Esau is called in Scripture a profane person. Verse 16. He represents those who lightly value the redemption purchased for them by Christ, and are ready to sacrifice their heirship to heaven for the perishable things of earth. Multitudes live for the present, with no thought or care for the future. Like Esau they cry, Let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die. 1 Corinthians 15:32. They are controlled by inclination; and rather than practice self-denial, they will forgo the most valuable considerations. If one must be relinquished, the gratification of a depraved appetite or the heavenly blessings promised only to the self-denying and God-fearing, the claims of appetite prevail, and God and heaven are virtually despised. How many, even of professed Christians, cling to indulgences that are injurious to health and that benumb the sensibilities of the soul. When the duty is presented of cleansing themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, they are offended. They see that they cannot retain these hurtful gratifications and yet secure heaven, and they conclude that since the way to eternal life is so strait, they will no longer walk therein.{PP 181.3}[17]
§37
许多人仍在为放纵肉体的情欲而出卖长子的名分。于是他们牺牲了健康、败坏了智力、丧失了天国；一切不过是为了暂时的享乐，就是在本质上既使人衰弱，又使人败坏的放纵。以扫怎样在已经不能恢复损失的时候，发觉自己轻易出卖长子权是多么的愚拙；照样，当上帝的大日，那些为了满足自私的欲望而断送承受天国之福分的人，也必后悔莫及了。[18]{PP 182.1}
§38
Multitudes are selling their birthright for sensual indulgence. Health is sacrificed, the mental faculties are enfeebled, and heaven is forfeited; and all for a mere temporary pleasure--an indulgence at once both weakening and debasing in its character. As Esau awoke to see the folly of his rash exchange when it was too late to recover his loss, so it will be in the day of God with those who have bartered their heirship to heaven for selfish gratifications.{PP 182.1}[18]