第21章 约瑟和他的弟兄
§1
第21章 约瑟和他的弟兄
§2
Chap. 21 - Joseph and His Brothers
§3
约瑟在丰年开始的时候，就为那将要来的饥荒作了准备。在他的监督之下，埃及遍地的主要城市都建筑了极大的仓库，并进行了充分的准备，来积蓄丰年的余粮。他在七个丰年之间，连年积存，甚至所积蓄的五谷多得无法计算。[1]{PP 224.1}
§4
At the very opening of the fruitful years began the preparation for the approaching famine. Under the direction of Joseph, immense storehouses were erected in all the principal places throughout the land of Egypt, and ample arrangements were made for preserving the surplus of the expected harvest. The same policy was continued during the seven years of plenty, until the amount of grain laid in store was beyond computation.{PP 224.1}[1]
§5
后来七个荒年来了，正如约瑟所预言的。“各地都有饥荒，唯独埃及全地有粮食。及至埃及全地有了饥荒，众民向法老哀求粮食，法老对他们说：你们往约瑟那里去，凡他所说的你们都要作。当时饥荒遍满天下，约瑟开了各处的仓，粜粮给埃及人。”（见创41:54-56；又42-50章）[2]{PP 224.2}
§6
And now the seven years of dearth began to come, according to Josephs prediction. And the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do. And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians.{PP 224.2}[2]
§7
饥荒蔓延到了迦南地，雅各所住的地方也深深感到饥荒的严重。雅各的十个儿子听见埃及王储有丰富的粮食，就到那里去籴粮。他们到了埃及，就有人领他们到王的大臣那里去；他们和其他籴粮的人到了治理全国的宰相面前，他们就“脸伏于地，向他下拜。”“约瑟认得他哥哥们，他们却不认得他。”他的希伯来名字已经改成法老所赐的名；这位埃及的宰相与他们所卖给以实玛利人的少年已经大不相同了。当约瑟看到他哥哥们俯伏向他下拜时，他就想起从前所作的两个梦来，过去的事就活现在他眼前。他敏锐的目光发现他们中间没有便雅悯，心想，难道他也牺牲于这一班野蛮人残忍的手下了吗？于是他决意要探知实情。便严厉地对他们说：“你们是奸细，来窥探这地的虚实。”[3]{PP 224.3}
§8
The famine extended to the land of Canaan and was severely felt in that part of the country where Jacob dwelt. Hearing of the abundant provision made by the king of Egypt, ten of Jacobs sons journeyed thither to purchase grain. On their arrival they were directed to the kings deputy, and with other applicants they came to present themselves before the ruler of the land. And they bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth. Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. His Hebrew name had been exchanged for the one bestowed upon him by the king, and there was little resemblance between the prime minister of Egypt and the stripling whom they had sold to the Ishmaelites. As Joseph saw his brothers stooping and making obeisance, his dreams came to his mind, and the scenes of the past rose vividly before him. His keen eye, surveying the group, discovered that Benjamin was not among them. Had he also fallen a victim to the treacherous cruelty of those savage men? He determined to learn the truth. Ye are spies, he said sternly; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.{PP 224.3}[3]
§9
他们回答说：“我主啊，不是的，仆人们是籴粮来的，我们都是一个人的儿子，是诚实人，仆人们并不是奸细。”约瑟想要知道他们是否像过去他和他们同在的时候一样，还具有那种傲慢的精神，并要从他们口中探知一些家庭的状况；然而他也深知他们所说的话可能是虚假的。于是他仍旧说他们是奸细，他们回答说：“仆人们本是弟兄十二人，是迦南地一个人的儿子，顶小的现今在我们的父亲那里，有一个没有了。”[4]{PP 225.1}
§10
They answered, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come. We are all one mans sons; we are true men; thy servants are no spies. He wished to learn if they possessed the same haughty spirit as when he was with them, and also to draw from them some information in regard to their home; yet he well knew how deceptive their statements might be. He repeated the charge, and they replied, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not.{PP 225.1}[4]
§11
约瑟表示怀疑他们的话，仍然看他们为奸细，并声称为要证实他们的话，他要留他们在埃及，只打发他们中间一个人去把他们的小兄弟带来。倘若他们不同意，就要把他们当奸细来办理。但这样的办法，雅各的众子是不能同意的，因为来回所需的时间会使他们的家属受绝粮之困；况且谁肯留自己的弟兄们在监狱里而单独回去呢？在这样境况之下，怎么好回去见他们的父亲呢？很明显地，他们可能会被处死，或者会被强迫为奴；如果带了便雅悯来，也不过是使他遭受同样的厄运而已。所以他们决定，宁可大家留下一同受苦，胜于使父亲丧失这留下来的一个儿子，而加重他的忧伤。于是约瑟照着他们所说的话，把他们监禁三天。[5]{PP 225.2}
§12
Professing to doubt the truthfulness of their story, and to still look upon them as spies, the governor declared that he would prove them, by requiring them to remain in Egypt till one of their number should go and bring their youngest brother down. If they would not consent to this, they were to be treated as spies. But to such an arrangement the sons of Jacob could not agree, since the time required for carrying it out would cause their families to suffer for food; and who among them would undertake the journey alone, leaving his brothers in prison? How could he meet his father under such circumstances? It appeared probable that they were to be put to death or to be made slaves; and if Benjamin were brought, it might be only to share their fate. They decided to remain and suffer together, rather than bring additional sorrow upon their father by the loss of his only remaining son. They were accordingly cast into prison, where they remained three days.{PP 225.2}[5]
§13
自从约瑟离开他哥哥们以来，雅各的众子在品格上已经有了改变。他们过去是嫉妒、暴躁、欺骗、残忍、怀恨的；如今在患难的考验之下，显明他们没有自私，且彼此信实相待，孝敬父亲；虽然他们自己已是中年人，但仍然顺服父亲的威权。[6]{PP 225.3}
§14
During the years since Joseph had been separated from his brothers, these sons of Jacob had changed in character. Envious, turbulent, deceptive, cruel, and revengeful they had been; but now, when tested by adversity, they were shown to be unselfish, true to one another, devoted to their father, and, themselves middle-aged men, subject to his authority.{PP 225.3}[6]
§15
弟兄们在埃及的监狱中，回想到自己过去的罪过，这三天真是他们极其悲苦的日子。便雅悯若不来，则他们定要被视为奸细，而他们一点也不敢希望父亲能让便雅悯出来，到了第三天，约瑟便叫了哥哥们到他面前来。他不敢再扣留他们，因为父亲和眷属或许已经因缺粮而受困了。他说：“我是敬畏上帝的，你们照我的话行，就可以存活；你们如果是诚实人，可以留你们中间的一个人囚在监里，但你们可以带着粮食回去，救你们家里的饥荒；把你们的小兄弟带到我这里来，如此，你们的话便有证据，你们也不至于死。”虽然他们声称他们父亲是不会放便雅悯与他们一同回来，但他们同意接受这个建议。约瑟与他们交谈原是用翻译官传话的，弟兄们以为约瑟听不懂他们的话，所以彼此随便在约瑟面前谈话。他们为从前对待约瑟的事自责说：“我们在兄弟身上实在有罪，他哀求我们的时候，我们见他心里的愁苦，却不肯听，所以这场苦难临到我们身上。”流便从前曾在多坍设计救他的兄弟，这时他说：“我岂不是对你们说过，不可伤害那孩子吗？只是你们不肯听，所以流他血的罪向我们追讨。”约瑟听了他们的话，不能自禁，就退去哭了一场。从前他们虐待约瑟时，西缅原是唆使和主动人，因此约瑟回来的时候，就吩咐把西缅在他们面前选出，捆绑起来，再把他下在监里。[7]{PP 225.4}
§16
The three days in the Egyptian prison were days of bitter sorrow as the brothers reflected upon their past sins. Unless Benjamin could be produced their conviction as spies appeared certain, and they had little hope of gaining their fathers consent to Benjamins absence. On the third day Joseph caused the brothers to be brought before him. He dared not detain them longer. Already his father and the families with him might be suffering for food. This do, and live, he said; for I fear God; if ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses: but bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. This proposition they agreed to accept, though expressing little hope that their father would let Benjamin return with them. Joseph had communicated with them through an interpreter, and having no thought that the governor understood them, they conversed freely with one another in his presence. They accused themselves in regard to their treatment of Joseph: We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. Reuben, who had formed the plan for delivering him at Dothan, added, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required. Joseph, listening, could not control his emotions, and he went out and wept. On his return he commanded that Simeon be bound before them and again committed to prison. In the cruel treatment of their brother, Simeon had been the instigator and chief actor, and it was for this reason that the choice fell upon him.{PP 225.4}[7]
§17
约瑟在还没有让他哥哥们回去之前，吩咐人给他们粮食，并把各人的银子私下放在他们口袋里。回去时，在路上喂牲口的饲料也替他们预备好了。他们中间有一个人在路上打开口袋，看见自己的一包银子仍在口袋里，很是惊奇。他把这事告诉众弟兄，他们都大大的困惑惊讶起来，就彼此说：“这是上帝向我们作什么呢？”他们应当把这事看为耶和华善待他们的征兆呢，或者是他让这事发生来刑罚他们的罪，陷他们于更深的苦难之中呢？他们认明上帝已经看清了他们的罪，而且现在正是在刑罚他们。[8]{PP 226.1}
§18
Before permitting his brothers to depart, Joseph gave directions that they should be supplied with grain, and also that each mans money should be secretly placed in the mouth of his sack. Provender for the beasts on the homeward journey was also supplied. On the way one of the company, opening his sack, was surprised to find his bag of silver. On his making known the fact to the others, they were alarmed and perplexed, and said one to another, What is this that God hath done unto us?--should they regard it as a token of good from the Lord, or had He suffered it to occur to punish them for their sins and plunge them still deeper in affliction? They acknowledged that God had seen their sins, and that He was now punishing them.{PP 226.1}[8]
§19
雅各焦急地等待着儿子们回来，他们一到家，全家的人都热切地围着他们，听他们向父亲述说一切的经过。他们都极其恐慌疑惧。这个埃及的宰相似乎怀有恶计。当他们打开口袋发现各人的银子都在口袋里，他们就更加恐惧了。这个年迈的父亲，在忧苦之中向众子喊着说：“你们使我丧失我的儿子；约瑟没有了，西缅也没有了，你们又要将便雅悯带去，这些事都归到我身上了。”流便回答说：“我若不带他回来交给你，你可以杀我的两个儿子，只管把他交在我手里，我必带他回来交给你。”这几句鲁莽话一点也不能安慰雅各的心。他回答说：“我的儿子不可与你们一同下去；他哥哥死了，只剩下他，他若在你们所行的路上遭害，那便是你们使我白发苍苍，悲悲惨惨的下阴间去了。”[9]{PP 226.2}
§20
Jacob was anxiously awaiting the return of his sons, and on their arrival the whole encampment gathered eagerly around them as they related to their father all that had occurred. Alarm and apprehension filled every heart. The conduct of the Egyptian governor seemed to imply some evil design, and their fears were confirmed, when, as they opened their sacks, the owners money was found in each. In his distress the aged father exclaimed, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me. Reuben answered, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again. This rash speech did not relieve the mind of Jacob. His answer was, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.{PP 226.2}[9]
§21
那地饥荒甚大，不久，他们从埃及带来的粮食快吃尽了。雅各的众子深知若不带便雅悯同回埃及去，一定是徒劳往返的。他们也没有多大希望能改变父亲的决心，只好一言不发的等着事情的发展。饥荒的灾像越来越严重了；这位老人在全家人焦急的神色上，看出他们的缺乏，最后他说：“你们再去给我籴些粮来。”[10]{PP 227.1}
§22
But the drought continued, and in process of time the supply of grain that had been brought from Egypt was nearly exhausted. The sons of Jacob well knew that it would be in vain to return to Egypt without Benjamin. They had little hope of changing their fathers resolution, and they awaited the issue in silence. Deeper and deeper grew the shadow of approaching famine; in the anxious faces of all in the encampment the old man read their need; at last he said, Go again, buy us a little food.{PP 227.1}[10]
§23
犹大回答说：“那人谆谆的告诫我们，说：你们的兄弟若不与你们同来，你们就不得见我的面。你若打发我们的兄弟与我们同去，我们就下去给你籴粮。你若不打发他去，我们就不下去，因为那人对我们说，你们的兄弟若不与你们同来，你们就不得见我的面。”犹大看出他父亲的决心已经有了一点松动，于是就接下去说：“你打发童子与我们同去，我们就起身下去，好叫我们和你，并我们的妇人孩子，都得存活，不至于死。”他又为他的兄弟作保，若不把他带回来交还父亲，他就情愿永远担罪。[11]{PP 227.2}
§24
Judah answered, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food: but if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. Seeing that his fathers resolution began to waver, he added, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones; and he offered to be surety for his brother and to bear the blame forever if he failed to restore Benjamin to his father.{PP 227.2}[11]
§25
雅各再也不能坚持下去了，他嘱咐他们准备出发。并嘱咐他们要带一点礼物，就是被饥荒所蹂躏的迦南地所出的土产，“乳香、蜂蜜、香料、没药、榧子、杏仁，”给那地的宰相，并要加倍带银子去。他说：“也带着你们的兄弟，起身去见那人。”当雅各的众子们正提心吊胆地准备上路时，这位年迈的父亲站了起来，向天伸手，为他们祷告说：“但愿全能的上帝使你们在那人面前蒙怜悯，释放你们的那弟兄和便雅悯回来；我若丧了儿子，就丧了吧。”[12]{PP 227.3}
§26
Jacob could no longer withhold his consent, and he directed his sons to prepare for the journey. He bade them also take to the ruler a present of such things as the famine-wasted country afforded--a little balm, and a little honey, spices and myrrh, nuts and almonds, also a double quantity of money. Take also your brother, he said, and arise, go again unto the man. As his sons were about to depart on their doubtful journey the aged father arose, and raising his hands to heaven, uttered the prayer, God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.{PP 227.3}[12]
§27
他们又跋涉到了埃及，去晋见约瑟。约瑟一看见他同母的兄弟便雅悯，就深深的触动了手足之情。但他勉强地隐忍着情感，吩咐人把他们带到他的屋里，并预备筵席，叫他们和他一同吃饭。当弟兄们被领到相府时，他们大大吃惊，深怕是为了前次口袋里的银子要他们交代。他们认为这或许是故意放在那里，好有把柄强迫他们为奴仆。他们担心地与约瑟的家宰商量，说明他们到埃及来的情形；并且为了证明自己无罪，他们就告诉他，他们已把口袋里所发现的银子带回来了，另外又带银子来籴粮；他们又加上一句说：“不知道先前谁把银子放在我们的口袋里。”那人回答说：“你们可以放心，不要害怕，是你们的上帝，和你们父亲的上帝，赐给你们财宝在你们的口袋里，你们的银子我早已收了。”于是他们的忧虑就解除了，而且当西缅从监里被放出来与他们相聚时，他们就觉得上帝实在是恩待他们了。[13]{PP 227.4}
§28
Again they journeyed to Egypt and presented themselves before Joseph. As his eye fell upon Benjamin, his own mothers son, he was deeply moved. He concealed his emotion, however, but ordered that they be taken to his house, and that preparation be made for them to dine with him. Upon being conducted to the governors palace, the brothers were greatly alarmed, fearing that they were to be called to account for the money found in their sacks. They thought that it might have been intentionally placed there, to furnish occasion for making them slaves. In their distress they consulted with the steward of the house, relating to him the circumstances of their visit to Egypt; and in proof of their innocence informed him that they had brought back the money found in their sacks, also other money to buy food; and they added, We cannot tell who put our money in our sacks. The man replied, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. Their anxiety was relieved, and when Simeon, who had been released from prison, joined them, they felt that God was indeed gracious unto them.{PP 227.4}[13]
§29
当宰相再接见他们时，他们就把礼物呈上，又谦卑地“俯伏在地，向他下拜。”于是先前所作的梦又浮现在他心头，约瑟问候他们之后，就赶紧问：“你们的父亲，就是你们所说的那老人家平安吗？他还在吗？”他们又低头下拜，回答说：“你仆人我们的父亲平安，他还在。”约瑟举目看见便雅悯，就说：“你们向我所说那顶小的兄弟，就是这位吗？”“小儿啊；愿上帝赐恩给你。”可是，这时触动他手足之情，不能自禁，再也不能说下去了。他就“进入自己的屋里，哭了一场。”[14]{PP 228.1}
§30
When the governor again met them they presented their gifts and humbly bowed themselves to him to the earth. Again his dreams came to his mind, and after saluting his guests he hastened to ask, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive? Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive, was the answer, as they again made obeisance. Then his eye rested upon Benjamin, and he said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? God be gracious unto thee, my son; but, overpowered by feelings of tenderness, he could say no more. He entered into his chamber, and wept there.{PP 228.1}[14]
§31
约瑟既哭完了，就隐忍着出来，于是大家一同坐席。按当时阶级的惯例，埃及人是不可与别国人同桌吃饭的。所以雅各的众子坐了一席，约瑟因为地位的关系，自坐一席，埃及人也分开坐下。当大家都入席坐定之后，弟兄们见自己的席位是按着长幼的次序排列，就大大诧异。”约瑟把他面前的食物分出来。”但便雅悯所得的比别人多了五倍。他这样优待便雅悯，希望借此知道弟兄们是否嫉妒怨恨这顶小的兄弟，像他们从前待他一样。弟兄们仍然以为约瑟不懂他们的话语，他们就彼此自由谈话，这样他就有机会获知他们的真情。但是他还要试验他们，在他们回去之前，他吩咐人把他的银杯放在最小兄弟的口袋里。[15]{PP 228.2}
§32
Having recovered his self-possession, he returned, and all proceeded to the feast. By the laws of caste the Egyptians were forbidden to eat with people of any other nation. The sons of Jacob had therefore a table by themselves, while the governor, on account of his high rank, ate by himself, and the Egyptians also had separate tables. When all were seated the brothers were surprised to see that they were arranged in exact order, according to their ages. Joseph sent messes unto them from before him; but Benjamins was five times as much as any of theirs. By this token of favor to Benjamin he hoped to ascertain if the youngest brother was regarded with the envy and hatred that had been manifested toward himself. Still supposing that Joseph did not understand their language, the brothers freely conversed with one another; thus he had a good opportunity to learn their real feelings. Still he desired to test them further, and before their departure he ordered that his own drinking cup of silver should be concealed in the sack of the youngest.{PP 228.2}[15]
§33
弟兄们欢欢喜喜地起身回家。有西缅和便雅悯和他们在一起，而且他们的牲口又驮着很多粮食。大家都感觉到他们已经安然脱离了那似乎环绕着他们的危险。但不料他们刚到了效外，宰相的家宰就追上来，严厉地质问他们说：“你们为什么以恶报善呢？这不是我主人饮酒的杯吗？岂不是他占卜用的吗？你们这样行是作恶了。”那时代的人，认为这样的杯能发现盛在其中的任何毒物，借以保护使用的人不致中毒，所以是颇有价值的。[16]{PP 229.1}
§34
Joyfully they set out on their return. Simeon and Benjamin were with them, their animals were laden with grain, and all felt that they had safely escaped the perils that had seemed to surround them. But they had only reached the outskirts of the city when they were overtaken by the governors steward, who uttered the scathing inquiry, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing. This cup was supposed to possess the power of detecting any poisonous substance placed therein. At that day cups of this kind were highly valued as a safeguard against murder by poisoning.{PP 229.1}[16]
§35
弟兄们回答家宰的咎责说：“我主为什么说这样的话呢？你仆人断不能作这样的事。你看，我们从前在口袋里所见的银子，尚且从迦南地带来还你，我们怎能从你主人家里偷窃金银呢？你仆人中，无论在谁那里搜出来，就叫他死，我们也作我主的奴仆。”[17]{PP 229.2}
§36
To the stewards accusation the travelers answered, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing: behold, the money, which we found in our sacks mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan: how then should we steal out of thy lords house silver or gold? With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lords bondmen.{PP 229.2}[17]
§37
家宰说：“现在就照你们的话行吧，在谁那里搜出来，谁就作我的奴仆，其余的都没有罪。”[18]{PP 229.3}
§38
Now also let it be according unto your words, said the steward; he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless.{PP 229.3}[18]
§39
于是马上进行搜查。“他们各人急忙把口袋卸在地下，各人打开口袋。”家宰就下手挨口袋查搜，从流便起，依次搜到最小的为止，那杯竟在便雅悯的袋中搜出来。[19]{PP 229.4}
§40
The search began immediately. They speedily took down every man his sack to the ground, and the steward examined each, beginning with Reubens, and taking them in order down to that of the youngest. In Benjamins sack the cup was found.{PP 229.4}[19]
§41
弟兄们就撕裂了衣服，表示他们极端的悲苦，慢慢地回到城里。依着他们自己的话，便雅悯是注定一生要作奴隶了。他们随着家宰到了相府，见约瑟仍在那里，他们便俯伏在他的面前。宰相对他们说：“你们作的是什么事呢？你们岂不知像我这样的人必能占卜吗？”约瑟这样讲，乃是要他们承认自己的罪。他从来没有说自己有占卜的能力，只是要他们相信，他能洞悉他们生平的秘密。[20]{PP 229.5}
§42
The brothers rent their garments in token of utter wretchedness, and slowly returned to the city. By their own promise Benjamin was doomed to a life of slavery. They followed the steward to the palace, and finding the governor yet there, they prostrated themselves before him. What deed is this that ye have done? he said. Wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine? Joseph designed to draw from them an acknowledgment of their sin. He had never claimed the power of divination, but was willing to have them believe that he could read the secrets of their lives.{PP 229.5}[20]
§43
犹大回答说：“我们对我主说什么呢？还有什么话可说呢？我们怎能自己表白出来呢？上帝已经查出仆人的罪孽了；我们与那在他手中搜出杯来的，都是我主的奴仆。”[21]{PP 229.6}
§44
Judah answered, What shall we say unto my Lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lords servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found.{PP 229.6}[21]
§45
约瑟回答说：“我断不能这样行，在谁的手中搜出杯来，谁就作我的奴仆；至于你们可以平平安安的上你们父亲那里去。”[22]{PP 230.1}
§46
God forbid that I should do so, was the reply; but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.{PP 230.1}[22]
§47
这时犹大极其悲苦，他就近前向宰相说：“我主啊，求你容仆人说一句话给我主听，不要向仆人发烈怒，因为你如同法老一样。”犹大用最动人的口吻，述说他父亲丧失约瑟的悲伤，以及父亲怎样不愿意让便雅悯和他们同到埃及来，因为他是他母亲拉结所留下的唯一的儿子，而拉结又是雅各所深爱的。犹大又说：“我父亲的命与这童子的命相连，如今我回到你仆人我父亲那里，若没有童子与我们同在，我们的父亲见没有童子，他就必死，这便是我们使你仆人——我们的父亲白发苍苍、悲悲惨惨的下阴间去了。因为仆人曾向我父亲为这童子作保，说：我若不带他回来交给父亲，我便在父亲面前永远担罪。现在求你容仆人住下，替这童子作我主的奴仆，叫童子和他哥哥们一同上去。若童子不和我同去，我怎能上去见我父亲呢？恐怕我看见灾祸临到我父亲身上。”[23]{PP 230.2}
§48
In his deep distress Judah now drew near to the ruler and exclaimed, O my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lords ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh. In words of touching eloquence he described his fathers grief at the loss of Joseph and his reluctance to let Benjamin come with them to Egypt, as he was the only son left of his mother, Rachel, whom Jacob so dearly loved. Now therefore, he said, when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad be not with us; seeing that his life is bound up in the lads life; it shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave. For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my father forever. Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren. For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.{PP 230.2}[23]
§49
约瑟满意了。他已经在他哥哥们身上看出真实悔改的表现。他既听到犹大自愿牺牲的崇高进言，就吩咐在旁侍立的人都出去，于是放声大哭，对他弟兄们说：“我是约瑟，我的父亲还在吗？”[24]{PP 230.3}
§50
Joseph was satisfied. He had seen in his brothers the fruits of true repentance. Upon hearing Judahs noble offer he gave orders that all but these men should withdraw; then, weeping aloud, he cried, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?{PP 230.3}[24]
§51
弟兄们惊惶失措，目瞪口呆。原来埃及的宰相就是他们所曾嫉妒，所想谋害，最后出卖为奴的兄弟约瑟！他们过去一切苦待他的事，这时都回想起来了。他们记得从前如何藐视他的梦，并如何竭力阻止梦的实现。孰料他们却促成了梦的应验。如今他们完全在他的权柄之下，无疑地他要为过去所受的害报仇。[25]{PP 230.4}
§52
His brothers stood motionless, dumb with fear and amazement. The ruler of Egypt their brother Joseph, whom they had envied and would have murdered, and finally sold as a slave! All their ill treatment of him passed before them. They remembered how they had despised his dreams and had labored to prevent their fulfillment. Yet they had acted their part in fulfilling these dreams; and now that they were completely in his power he would, no doubt, avenge the wrong that he had suffered.{PP 230.4}[25]
§53
约瑟看出了他们的窘态。便和蔼地说：“请你们近前来，”他们既近前来，他就接下去说：“我是你们的兄弟约瑟，就是你们所卖到埃及的。现在不要因为把我卖到这里，自忧自恨，这是上帝差我在你们以先来，为要保全生命。”他觉得他们已经为这虐待他的事受够了苦，所以慷慨地设法消除他们的疑惧，并减轻他们自责的烦恼。[26]{PP 230.5}
§54
Seeing their confusion, he said kindly, Come near to me, I pray you; and as they came near, he continued, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. Feeling that they had already suffered enough for their cruelty toward him, he nobly sought to banish their fears and lessen the bitterness of their self-reproach.{PP 230.5}[26]
§55
约瑟又说：“现在这地的饥荒已经二年了，还有五年不能耕种，不能收成。上帝差我在你们以先来，为要给你们存留余种在世上，又要大施拯救，保全你们的生命。这样看来，差我到这里来的不是你们，乃是上帝，他又使我如法老的父，作他全家的主，并埃及全地的宰相。你们要赶紧上到我父亲那里，对他说：你儿子约瑟这样说，上帝使我作全埃及的主，请你下到我这里来，不要耽延。你和你的儿子、孙子，连牛群、羊群并一切所有的，都可以住在歌珊地，与我相近，我要在那里奉养你，因为还有五年的饥荒，免得你和你的眷属并一切所有的都败落了。况且你们的眼和我兄弟便雅悯的眼，都看见是我亲口对你们说话。”“于是约瑟伏在他兄弟便雅悯的颈项上哭，便雅悯也在他的颈项上哭。他又与众弟兄亲嘴，抱着他们哭，随后他弟兄们就和他说话。”他们谦卑地承认了自己的罪，并求他饶恕。他们已经多年为他担忧自责，如今既知道他还在世，就不胜欣喜。[27]{PP 231.1}
§56
For these two years, he continued, hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and He hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me tarry not: and thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy childrens children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast: and there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty. And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you. And he fell upon his brother Benjamins neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him. They humbly confessed their sin and entreated his forgiveness. They had long suffered anxiety and remorse, and now they rejoiced that he was still alive.{PP 231.1}[27]
§57
这一切经过很快地传到法老王耳中。他急于要向约瑟表示感激，就赞助约瑟请他全家到埃及来，说：“埃及全地的美物，都是你们的。”于是约瑟打发弟兄们回去，大量供给他们粮食和车辆，以及他们搬家到埃及来所需要的一切。约瑟赠送给便雅悯的东西比其他弟兄更为珍贵。他又恐怕他们在回家的路上会发生纠纷，所以当他们将要离别的时候，就吩咐他们说：“你们不要在路上相争。”[28]{PP 231.2}
§58
The news of what had taken place was quickly carried to the king, who, eager to manifest his gratitude to Joseph, confirmed the governors invitation to his family, saying, The good of all the land of Egypt is yours. The brothers were sent away abundantly supplied with provision and carriages and everything necessary for the removal of all their families and attendants to Egypt. On Benjamin, Joseph bestowed more valuable gifts than upon the others. Then, fearing that disputes would arise among them on the homeward journey, he gave them, as they were about to leave him, the charge, See that ye fall not out by the way.{PP 231.2}[28]
§59
雅各的众子带着喜讯回到他们的父亲那里说：“约瑟还在，并且作埃及全地的宰相。”老人起先惊异不已，不能相信这话，但当他看到许多车辆和满载货物的牲口，而便雅悯又在他身边，他就相信了。并且心花怒放地说：“罢了，罢了，我的儿子约瑟还在，趁我未死以先，我要去见他一面。”[29]{PP 231.3}
§60
The sons of Jacob returned to their father with the joyful tidings, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. At first the aged man was overwhelmed; he could not believe what he heard; but when he saw the long train of wagons and loaded animals, and when Benjamin was with him once more, he was convinced, and in the fullness of his joy exclaimed, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.{PP 231.3}[29]
§61
这十个弟兄还有一件难堪的事不得不作。就是向父亲认罪，说明他们的欺骗和残忍，使他和他们的生活这么多年都如此悲苦。雅各没有料到他们会犯这么卑鄙的罪，但他看出万事都互相效力，为要叫他们得益处，所以他就饶恕了这些犯错误的儿子，并为他们祝福。[30]{PP 232.1}
§62
Another act of humiliation remained for the ten brothers. They now confessed to their father the deceit and cruelty that for so many years had embittered his life and theirs. Jacob had not suspected them of so base a sin, but he saw that all had been overruled for good, and he forgave and blessed his erring children.{PP 232.1}[30]
§63
父亲和他的众子，以及眷属、牛羊和许多仆从，不久就起身往埃及去了。他们带着愉快的心情赶路，当他们来到别是巴时，雅各就在那里奉献感恩祭与上帝，并恳求耶和华应许与他同去。夜间上帝在异象中对他说：“你下埃及去不要害怕，因为我必使你在那里成为大族。我要和你同下埃及去，也必定带你上来。”[31]{PP 232.2}
§64
The father and his sons, with their families, their flocks and herds, and numerous attendants, were soon on the way to Egypt. With gladness of heart they pursued their journey, and when they came to Beersheba the patriarch offered grateful sacrifices and entreated the Lord to grant them an assurance that He would go with them. In a vision of the night the divine word came to him: Fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation. I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again.{PP 232.2}[31]
§65
“你下埃及去不要害怕，因为我必使你在那里成为大族，”这是个意义深长的应许。上帝从前应许亚伯拉罕，他的后裔必要像天上的星那样无数，但到目前为止，选民的人数还是增加得很慢。并且现在的迦南地，还不适于建立一个像预言所说那样的大国。如今迦南地还有强大的外邦民族盘据着，必须等到“第四代”（见创15:16）他们才要被赶出去。如果这时以色列的子孙要在迦南地成为大族，那么，就必须把迦南人赶出去，或是散居在他们中间。按着上帝的安排，他们现在还不能把迦南人赶出去，若是与迦南人杂居，他们就有被引诱拜偶像的危险。而埃及却正有实现上帝旨意的必要条件。那里有一个灌溉充足、土地肥沃的区域任他们使用，使他们得有迅速繁殖的各种便利。他们因为职业的缘故，必要遭受埃及人的憎嫌，“因为凡牧羊的都被埃及人所厌恶。”（创46:34）这样，使他们能以保持独特的民族性，使他们不致参加埃及人拜偶像的恶习。[32]{PP 232.3}
§66
The assurance, Fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation, was significant. The promise had been given to Abraham of a posterity numberless as the stars, but as yet the chosen people had increased but slowly. And the land of Canaan now offered no field for the development of such a nation as had been foretold. It was in the possession of powerful heathen tribes, that were not to be dispossessed until the fourth generation. If the descendants of Israel were here to become a numerous people, they must either drive out the inhabitants of the land or disperse themselves among them. The former, according to the divine arrangement, they could not do; and should they mingle with the Canaanites, they would be in danger of being seduced into idolatry. Egypt, however, offered the conditions necessary to the fulfillment of the divine purpose. A section of country well-watered and fertile was open to them there, affording every advantage for their speedy increase. And the antipathy they must encounter in Egypt on account of their occupation--for every shepherd was an abomination unto the Egyptians--would enable them to remain a distinct and separate people and would thus serve to shut them out from participation in the idolatry of Egypt. {PP 232.3}[32]
§67
这一群人一到埃及，就直接往歌珊地去。约瑟坐着轿车，带着仆从而来。他一时把四围的荣华和地位的高贵都忘记了，只有一个思想充满他的心，只有一个热望兴奋着他。当他看见家人来到之时，那多年以来被遏止着的孺慕之情，这时再也抑制不住了。他从车上一跃而下，赶紧跑去迎接他的父亲，“就伏在父亲的颈顶上，哭了许久。以色列对约瑟说：我既得见你的面，知道你还在，就是死我也甘心。”[33]{PP 233.1}
§68
Upon reaching Egypt the company proceeded directly to the land of Goshen. Thither came Joseph in his chariot of state, attended by a princely retinue. The splendor of his surroundings and the dignity of his position were alike forgotten; one thought alone filled his mind, one longing thrilled his heart. As he beheld the travelers approaching, the love whose yearnings had for so many long years been repressed, would no longer be controlled. He sprang from his chariot and hastened forward to bid his father welcome. And he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.{PP 233.1}[33]
§69
约瑟带着他的五个弟兄去见法老，从法老那里领得土地，作他们将来寄居之所。法老王为要酬谢他的宰相，原可派他们担任官职，但忠于敬拜耶和华的约瑟，不愿他们遭受异教朝廷中所必有的试探。所以预先告诫他们，如果王询问他们的时候，就要直言无隐地说明他们的职业。雅各的众子听从了他的劝告，同时也谨慎地说明他们来是要在这地寄居，并不是永远住在那里，这样就保留了随时离去的权利。法老安排一个地方给他们住，就是他所说“最好的地”歌珊。[34]{PP 233.2}
§70
Joseph took five of his brothers to present to Pharaoh and receive from him the grant of land for their future home. Gratitude to his prime minister would have led the monarch to honor them with appointments to offices of state; but Joseph, true to the worship of Jehovah, sought to save his brothers from the temptations to which they would be exposed at a heathen court; therefore he counseled them, when questioned by the king, to tell him frankly their occupation. The sons of Jacob followed this counsel, being careful also to state that they had come to sojourn in the land, not to become permanent dwellers there, thus reserving the right to depart if they chose. The king assigned them a home, as offered, in the best of the land, the country of Goshen.{PP 233.2}[34]
§71
雅各全家到埃及不久，约瑟便领着他父亲去见法老。先祖雅各平生本没有进过君王的宫廷，但是他在大自然的幽雅景象中，曾与一位更大的君王交谈，所以如今他带着一种很自然的优越感，举手为法老祝福。[35]{PP 233.3}
§72
Not long after their arrival Joseph brought his father also to be presented to the king. The patriarch was a stranger in royal courts; but amid the sublime scenes of nature he had communed with a mightier Monarch; and now, in conscious superiority, he raised his hands and blessed Pharaoh.{PP 233.3}[35]
§73
雅各初见约瑟时，曾表示他多年的焦虑和忧伤，临终既得到了快乐，就是死也甘心。但他并没有想到自己还能在歌珊地，平平安安地享受十七年的桑榆晚景。这几年的幸福是已往的岁月所无可比拟的。他看见众子表现的真心悔改，他见到家庭是处在有利于发展大国的环境中，他的信心就把握定了他们将来在迦南地建国的可靠应许。他自己则享有埃及宰相所能给予他的一切敬爱和照顾，于是他和久别重逢的儿子在一起，融融洩洩地终其天年。[36]{PP 233.4}
§74
In his first greeting to Joseph, Jacob had spoken as if, with this joyful ending to his long anxiety and sorrow, he was ready to die. But seventeen years were yet to be granted him in the peaceful retirement of Goshen. These years were in happy contrast to those that had preceded them. He saw in his sons evidence of true repentance; he saw his family surrounded by all the conditions needful for the development of a great nation; and his faith grasped the sure promise of their future establishment in Canaan. He himself was surrounded with every token of love and favor that the prime minister of Egypt could bestow; and happy in the society of his long-lost son, he passed down gently and peacefully to the grave. {PP 233.4}[36]
§75
当雅各知道自己的死期将近时，他就差人叫了约瑟来。他仍然固守着上帝关于迦南产业的应许，便对约瑟说：“请你不要将我葬在埃及，我与我祖我父同睡的时候，你要将我带出埃及，葬在他们所葬的地方。”约瑟应许这样作，但雅各还不放心，他要约瑟严肃起誓，把他葬在麦比拉洞他列祖的旁边。[37]{PP 234.1}
§76
As he felt death approaching, he sent for Joseph. Still holding fast the promise of God respecting the possession of Canaan, he said, Bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt: but I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying place. Joseph promised to do so, but Jacob was not satisfied; he exacted a solemn oath to lay him beside his fathers in the cave of Machpelah.{PP 234.1}[37]
§77
另有一件要事必须注意的，就是要正式把约瑟的儿子列在以色列的子孙之中。所以约瑟带着以法莲和玛拿西来见父亲最后一面。这两个少年因了母亲的缘故，便与埃及最高的祭司团体有了关系，如果他们愿意与埃及人结交，则尽可以因他们父亲的地位而打开了名利双收之门。但约瑟的愿望，却是要他们与自己的本族联合。他表示坚信上帝立约的应许，宁可在被轻视的牧羊民族中得一地位，也不愿他的儿子享受埃及朝廷所能给他们的一切尊荣，因为上帝已经把他的圣言交托他们了。[38]{PP 234.2}
§78
Another important matter demanded attention; the sons of Joseph were to be formally instated among the children of Israel. Joseph, coming for a last interview with his father, brought with him Ephraim and Manasseh. These youths were connected, through their mother, with the highest order of the Egyptian priesthood; and the position of their father opened to them the avenues to wealth and distinction, should they choose to connect themselves with the Egyptians. It was Josephs desire, however, that they should unite with their own people. He manifested his faith in the covenant promise, in behalf of his sons renouncing all the honors that the court of Egypt offered, for a place among the despised shepherd tribes, to whom had been entrusted the oracles of God.{PP 234.2}[38]
§79
雅各说：“我未到埃及见你之先，你在埃及地所生的以法莲和玛拿西，这两个儿子是我的，正如流便和西缅是我的一样。”他们要归于雅各的名下，作为两个支派之首。这样，流便所丧失的长子名分，其中一个权利就归到约瑟头上，在以色列中得双份的产业。[39]{PP 234.3}
§80
Said Jacob, Thy two sons, Ephraim, and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt, before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. They were to be adopted as his own, and to become the heads of separate tribes. Thus one of the birthright privileges, which Reuben had forfeited, was to fall to Joseph--a double portion in Israel.{PP 234.3}[39]
§81
雅各年纪老迈，眼睛昏花，他还不知道这两个少年已经在他面前，如今他既看见两个人影，就问说：“这是谁？”约瑟告诉了他，他接着说：“请你领他们到我跟前，我要给他们祝福。”当他们近前来时，先祖就和他们亲嘴，抱着他们，并严肃地按手在他们头上，为他们祝福。于是他祷告说：“愿我祖亚伯拉罕，和我父以撒所侍奉的上帝，就是一生牧养我直到今日的上帝，救赎我脱离一切患难的那使者，赐福与这两个童子。”这时候，他再没有自恃的精神，再没有依靠人的能力或巧计。上帝曾一直保守并支持了他。他并没有因过去所受的患难发什么怨言。过去的试炼和忧伤，他不再看为逆境。他只想起那在他人生旅程与他同在之上帝的怜悯和慈爱。[40]{PP 234.4}
§82
Jacobs eyes were dim with age, and he had not been aware of the presence of the young men; but now, catching the outline of their forms, he said, Who are these? On being told, he added, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them. As they came nearer, the patriarch embraced and kissed them, solemnly laying his hands upon their heads in benediction. Then he uttered the prayer, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, the Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads. There was no spirit of self-dependence, no reliance upon human power or cunning now. God had been his preserver and support. There was no complaint of the evil days in the past. Its trials and sorrows were no longer regarded as things that were against him. Memory recalled only His mercy and loving-kindness who had been with him throughout his pilgrimage.{PP 234.4}[40]
§83
祝福完了，雅各又向他的儿子约瑟保证说：“我要死了，但上帝必与你们同在，领你们回到你们列祖之地。”他为后世——那经过多年奴役和忧患的世世代代，留下这一个信心的见证。最后，雅各的众子都聚集在他临终的床前。雅各叫他的儿子们前来，说：“雅各的儿子们，你们要聚集而听，要听你们父亲以色列的话，”“我好把你们日后必遇的事告诉你们，”他过去曾经时常为他们的前途忧虑，并想描绘各支派将来的历史。如今当他的众子等待着他最后为他们祝福时，有感动人的灵降在他身上，在预言的异象中，将他后裔的将来展开在他面前。他把众子的名字一个接着一个地都提到了，各人的品格也都描绘出来，各支派将来的历史也简单地说明了。[41]{PP 235.1}
§84
The blessing ended, Jacob gave his son the assurance--leaving for the generations to come, through long years of bondage and sorrow, this testimony to his faith--Behold, I die; but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.{PP 235.1}[41]
§85
“流便哪，你是我的长子，是我力量强壮的时候生的，本当大有尊荣，权力超众。”[42]{PP 235.2}
§86
At the last all the sons of Jacob were gathered about his dying bed. And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. Often and anxiously he had thought of their future, and had endeavored to picture to himself the history of the different tribes. Now as his children waited to receive his last blessing the Spirit of Inspiration rested upon him, and before him in prophetic vision the future of his descendants was unfolded. One after another the names of his sons were mentioned, the character of each was described, and the future history of the tribes was briefly foretold. Reuben, thou art my first-born, My might, and the beginning of my strength, The excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power.{PP 235.2}[42]
§87
父亲这样说明了长子流便原来应该有的地位，但是他在以前所犯的重罪，使他不配承受长子的福分。雅各接着说：“但你放纵情欲、滚沸如水，必不得居首位。”[43]{PP 235.3}
§88
Thus the father pictured what should have been the position of Reuben as the first-born son; but his grievous sin at Edar had made him unworthy of the birthright blessing. Jacob continued-- Unstable as water, Thou shalt not excel.{PP 235.3}[43]
§89
祭司的职任分给利未，王权和弥赛亚的应许给予犹大，双份的产业赐给约瑟。流便支派在以色列中一直没有高升到杰出的地位，它的人数不及犹大，约瑟，或但，而且后来也列在最先被掳的支派之中。[44]{PP 235.4}
§90
The priesthood was apportioned to Levi, the kingdom and the Messianic promise to Judah, and the double portion of the inheritance to Joseph. The tribe of Reuben never rose to any eminence in Israel; it was not so numerous as Judah, Joseph, or Dan, and was among the first that were carried into captivity.{PP 235.4}[44]
§91
西缅和利未的年龄仅幼于流便。他们曾联合起来残杀示剑人，而且在出卖约瑟的事上，他们的罪也是最重的。雅各对这两个儿子这样说：“我要使他们分居在雅各家里，散住在以色列地中。”[45]{PP 235.5}
§92
Next in age to Reuben were Simeon and Levi. They had been united in their cruelty toward the Shechemites, and they had also been the most guilty in the selling of Joseph. Concerning them it was declared-- I will divide them in Jacob, And scatter them in Israel.{PP 235.5}[45]
§93
在进迦南地之先，数点以色列民人数的时候，西缅支派人数最少。摩西最后为以色列民祝福的时候，他也没有提到西缅支派。约书亚分配迦南地的时候，西缅支派仅仅在犹大支派的地业中间得了一小份，至于后来他们中间出来一些强壮的家族，在圣地边界之外的区域，成立了若干小的部落。利未支派除了得到分散在迦南各处的四十八座城之外，也没有得什么别的产业。至于这一个支派，后来当各支派都背弃上帝时，他们仍旧忠于耶和华，故得以在圣所中供职，于是咒诅就变成祝福了。[46]{PP 235.6}
§94
At the numbering of Israel, just before their entrance to Canaan, Simeon was the smallest tribe. Moses, in his last blessing, made no reference to Simeon. In the settlement of Canaan this tribe had only a small portion of Judahs lot, and such families as afterward became powerful formed different colonies and settled in territory outside the borders of the Holy Land. Levi also received no inheritance except forty-eight cities scattered in different parts of the land. In the case of this tribe, however, their fidelity to Jehovah when the other tribes apostatized, secured their appointment to the sacred service of the sanctuary, and thus the curse was changed into a blessing.{PP 235.6}[46]
§95
长子名分最大的福气转给犹大了。犹大这个名字的意义——赞美——也在预言这支派的历史中说明了：“犹大啊，你弟兄们必赞美你，你手必掐住仇敌的颈项，你父亲的儿子们必向你下拜。犹大是个小狮子，我儿啊，你抓了食便上去；你屈下身去，卧如公狮，蹲如母狮，谁敢惹你？圭必不离犹大，杖必不离他两脚之间，直等细罗来到，万民都必归顺。”[47]{PP 236.1}
§96
The crowning blessings of the birthright were transferred to Judah. The significance of the name--which denotes praise,--is unfolded in the prophetic history of this tribe: Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: Thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; Thy fathers children shall bow down before thee. Judah is a lions whelp: From the prey, my son, thou art gone up: He stooped down, he couched as a lion, And as an old lion: who shall rouse him up? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh come; And unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.{PP 236.1}[47]
§97
百兽之王的狮子乃是犹大支派最合适的象征，后来从这个支派出了大卫，而“大卫的子孙”“细罗，”就是“犹大支派的狮子，”一切执政者最后必向他屈膝，列国必向他下拜。[48]{PP 236.2}
§98
The lion, king of the forest, is a fitting symbol of this tribe, from which came David, and the Son of David, Shiloh, the true Lion of the tribe of Judah, to whom all powers shall finally bow and all nations render homage.{PP 236.2}[48]
§99
雅各为他多数的儿子预言了一个兴盛的将来。最后来到约瑟的名字，当他为那“与弟兄迥别之人”求福时。父亲心花怒放了：“约瑟是多结果子的树枝，是泉旁多结果的枝子，他的枝条探出墙外。弓箭手将他苦害，向他射箭，逼迫他。但他的弓仍旧坚硬，他的手健壮敏捷，这是因以色列的牧者，以色列的磐石，就是雅各的大能者。你父亲的上帝必帮助你，那全能者必将天上所有的福，地里所藏的福，以及生产乳养的福，都赐给你，你父亲所祝的福，胜过我祖先所祝的福，如永世的山岭，至极的边界；这些福必降在约瑟的头上，临到那与弟兄迥别之人的顶上。”[49]{PP 236.3}
§100
For most of his children Jacob foretold a prosperous future. At last the name of Joseph was reached, and the fathers heart overflowed as he invoked blessings upon the head of him that was separate from his brethren: Joseph is a fruitful bough, Even a fruitful bough by a well; Whose branches run over the wall: The archers have sorely grieved him, And shot at him, and hated him: But his bow abode in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong By the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (From thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel;) Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; And by the Almighty, who shall bless thee With blessings of heaven above, Blessings of the deep that lieth under, Blessings of the breasts, and of the womb: The blessings of thy father have prevailed Above the blessings of my progenitors Unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: They shall be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.{PP 236.3}[49]
§101
雅各素来是一个有深情挚爱的人，他对众子的爱心是坚强而温慈的，他临死的遗嘱并没有向他们发一句偏心或愤慨的话。他已经饶恕了他们各人，至终还是疼爱他们的。依着他为父亲的慈爱，他只能说出鼓励和希望的话，但是有上帝的能力在他身上，而且在圣灵的感动之下，虽然这些话对他是痛苦的，而他也不得不据实说出来。[50]{PP 237.1}
§102
Jacob had ever been a man of deep and ardent affection; his love for his sons was strong and tender, and his dying testimony to them was not the utterance of partiality or resentment. He had forgiven them all, and he loved them to the last. His paternal tenderness would have found expression only in words of encouragement and hope; but the power of God rested upon him, and under the influence of Inspiration he was constrained to declare the truth, however painful.{PP 237.1}[50]
§103
说完了最后祝福的话，雅各重述关于自己安葬之地的吩咐，说：“我将要归到我列祖那里，你们要将我葬在……麦比拉田间的洞，……与我祖我父在一处。”“他们在那里葬了亚伯拉罕和他妻子撒拉，又在那里葬了以撒，和他妻子利百加；我也在那里葬了利亚。”他在一生最后的一件事上，就是这样表现了他对上帝应许的信心。[51]{PP 237.2}
§104
The last blessings pronounced, Jacob repeated the charge concerning his burial place: I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers . . . in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah. Thus the last act of his life was to manifest his faith in Gods promise.{PP 237.2}[51]
§105
雅各的晚年，正如人经过一天的愁烦疲劳之后，享受傍晚时宁静的休息一样。在他的人生路程上固然常有忧郁的黑云，但到他的夕阳幕景时，已是天朗气清了，而且有天上的光辉照耀着他临终的时辰。经上说：“到了晚上才有光明。”“你要细察那完全人，观看那正直人，因为和平人有好结局。”（亚14:7；诗37:37）[52]{PP 237.3}
§106
Jacobs last years brought an evening of tranquillity and repose after a troubled and weary day. Clouds had gathered dark above his path, yet his sun set clear, and the radiance of heaven illumined his parting hours. Says the Scripture, At evening time it shall be light. Zechariah 14:7. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. Psalm 37:37.{PP 237.3}[52]
§107
雅各曾犯过罪，也曾深深地受过苦。自从他犯了大罪，使他从父家逃亡的那一天起，他过了多年辛劳、忧虑和愁苦的生活。他作了一个无家可归的游子，与慈母分离，此生不得再见；他为所爱的人工作了七年，结果反受了卑鄙的欺骗；在贪心吝啬的亲戚手下辛劳工作了二十年之久；虽然财富增添，儿女满堂，但家庭纷争不和，他也得不到多少乐趣；女儿的丑名、她弟兄为她复仇的残暴行为、拉结的去世、流便的逆伦之罪，再加上犹大的罪，以及他的众子在约瑟的事上所有残忍的欺骗和恶毒的行为，这一切都使他至感痛苦，且看这摆在他面前一连串的罪恶是多么黑暗啊！他曾一再地收获了他头一件错行的果子。再三地看到他的众子犯了他自己所曾犯过的罪。惩罚虽是痛苦的，但终于发挥它的作用。这管教虽是愁苦的，但已经结了“平安的果子，就是义。”（来12:11）[53]{PP 237.4}
§108
Jacob had sinned, and had deeply suffered. Many years of toil, care, and sorrow had been his since the day when his great sin caused him to flee from his fathers tents. A homeless fugitive, separated from his mother, whom he never saw again; laboring seven years for her whom he loved, only to be basely cheated; toiling twenty years in the service of a covetous and grasping kinsman; seeing his wealth increasing, and sons rising around him, but finding little joy in the contentious and divided household; distressed by his daughters shame, by her brothers revenge, by the death of Rachel, by the unnatural crime of Reuben, by Judahs sin, by the cruel deception and malice practiced toward Joseph--how long and dark is the catalogue of evils spread out to view! Again and again he had reaped the fruit of that first wrong deed. Over and over he saw repeated among his sons the sins of which he himself had been guilty. But bitter as had been the discipline, it had accomplished its work. The chastening, though grievous, had yielded the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11.{PP 237.4}[53]
§109
《圣经》忠实地记载那些蒙上帝特别恩眷的古圣先贤的过错，诚然是彰显出他们的过错，比彰显他们的德行更为详尽。这一点曾使许多人心中诧异，并给了不信之人一个讥诮批评《圣经》的借口。但是《圣经》没有掩饰事实，也没有隐瞒其主要人物的罪，这正是《圣经》之所以可靠的一个最有力的凭据。人心总不免有偏见，所以世人所写的历史不可能有绝对公正的记载。如果《圣经》是未受圣灵感动之人所写作的，无疑地，他们必要用更夸张的话，来描写其中被推崇之人的伟大品格。但《圣经》既是上帝所默示的，我们就有他们经验的正确记录。[54]{PP 238.1}
§110
Inspiration faithfully records the faults of good men, those who were distinguished by the favor of God; indeed, their faults are more fully presented than their virtues. This has been a subject of wonder to many, and has given the infidel occasion to scoff at the Bible. But it is one of the strongest evidences of the truth of Scripture, that facts are not glossed over, nor the sins of its chief characters suppressed. The minds of men are so subject to prejudice that it is not possible for human histories to be absolutely impartial. Had the Bible been written by uninspired persons, it would no doubt have presented the character of its honored men in a more flattering light. But as it is, we have a correct record of their experiences.{PP 238.1}[54]
§111
那些为上帝所眷爱，并负有重任的人，有时也不免被试探所胜而犯罪，正如我们今日往往奋斗，有时动摇，而常在错误之中跌倒一般。他们的生活，连同他们的过错和愚妄，都摆在我们面前，作为我们的鼓励和警戒。如果《圣经》描写他们为没有罪过的人，则生来就有罪的我们，或会因自己的过错和失败而灰心绝望了。但当我们看到别人在与我们一样的逆境中怎样挣扎，怎样在试探之下像我们一样跌倒而又怎样重新壮胆，并靠着上帝的恩典而得了胜，我们就必在追求公义的努力上得到鼓励了。虽然他们有时打了败仗，但后来仍旧恢复了他们的阵地，而蒙上帝的赐福，照样我们也可以靠耶稣的力量作得胜的人。同时，他们生活的记录，也可以作为我们的前车之鉴。这显明上帝决不姑息罪恶。他在所最眷爱的人身上监察他们的罪，而且对待他们，甚至于比对待那些少得亮光、少有责任的人更加严厉。[55]{PP 238.2}
§112
Men whom God favored, and to whom He entrusted great responsibilities, were sometimes overcome by temptation and committed sin, even as we at the present day strive, waver, and frequently fall into error. Their lives, with all their faults and follies, are open before us, both for our encouragement and warning. If they had been represented as without fault, we, with our sinful nature, might despair at our own mistakes and failures. But seeing where others struggled through discouragements like our own, where they fell under temptations as we have done, and yet took heart again and conquered through the grace of God, we are encouraged in our striving after righteousness. As they, though sometimes beaten back, recovered their ground, and were blessed of God, so we too may be overcomers in the strength of Jesus. On the other hand, the record of their lives may serve as a warning to us. It shows that God will by no means clear the guilty. He sees sin in His most favored ones, and He deals with it in them even more strictly than in those who have less light and responsibility. {PP 238.2}[55]
§113
约瑟的哥哥们在雅各安葬之后，心中又充满了恐惧。约瑟虽然曾那么友爱地对待他们，但良心的自责使他们疑惧横生。他们认为约瑟是由于尊重他们的父亲，所以迟迟不向他们报复，如今父亲既死，他就要借他们的罪而把迟延很久的刑罚加在他们身上了。他们不敢亲自去见约瑟，只是打发人去说：“你父亲未死以先，吩咐说：你们要对约瑟这样说，从前你哥哥们恶待你，求你饶恕他们的过犯和罪恶，如今求你饶恕你父亲上帝之仆人的过犯。”这话使约瑟感动得流泪了，因此他哥哥们壮胆前来俯伏在他面前，说：“我们是你的仆人。”约瑟对哥哥们的爱是深挚无私的，想到他们仍旧看他对他们怀有复仇之念，这很使他痛心。于是他对他们说：“不要害怕，我岂能代替上帝呢？从前你们的意思是要害我，但上帝的意思原是好的，要保全许多人的性命，成就今日的光景。现在你们不要害怕，我必养活你们和你们的妇人孩子。”[56]{PP 239.1}
§114
After the burial of Jacob fear again filled the hearts of Josephs brothers. Notwithstanding his kindness toward them, conscious guilt made them distrustful and suspicious. It might be that he had but delayed his revenge, out of regard to their father, and that he would now visit upon them the long-deferred punishment for their crime. They dared not appear before him in person, but sent a message: Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. This message affected Joseph to tears, and, encouraged by this, his brothers came and fell down before him, with the words, Behold, we be thy servants. Josephs love for his brothers was deep and unselfish, and he was pained at the thought that they could regard him as cherishing a spirit of revenge toward them. Fear not, he said; for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones.{PP 239.1}[56]
§115
约瑟的生活正是表彰了基督的生活。约瑟的哥哥们把他卖了为奴，乃是由于嫉妒的心，他们曾设法使他不能大过他们。当他被带到埃及去之后，他们以为不再被他的梦所烦扰而庆幸，并以为这样就排除了这两梦兆实现的一切可能。孰料他们自己所行的是在上帝的支配之下，正成全了他们所想要阻止的事。照样，犹太的祭司和长老们也曾妒忌基督，害怕他要吸引民众离开他们。为免得他作王起见，他们把他处死，但是他们这样行，正好促成了基督为王的计划。[57]{PP 239.2}
§116
The life of Joseph illustrates the life of Christ. It was envy that moved the brothers of Joseph to sell him as a slave; they hoped to prevent him from becoming greater than themselves. And when he was carried to Egypt, they flattered themselves that they were to be no more troubled with his dreams, that they had removed all possibility of their fulfillment. But their own course was overruled by God to bring about the very event that they designed to hinder. So the Jewish priests and elders were jealous of Christ, fearing that He would attract the attention of the people from them. They put Him to death, to prevent Him from becoming king, but they were thus bringing about this very result.{PP 239.2}[57]
§117
约瑟借着在埃及为奴，作了他父家的救星，然而这一件事并没有减轻他哥哥们的罪过。照样，基督被他的仇敌钉死，使他成了世人的救赎主，堕落人类的救星，全世界的主宰。但是杀害他之人的罪依然是极大的，好像上帝的圣手没有使自己得到荣耀和人类得到救赎管理这事一样。[58]{PP 239.3}
§118
Joseph, through his bondage in Egypt, became a savior to his fathers family; yet this fact did not lessen the guilt of his brothers. So the crucifixion of Christ by His enemies made Him the Redeemer of mankind, the Saviour of the fallen race, and Ruler over the whole world; but the crime of His murderers was just as heinous as though Gods providential hand had not controlled events for His own glory and the good of man.{PP 239.3}[58]
§119
约瑟怎样被自己的弟兄卖给异邦人，照样，基督也被他的一个门徒卖给他那最狠毒的仇敌。约瑟因自己的德行而被诬告下在监里；照样，基督也因自己公义克己的生活对罪恶是一种谴责，而被人藐视、被人拒绝，他虽然没有犯过什么罪，但他们却凭假见证定了他的死刑。约瑟在虐待和压迫之下忍耐和温柔，以及他对无亲情之弟兄的乐意饶恕和慷慨仁慈，代表救主在恶人的毒害和侮辱之下毫无怨言的忍耐与饶恕，他不但乐意饶恕杀害他的人，也乐意饶恕一切来到他面前承认自己的罪并祈求赦免的人。[59]{PP 239.4}
§120
As Joseph was sold to the heathen by his own brothers, so Christ was sold to His bitterest enemies by one of His disciples. Joseph was falsely accused and thrust into prison because of his virtue; so Christ was despised and rejected because His righteous, self-denying life was a rebuke to sin; and though guilty of no wrong, He was condemned upon the testimony of false witnesses. And Josephs patience and meekness under injustice and oppression, his ready forgiveness and noble benevolence toward his unnatural brothers, represent the Saviours uncomplaining endurance of the malice and abuse of wicked men, and His forgiveness, not only of His murderers, but of all who have come to Him confessing their sins and seeking pardon.{PP 239.4}[59]
§121
约瑟在他父亲死后又活了五十四年，“得见以法莲第三代的子孙，玛拿西的孙子玛吉的儿子，也养在约瑟的膝上。”约瑟眼见以色列民增多兴旺起来，在他一生的年日中，对上帝使以色列归回应许之地的信心，都始终没有动摇过。[60]{PP 240.1}
§122
Joseph outlived his father fifty-four years. He lived to see Ephraims children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Josephs knees. He witnessed the increase and prosperity of his people, and through all the years his faith in Gods restoration of Israel to the Land of Promise was unshaken.{PP 240.1}[60]
§123
当约瑟知道自己将要去世之时，就把亲族召到旁边。他虽然在法老的国中享尽了荣华富贵，但毕竟还是视埃及为寄居之地。他临终时的行事，就表明他愿与以色列民休戚与共。他临终的遗嘱说：“上帝必定看顾你们，领你们从这地上去，到他起誓所应许给亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各之地。”并且他还要叫以色列的子孙郑重起誓，把他的骸骨一同带回迦南地。“约瑟死了，正一百一十岁，人用香料将他薰了，把他收殓在棺材里，停在埃及。”此后以色列民在埃及服苦役好几百年，这一口棺材经常使他们想起约瑟的遗嘱，提醒以色列人，使他们知道他们在埃及不过是寄居的，并吩咐他们要把希望寄托在应许之地，因为他们蒙拯救的日子终必来临。[61]{PP 240.2}
§124
When he saw that his end was near, he summoned his kinsmen about him. Honored as he had been in the land of the Pharaohs, Egypt was to him but the place of his exile; his last act was to signify that his lot was cast with Israel. His last words were, God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which He sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And he took a solemn oath of the children of Israel that they would carry up his bones with them to the land of Canaan. So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. And through the centuries of toil which followed, the coffin, a reminder of the dying words of Joseph, testified to Israel that they were only sojourners in Egypt, and bade them keep their hopes fixed upon the Land of Promise, for the time of deliverance would surely come.{PP 240.2}[61]