第26章 从红海到西奈山
§1
第26章 从红海到西奈山
§2
Chap. 26 - From the Red Sea to Sinai
§3
以色列全军在云柱的引领之下，从红海再动身前行。这时，他们四围的景象是黯淡凄凉的，不毛的童山、荒芜的原野、一片汪洋的红海和遍满仇敌尸体的海岸。虽然如此，他们在自由的感觉中是满有喜乐的；一切不满的思想都已置诸脑后了。[1]{PP 291.1}
§4
From the Red Sea the hosts of Israel again set forth on their journey, under the guidance of the pillar of cloud. The scene around them was most dreary--bare, desolate-looking mountains, barren plains, and the sea stretching far away, its shores strewn with the bodies of their enemies; yet they were full of joy in the consciousness of freedom, and every thought of discontent was hushed.{PP 291.1}[1]
§5
但是他们走了三天的路程，竟找不到水喝。这时他们从埃及带出来的水都已用完，所以当他们筋疲力尽地在烈日晒焦了的平原上，拖着沉重的脚步前进时，竟没有什么东西可以消止他们的干渴。摩西熟悉这一带的地势，知道最近的一个地方玛拉可以找到水泉，可是那里的水是不能喝的；但别人不知道这事。他十分焦虑地看着云柱所引领的方向；当他听见行列之中欢呼“水！水！”的时候，他反而沮丧起来了。当时，男女老少都快乐地急忙挤到水泉那里，但全军中立时发出惨痛的呼叫——那水是苦的。[2]{PP 291.2}
§6
But for three days, as they journeyed, they could find no water. The supply which they had taken with them was exhausted. There was nothing to quench their burning thirst as they dragged wearily over the sun-burnt plains. Moses, who was familiar with this region, knew what the others did not, that at Marah, the nearest station where springs were to be found, the water was unfit for use. With intense anxiety he watched the guiding cloud. With a sinking heart he heard the glad shout. Water! water! echoed along the line. Men, women, and children in joyous haste crowded to the fountain, when, lo, a cry of anguish burst forth from the host--the water was bitter.{PP 291.2}[2]
§7
百姓在憎恶和失望之余，就责难摩西会这样领导他们；他们竟忘记了那在神秘云彩中的上帝一直是在引领着摩西，正如引领着他们一样。摩西为他们的困难心里忧伤时，作了他们所忘记作的事；他恳切地呼求上帝的帮助。“耶和华指示他一棵树，他把树丢在水里，水就变甜了。”（出15:25）上帝在这里借着摩西应许以色列人说：“你若留意听耶和华你上帝的话，又行我眼中看为正的事，留心听我的诫命，守我一切的律例，我就不将所加与埃及人的疾病加在你身上，因为我耶和华是医治你的。”（出15:26）[3]{PP 291.3}
§8
In their horror and despair they reproached Moses for having led them in such a way, not remembering that the divine presence in that mysterious cloud had been leading him as well as them. In his grief at their distress Moses did what they had forgotten to do; he cried earnestly to God for help. And the Lord showed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet. Here the promise was given to Israel through Moses, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.{PP 291.3}[3]
§9
百姓从玛拉走到以琳，他们在那里找到“十二股水泉，七十棵棕树。”他们在那里安营几天，然后进入汛的旷野。这时，他们离开埃及已经有一个月了，他们是第一次在旷野里安营。他们的存粮即将用尽，又因野地草场不多，羊群也减少了。哪里有粮食可以供养这么多人呢？百姓心中甚是疑惧，他们又发怨言了。连民间的官长和长老也和他们一起埋怨上帝所指派的领袖，说：“巴不得我们早死在埃及地耶和华的手下，那时我们坐在肉锅旁边，吃得饱足；你们将我们领出来，到这旷野，是要叫这全会众都饿死啊。”（出16:3）[4]{PP 292.1}
§10
From Marah the people journeyed to Elim, where they found twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees. Here they remained several days before entering the wilderness of Sin. When they had been a month absent from Egypt, they made their first encampment in the wilderness. Their store of provisions had now begun to fail. There was scanty herbage in the wilderness, and their flocks were diminishing. How was food to be supplied for these vast multitudes? Doubts filled their hearts, and again they murmured. Even the rulers and elders of the people joined in complaining against the leaders of Gods appointment: Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.{PP 292.1}[4]
§11
直到现在他们尚未忍受过饥饿；他们当前的需要业已得到供给，可是他们为将来担心。他们不明白这么多的人，在经过旷野的路程中，怎能糊口，于是他们在想象中看到自己的儿女受饿。耶和华让困难临到他们，存粮短少，使他们的心可以转向那一向拯救他们的上帝。如果他们在需要的时候求告他，他必赐给更多慈爱和照顾的明显凭证。他曾应许说，他们若遵守他的诫命，就不致患什么疾病，所以他们预料自己或自己的儿女将要饿死，这完全是一种不信的罪。[5]{PP 292.2}
§12
They had not as yet suffered from hunger; their present wants were supplied, but they feared for the future. They could not understand how these vast multitudes were to subsist in their travels through the wilderness, and in imagination they saw their children famishing. The Lord permitted difficulties to surround them, and their supply of food to be cut short, that their hearts might turn to Him who had hitherto been their Deliverer. If in their want they would call upon Him, He would still grant them manifest tokens of His love and care. He had promised that if they would obey His commandments, no disease should come upon them, and it was sinful unbelief on their part to anticipate that they or their children might die for hunger.{PP 292.2}[5]
§13
上帝曾应许作他们的上帝，使他们作他自己的子民，并领他们到宽阔美好之地；但他们在往那地去的路上，一遇见障碍就灰心丧志了。上帝曾以神奇的手段把他们从埃及为奴之地领出来，使他们又高超又尊贵，在地上成为交相称赞的民族。但他们必需遭遇困难，忍受穷乏。那时，上帝正在引领他们从下贱的景况中出来，使他们能在万国中居尊崇的地位，并领受重要而神圣的委托。鉴于上帝为他们所施行的一切大事，如果他们具有信靠他的心，就必乐于忍受困恼、缺乏,甚至实际上的痛苦；可是，他们若不经常看到上帝权能的凭据，就不肯信靠他。他们忘了在埃及的苦工。忘了上帝为拯救他们脱离奴役所显出的良善和权能。忘了在灭命的天使击杀埃及头生子的时候，他们的儿女怎样蒙了保存。忘了上帝在红海边所显出的大能。忘了自己怎样平平安安地走过上帝为他们所开的路，而敌人的军队想要追赶他们时，却沉没海中。他们所看到、所觉到的，只是目前的困恼的试炼；他们没有谈：“上帝曾为我们施行大事；因为我们从前是奴仆，他使我们成了大国；”却谈路上的艰难，并急欲知道他们疲劳的前程，何时方能结束。[6]{PP 292.3}
§14
God had promised to be their God, to take them to Himself as a people, and to lead them to a large and good land; but they were ready to faint at every obstacle encountered in the way to that land. In a marvelous manner He had brought them out from their bondage in Egypt, that He might elevate and ennoble them and make them a praise in the earth. But it was necessary for them to encounter difficulties and to endure privations. God was bringing them from a state of degradation and fitting them to occupy an honorable place among the nations and to receive important and sacred trusts. Had they possessed faith in Him, in view of all that He had wrought for them, they would cheerfully have borne inconvenience, privation, and even real suffering; but they were unwilling to trust the Lord any further than they could witness the continual evidences of His power. They forgot their bitter service in Egypt. They forgot the goodness and power of God displayed in their behalf in their deliverance from bondage. They forgot how their children had been spared when the destroying angel slew all the first-born of Egypt. They forgot the grand exhibition of divine power at the Red Sea. They forgot that while they had crossed safely in the path that had been opened for them, the armies of their enemies, attempting to follow them, had been overwhelmed by the waters of the sea. They saw and felt only their present inconveniences and trials; and instead of saying, God has done great things for us; whereas we were slaves, He is making of us a great nation, they talked of the hardness of the way, and wondered when their weary pilgrimage would end.{PP 292.3}[6]
§15
古时以色列人旷野生活的历史记在经上，乃是要帮助上帝在各世代的真以色列人，直到末时。上帝在那些飘流旷野之人的一切行程上，在他们遭遇的饥渴和疲劳上，并在他为拯救他们所显出的非常能力上，如何对待他们，这些记载对于他各世代的子民，是充满了教训和警戒的。希伯来人在旷野的各种经历，乃是一种训练，准备他们好进入上帝所应许的家乡迦南。上帝愿意他现代的子民存谦卑的心和受教的精神，复习古以色列人所经过的试炼，以至他们在预备进入天上迦南的时期中，可以受到教育。[7]{PP 293.1}
§16
The history of the wilderness life of Israel was chronicled for the benefit of the Israel of God to the close of time. The record of Gods dealings with the wanderers of the desert in all their marchings to and fro, in their exposure to hunger, thirst, and weariness, and in the striking manifestations of His power for their relief, is fraught with warning and instruction for His people in all ages. The varied experience of the Hebrews was a school of preparation for their promised home in Canaan. God would have His people in these days review with a humble heart and teachable spirit the trials through which ancient Israel passed, that they may be instructed in their preparation for the heavenly Canaan.{PP 293.1}[7]
§17
今日许多回顾以色列人的事迹，就诧异他们的不信和怨言，觉得自己决不至于那样忘恩负义；但是这些人的信心一受到试炼，就是很小的试炼，也不比古以色列人的信心忍耐大多少。当他们临到逆境时，他们就埋怨上帝所用来洁净他们的方法。许多人目前的需要虽然有了供应，还不愿把将来的事交托上帝，却经常忧虑，唯恐自己穷乏，儿女受苦。有些人时常预感灾祸的来到，或者夸大实际上存在的一点困难，以至他们的眼睛看不出所应当表示感谢的许多福惠。他们所遭遇的困难，不但没有使他们从能力的唯一来源上帝那里求帮助，反而引起不安和埋怨，使自己与上帝隔绝了。[8]{PP 293.2}
§18
Many look back to the Israelites, and marvel at their unbelief and murmuring, feeling that they themselves would not have been so ungrateful; but when their faith is tested, even by little trials, they manifest no more faith or patience than did ancient Israel. When brought into strait places, they murmur at the process by which God has chosen to purify them. Though their present needs are supplied, many are unwilling to trust God for the future, and they are in constant anxiety lest poverty shall come upon them, and their children shall be left to suffer. Some are always anticipating evil or magnifying the difficulties that really exist, so that their eyes are blinded to the many blessings which demand their gratitude. The obstacles they encounter, instead of leading them to seek help from God, the only Source of strength, separate them from Him, because they awaken unrest and repining.{PP 293.2}[8]
§19
我们这样不信是合理的吗？我们为什么要忘恩负义，怀疑不信呢？耶稣是我们的良友，全天庭都关心我们的福利；而我们的忧虑和惧怕却使上帝的圣灵担忧。我们千万不可自陷于忧虑之中，因为忧虑只能搅扰我们的心意，消磨我们的志气，并不能帮助我们忍受试炼。我们千万不可为不信上帝的意念留有余地，以至把全副精神用作预备应付将来肉体的需要上，好像人生的幸福全在乎这些属世的事物似的。上帝的旨意并不是要他的子民常被今生的思虑所烦扰。但是，他也没有说人生的路是没有危险的。他无意叫他的子民脱离这个充满罪恶和灾祸的世界，可是他为我们指出一个永远可靠的避难所。他邀请疲乏忧虑的人说：“凡劳苦担重担的人，可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息。”要把你自己肩负的思虑重轭和今生的忧患卸下，而“负我的轭，学我的样式；这样，你们心里就必得享安息。”（太11:28-29）我们可以在上帝里面得到安息，享受平安，并将一切的忧虑卸给上帝；因为他顾念我们。（彼前5:7）[9]{PP 294.1}
§20
Do we well to be thus unbelieving? Why should we be ungrateful and distrustful? Jesus is our friend; all heaven is interested in our welfare; and our anxiety and fear grieve the Holy Spirit of God. We should not indulge in a solicitude that only frets and wears us, but does not help us to bear trials. No place should be given to that distrust of God which leads us to make a preparation against future want the chief pursuit of life, as though our happiness consisted in these earthly things. It is not the will of God that His people should be weighed down with care. But our Lord does not tell us that there are no dangers in our path. He does not propose to take His people out of the world of sin and evil, but He points us to a never-failing refuge. He invites the weary and care-laden, Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Lay off the yoke of anxiety and worldly care that you have placed on your own neck, and take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28, 29. We may find rest and peace in God, casting all our care upon Him; for He careth for us. See 1 Peter 5:7.{PP 294.1}[9]
§21
使徒保罗说：“弟兄们，你们要谨慎，免得你们中间，或有人存着不信的恶心，把永生上帝离弃了。”（来3:12）鉴于上帝为我们所施行的一切大事，我们的信心就应当坚强、活泼、恒切。我们非但不该埋怨、诉苦，反而应当从心里赞美上帝说：“我的心哪，你要称颂耶和华；凡在我里面的，也要称颂他的圣名。我的心哪，你要称颂耶和华，不可忘记他的一切恩惠。”（诗103:1-2）[10]{PP 294.2}
§22
Says the apostle Paul, Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. Hebrews 3:12. In view of all that God has wrought for us, our faith should be strong, active, and enduring. Instead of murmuring and complaining, the language of our hearts should be, Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Psalm 103:1, 2.{PP 294.2}[10]
§23
上帝并没有疏忽以色列人所有的需要。他曾对他们的领袖说：“我要将粮食从天降给你们。”（出16:4）他也有指示说叫百姓收取每天的份，第六天可以收取双份，以便维持遵守安息日的神圣命令。[11]{PP 294.3}
§24
God was not unmindful of the wants of Israel. He said to their leader, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And directions were given that the people gather a daily supply, with a double amount on the sixth day, that the sacred observance of the Sabbath might be maintained.{PP 294.3}[11]
§25
摩西向会众保证，他们的需要必可得到供应，说：“耶和华晚上必给你们肉吃，早晨必给你们食物得饱。”他又说：“我们算什么？你们的怨言不是向我们发的，乃是向耶和华发的。”他又嘱咐亚伦对会众说：“你们就近耶和华面前，因为他已经听见你们的怨言了。”亚伦还在说话的时候，“他们向旷野观看，不料，耶和华的荣光在云中显现。”（出16:8-10）这种他们从来所没有见过的荣光，乃是上帝与他们同在的象征。借着他们眼睛所能看到的这种显现，他们就可以获得有关上帝的知识。他们必须受到教训，要明白不是单单摩西一人是他们的领袖，至高者乃是他们的元首，他们要敬畏他的圣名，听从他的训言。[12]{PP 294.4}
§26
Moses assured the congregation that their wants were to be supplied: The Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full. And he added, What are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord. He further bade Aaron say to them, Come near before the Lord: for He hath heard your murmurings. While Aaron was speaking, they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. A splendor such as they had never witnessed symbolized the divine Presence. Through manifestations addressed to their senses, they were to obtain a knowledge of God. They must be taught that the Most High, and not merely the man Moses, was their leader, that they might fear His name and obey His voice.{PP 294.4}[12]
§27
到了晚上，有大群的鹌鹑遮满全营，足够供给全会众用的。早晨在地面上“有如白霜的小圆物。”“样子像芫荽子，颜色是白的。”百姓称它为“吗哪。”摩西说：“这就是耶和华给你们吃的食物。”（出16:14-15,31）百姓收取吗哪时，发现上帝所供给他们的极为丰富，足够人人食用。他们“或用磨推，或用臼捣，煮在锅中，又作成饼。”“滋味如同搀蜜的薄饼。”（民11:8；出16:31）上帝指示他们每人每天收取一俄梅珥（约合三升）；而且不可留到早晨。有些人想留到第二天，但到时已不能再作食物了。当天的食物必须早晨去收取；剩在地上的，经日头一晒，就消化了。[13]{PP 295.1}
§28
At nightfall the camp was surrounded by vast flocks of quails, enough to supply the entire company. In the morning there lay upon the surface of the ground a small round thing, as small as the hoarfrost. It was like coriander seed, white. The people called it manna. Moses said, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat. The people gathered the manna, and found that there was an abundant supply for all. They ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it. Numbers 11:8. And the taste of it was like wafers made with honey. They were directed to gather daily an omer for every person; and they were not to leave of it until the morning. Some attempted to keep a supply until the next day, but it was then found to be unfit for food. The provision for the day must be gathered in the morning; for all that remained upon the ground was melted by the sun.{PP 295.1}[13]
§29
在收取吗哪的时候，有人收的比规定的数量多，有人收的少；但及至用俄梅珥一量，“多收的也没有余，少收的也没有缺。”（出16:18）使徒保罗在写给哥林多人的第二封书信中解释了这段《圣经》，并从其中发挥了实际上的教训。他说：“我原不是要别人轻省，你们受累，乃要均平；就是要你们的富余，现在可以补他们的不足，使他们的富余，将来也可以补你们的不足，这就均平了。如经上所记，‘多收的也没有余，少收的也没有缺。’”（林后8:13-15）[14]{PP 295.2}
§30
In the gathering of the manna it was found that some obtained more and some less than the stipulated amount; but when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack. An explanation of this scripture, as well as a practical lesson from it, is given by the apostle Paul in his second epistle to the Corinthians. He says, I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: as it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. 2 Corinthians 8:13-15.{PP 295.2}[14]
§31
第六日百姓每人收取了两俄梅珥。官长们赶紧把这事告诉摩西。他回答说：“耶和华这样说：明天是圣安息日，是向耶和华守的圣安息日，你们要烤的就烤了，要煮的就煮了，所剩下的都留到早晨。”百姓就照着行了，所留下的并没有变质。摩西说：“你们今天吃这个吧，因为今天是向耶和华守的安息日；你们在田野必找不着了。六天可以收取，第七天乃是安息日，那一天必没有了。”（出16:23,25,26）[15]{PP 295.3}
§32
On the sixth day the people gathered two omers for every person. The rulers hastened to acquaint Moses with what had been done. His answer was, This is that which the Lord hath said, Tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake today, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. They did so, and found that it remained unchanged. And Moses said, Eat that today; for today is a Sabbath unto the Lord: today ye shall not find it in the field. Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the Sabbath, in it there shall be none.{PP 295.3}[15]
§33
上帝如今要人恪守他的圣日，正如以色列人的时代一样。一切基督徒应当将上帝给希伯来人的这个吩咐，视为上帝对他们所发的命令。安息日的前一日应当作预备的日子，为圣日作一切必要的准备。决不可让我们的私事侵占神圣的时间。上帝曾有指示，患病和受苦的人必须有人照顾；凡令病人安适而必需的服务，乃是一种仁慈的工作，不算是违犯安息日；可是一切不必要的工作应当避免。许多人疏忽了将预备日所能完成的小事，留待安息日开始的时候去作，这是不应该的。在安息日到了时，还未作的工作应该留下不作，等到安息日过去之后再作。这种办法可以帮助那些疏忽的人，使他们留心在六日之内作他们应当作的工。[16]{PP 296.1}
§34
God requires that His holy day be as sacredly observed now as in the time of Israel. The command given to the Hebrews should be regarded by all Christians as an injunction from Jehovah to them. The day before the Sabbath should be made a day of preparation, that everything may be in readiness for its sacred hours. In no case should our own business be allowed to encroach upon holy time. God has directed that the sick and suffering be cared for; the labor required to make them comfortable is a work of mercy, and no violation of the Sabbath; but all unnecessary work should be avoided. Many carelessly put off till the beginning of the Sabbath little things that might have been done on the day of preparation. This should not be. Work that is neglected until the beginning of the Sabbath should remain undone until it is past. This course might help the memory of these thoughtless ones, and make them careful to do their own work on the six working days.{PP 296.1}[16]
§35
以色列人逗留在旷野的长时期中，上帝为了要把安息日的神圣性质印刻在他们的心中，就使他们每周看到三重的神迹。这三重神迹是：第六日降双份吗哪；第七日不降；为安息日所留的一份吗哪仍旧香甜纯洁，而其他的日子，若留到早晨就不能吃了。[17]{PP 296.2}
§36
Every week during their long sojourn in the wilderness the Israelites witnessed a threefold miracle, designed to impress their minds with the sacredness of the Sabbath: a double quantity of manna fell on the sixth day, none on the seventh, and the portion needed for the Sabbath was preserved sweet and pure, when if any were kept over at any other time it became unfit for use.{PP 296.2}[17]
§37
在降吗哪的情形中，我们有确实的凭据，证明安息日并不像一些人所说是在西奈山颁布律法时才设立的。以色列人还没有到西奈山之前，早已明白自己有谨守安息日的本分。他们必须在星期五——即第六日——收取双份吗哪，预备在安息日食用，并且安息日不降吗哪，这样，安息日的神圣性质就不断地印刻在他们心上了。可是到了安息日，百姓中还有人出去收取吗哪，耶和华就向他们说：“你们不肯守我的诫命和律法，要到几时呢？”（出16:28）[18]{PP 296.3}
§38
In the circumstances connected with the giving of the manna, we have conclusive evidence that the Sabbath was not instituted, as many claim, when the law was given at Sinai. Before the Israelites came to Sinai they understood the Sabbath to be obligatory upon them. In being obliged to gather every Friday a double portion of manna in preparation for the Sabbath, when none would fall, the sacred nature of the day of rest was continually impressed upon them. And when some of the people went out on the Sabbath to gather manna, the Lord asked, How long refuse ye to keep My commandments and My laws?{PP 296.3}[18]
§39
“以色列人吃吗哪共四十年，直到进了有人居住之地，就是迦南的境界。”（出16:35）四十年之久，天天有这样的神迹，使他们想起上帝不倦的照顾和亲切的慈爱。正如诗人所说，上帝“将天上的粮食赐给他们。各人吃大能者的食物，”（诗78:24-25）那就是天使为他们预备的食物。他们既然每天有“天上的粮食”来维持生命，就学得一个教训，就是他们有了上帝的应许，就必不至缺乏，正好像有迦南地肥美田间临风荡漾的五谷环绕着他们一般。[19]{PP 297.1}
§40
The children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited: they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan. For forty years they were daily reminded by this miraculous provision, of Gods unfailing care and tender love. In the words of the psalmist, God gave them of the corn of heaven. Man did eat angels food (Psalm 78:24, 25)--that is, food provided for them by the angels. Sustained by the corn of heaven, they were daily taught that, having Gods promise, they were as secure from want as if surrounded by fields of waving grain on the fertile plains of Canaan.{PP 297.1}[19]
§41
那从天上降下供养以色列人的吗哪，乃是预表从上帝那里来的赐生命给世人的救主。耶稣曾经说过：“我就是生命的粮。你们的祖宗在旷野吃过吗哪，还是死了。这是从天上降下来的粮，……人若吃这粮，就必永远活着；我所要赐的粮，就是我的肉，为世人之生命所赐的。”（约6:48-51）在上帝应许他子民来生的福分之中，经上这样说：“得胜的，我必将那隐藏的吗哪赐给他。”（启2:17）[20]{PP 297.2}
§42
The manna, falling from heaven for the sustenance of Israel, was a type of Him who came from God to give life to the world. Said Jesus, I am that Bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven. . . . If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. John 6:48-51. And among the promises of blessing to Gods people in the future life it is written, To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna. Revelation 2:17.{PP 297.2}[20]
§43
以色列人离开汛的旷野之后，就在利非订安营。因这里没有水喝，他们就又不信上帝的引领了。他们盲目地擅自来到摩西面前，强迫他说：“给我们水喝吧。”但摩西没有失去忍耐的心，他说：“你们为什么与我争闹，为什么试探耶和华呢？”他们忿怒地说：“你为什么将我们从埃及领出来，使我们和我们的儿女并牲畜，都渴死呢？“（见出17:1-7）以前，当他们得了食粮的丰富供应时，他们想起自己的不信和怨言，就非常之抱愧，并应许今后必要依赖耶和华；然而曾几何时，他们就忘了自己的应许，在第一次信心的试验上，他们就失败了。那领导他们的云柱，如今在他们看来，似乎隐蔽着一个可怕的奥秘。他们发疑问说：摩西是谁？他领众人从埃及出来是什么目的呢？他们心中充满了猜疑和不信，就大胆地攻击摩西，说他阴谋用穷乏和艰苦害死他们和他们的儿女，然后要拿他们的财物来肥己。他们在激怒和愤慨的冲动之下，几乎要拿石头打他了。[21]{PP 297.3}
§44
After leaving the wilderness of Sin, the Israelites encamped in Rephidim. Here there was no water, and again they distrusted the providence of God. In their blindness and presumption the people came to Moses with the demand, Give us water that we may drink. But his patience failed not. Why chide ye with me? he said; wherefore do ye tempt the Lord? They cried in anger, Wherefore is this, that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? When they had been so abundantly supplied with food, they remembered with shame their unbelief and murmurings, and promised to trust the Lord in the future; but they soon forgot their promise, and failed at the first trial of their faith. The pillar of cloud that was leading them seemed to veil a fearful mystery. And Moses--who was he? they questioned, and what could be his object in bringing them from Egypt? Suspicion and distrust filled their hearts, and they boldly accused him of designing to kill them and their children by privations and hardships that he might enrich himself with their possessions. In the tumult of rage and indignation they were about to stone him.{PP 297.3}[21]
§45
摩西在困迫之中呼求耶和华说：“我向这百姓怎样行呢？”他蒙了指示带着以色列的众长老，并拿着先前在埃及施行神迹的杖，从百姓面前走过去。耶和华对他说：“我必在何烈的磐石那里站在你面前；你要击打磐石，从磐石里必有水流出来，使百姓可以喝。”（出17:4,6）摩西遵命而行，于是有水从磐石里流出来，成了一道活水的江河，丰丰富富地供给了全营的百姓。耶和华并没有命令摩西举起杖来，降灾于那些发动这一次埋怨的人身上，像在埃及所降的一样，却凭着他的大怜悯，使这一根杖成了施行拯救的工具。[22]{PP 298.1}
§46
In distress Moses cried to the Lord, What shall I do unto this people? He was directed to take the elders of Israel and the rod wherewith he had wrought wonders in Egypt, and to go on before the people. And the Lord said unto him, Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. He obeyed, and the waters burst forth in a living stream that abundantly supplied the encampment. Instead of commanding Moses to lift up his rod and call down some terrible plague, like those on Egypt, upon the leaders in this wicked murmuring, the Lord in His great mercy made the rod His instrument to work their deliverance.{PP 298.1}[22]
§47
“他在旷野分裂磐石，多多的给他们水喝，如从深渊而出。他使水从磐石涌出，叫水如江河下流。”（诗78:15-16）击打磐石的固然是摩西的手，但那使赐生命之水涌流出来的，却是那隐藏在云柱里，站在摩西旁边的上帝的儿子。这时，不但摩西和长老，连站在远处的全会众，也看见了耶和华的荣光。但假使云彩消散，他们就要被那隐在云中之主可怕的荣光所杀灭了。[23]{PP 298.2}
§48
He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths. He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers. Psalm 78:15, 16. Moses smote the rock, but it was the Son of God who, veiled in the cloudy pillar, stood beside Moses, and caused the life-giving water to flow. Not only Moses and the elders, but all the congregation who stood at a distance, beheld the glory of the Lord; but had the cloud been removed, they would have been slain by the terrible brightness of Him who abode therein.{PP 298.2}[23]
§49
百姓在干渴时试探上帝说：“耶和华是在我们中间不是？”“如果上帝领我们到这里来，那么，他为什么不给我们水喝，如同给我们吗哪吃呢？”他们表现这样不信的态度乃是罪，摩西怕上帝的刑罚要降在他们身上，就给那地方起名叫玛撒，即是“试探”的意思；又叫米利巴，即是“争闹”的意思，来记念他们的罪。[24]{PP 298.3}
§50
In their thirst the people had tempted God, saying, Is the Lord among us, or not?--If God has brought us here, why does He not give us water as well as bread? The unbelief thus manifested was criminal, and Moses feared that the judgments of God would rest upon them. And he called the name of the place Massah, temptation, and Meribah, chiding, as a memorial of their sin.{PP 298.3}[24]
§51
这时又有新的危险来威胁他们。因他们向耶和华发怨言，所以他让仇敌来攻击他们。有住在那一带地方的凶猛好战的民族亚玛力人出来和他们争战，击杀了那些落在后边的疲乏困倦的人。摩西知道百姓大多数是不谙战争的，所以他吩咐约书亚从各支派中拣选一队兵士，第二天，率领他们出去与仇敌作战，他自己则手里拿着上帝的杖，站在山顶上。第二天，约书亚和他的队伍遵着摩西的话去攻打仇敌，而摩西、亚伦与户珥则站在山上俯瞰着战场。摩西右手拿着上帝的杖，向天举手，为以色列的军队祈求胜利。在战争的过程中，他们发觉何时摩西举手，以色列人就得胜，何时垂手，仇敌就得胜。但摩西的手发沉，亚伦与户珥就扶着他的手，直到日落仇敌败北的时候。[25]{PP 298.4}
§52
A new danger now threatened them. Because of their murmuring against Him, the Lord suffered them to be attacked by their enemies. The Amalekites, a fierce, warlike tribe inhabiting that region, came out against them and smote those who, faint and weary, had fallen into the rear. Moses, knowing that the masses of the people were unprepared for battle, directed Joshua to choose from the different tribes a body of soldiers, and lead them on the morrow against the enemy, while he himself would stand on an eminence near by with the rod of God in his hand. Accordingly the next day Joshua and his company attacked the foe, while Moses and Aaron and Hur were stationed on a hill overlooking the battlefield. With arms outstretched toward heaven, and holding the rod of God in his right hand, Moses prayed for the success of the armies of Israel. As the battle progressed, it was observed that so long as his hands were reaching upward, Israel prevailed, but when they were lowered, the enemy was victorious. As Moses became weary, Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands until the going down of the sun, when the enemy was put to flight.{PP 298.4}[25]
§53
就亚伦与户珥扶着摩西的手这件事而论，他们已向百姓显明他们的本分，是当摩西从上帝那里领受言语对他们传讲的时候，要在他艰辛的工作上支持他。同时摩西的行动也是富有意义的，显明他们的命运是掌握在上帝的手中；他们何时依靠他，他就必为他们争战，并制服他们的仇敌；但如果他们松开那只握住他的手，而依靠自己的能力，他们就要比那些不认识上帝的人更软弱，而且他们的仇敌就要胜过他们了。[26]{PP 299.1}
§54
As Aaron and Hur supported the hands of Moses, they showed the people their duty to sustain him in his arduous work while he should receive the word from God to speak to them. And the act of Moses also was significant, showing that God held their destiny in His hands; while they made Him their trust, He would fight for them and subdue their enemies; but when they should let go their hold upon Him, and trust in their own power, they would be even weaker than those who had not the knowledge of God, and their foes would prevail against them.{PP 299.1}[26]
§55
当摩西向天举手为希伯来人代求时，他们就得了胜，照样当上帝的真以色列人，借着信心握住大能的帮助者时，他们也必得胜。可是，上帝的能力必须与人的努力联合起来。摩西不相信以色列人若袖手旁观，上帝还会使他们得胜仇敌。当这位大领袖摩西向耶和华恳求的时候，约书亚和他勇敢的兵士，正在尽最大的努力来击退以色列人和上帝的仇敌。[27]{PP 299.2}
§56
As the Hebrews triumphed when Moses was reaching his hands toward heaven and interceding in their behalf, so the Israel of God prevail when they by faith take hold upon the strength of their mighty Helper. Yet divine strength is to be combined with human effort. Moses did not believe that God would overcome their foes while Israel remained inactive. While the great leader was pleading with the Lord, Joshua and his brave followers were putting forth their utmost efforts to repulse the enemies of Israel and of God.{PP 299.2}[27]
§57
在击败亚玛力人之后，上帝对摩西说：“我要将亚玛力的名号，从天下全然涂抹了，你要将这话写在书上作纪念，又念给约书亚听。”（出17:14）当这一位伟大的领袖临死的时候，他给百姓一个严肃的命令说：“你要纪念你们出埃及的时候，亚玛力人在路上怎样待你。他们在路上遇见你，趁你疲乏困倦，击杀你尽后边软弱的人，并不敬畏上帝。……你要将亚玛力的名号，从天下涂抹了；不可忘记。”（申25:17-19）关于这一个邪恶的民族，耶和华说：“耶和华已经起了誓，必世世代代和亚玛力人争战。”（出17:16）[28]{PP 299.3}
§58
After the defeat of the Amalekites, God directed Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. Just before his death the great leader delivered to his people the solemn charge: Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; how he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God. . . . Thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it. Deuteronomy 25:17-19. Concerning this wicked people the Lord declared, The hand of Amalek is against the throne of Jehovah. Exodus 17:16, margin.{PP 299.3}[28]
§59
亚玛力人并不是不知道上帝的品德，或他的主权。但是他们非但不敬畏上帝，反而胆敢公然反抗他的权能。摩西在埃及人面前所行的神迹，被亚玛力人当作讥诮的话柄。四围列国的惧怕也被他们嘲笑。他们曾凭他们的诸神起誓，决要杀灭希伯来人，不让一人逃脱。他们又夸口说：以色列的上帝必无力抵抗他们。以色列人并没有伤害或威吓他们，他们的袭击是完全没有理由的。他们之所以要杀灭上帝的子民，乃是要表示他们的憎恨和公然反抗上帝的心。多年以来，亚玛力人就是横行无忌的罪徒，他们的罪恶滔天，早该报应，然而上帝的慈爱仍呼召他们悔改；但当亚玛力人击杀以色列队伍中疲乏而毫无抵抗之人时，他们就确定了自己国家的厄运。上帝儿女中最软弱的人，都是他眷顾的对象；任何加在他们身上的残虐或压迫，都是上天所注意的。上帝的圣手伸出来如同盾牌一样，必要保护一切敬爱他的人；世人应当谨慎，不可攻击那一只手；因为他手里拿着报应的利剑。[29]{PP 300.1}
§60
The Amalekites were not ignorant of Gods character or of His sovereignty, but instead of fearing before Him, they had set themselves to defy His power. The wonders wrought by Moses before the Egyptians were made a subject of mockery by the people of Amalek, and the fears of surrounding nations were ridiculed. They had taken oath by their gods that they would destroy the Hebrews, so that not one should escape, and they boasted that Israels God would be powerless to resist them. They had not been injured or threatened by the Israelites. Their assault was wholly unprovoked. It was to manifest their hatred and defiance of God that they sought to destroy His people. The Amalekites had long been high-handed sinners, and their crimes had cried to God for vengeance, yet His mercy had still called them to repentance; but when the men of Amalek fell upon the wearied and defenseless ranks of Israel, they sealed their nations doom. The care of God is over the weakest of His children. No act of cruelty or oppression toward them is unmarked by Heaven. Over all who love and fear Him, His hand extends as a shield; let men beware that they smite not that hand; for it wields the sword of justice.{PP 300.1}[29]
§61
摩西岳父叶忒罗的家，与这时以色列人安营的地方相离不远。叶忒罗已听到希伯来人蒙拯救的经过，这时就动身前来探望他们，并带来了摩西的妻子和两个儿子。他们到的时候，就有使者去通知伟大的领袖，他便快乐地出来迎接他们，寒暄既毕，便领他们到自己的帐棚里来。从前摩西还没有去冒险领以色列人出埃及之前，他在路上曾打发家眷回米甸去，而现在他又能享受与家人团聚的天伦之乐了。摩西向叶忒罗述说上帝为以色列所行奇妙的作为，叶忒罗很是快乐，并颂赞上帝，他与摩西和众长老一同献祭，并举行一次庄严的宴会，来记念上帝的恩典。[30]{PP 300.2}
§62
Not far distant from where the Israelites were now encamped was the home of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses. Jethro had heard of the deliverance of the Hebrews, and he now set out to visit them, and restore to Moses his wife and two sons. The great leader was informed by messengers of their approach, and he went out with joy to meet them, and, the first greetings over, conducted them to his tent. He had sent back his family when on his way to the perils of leading Israel from Egypt, but now he could again enjoy the relief and comfort of their society. To Jethro he recounted the wonderful dealings of God with Israel, and the patriarch rejoiced and blessed the Lord, and with Moses and the elders he united in offering sacrifice and holding a solemn feast in commemoration of Gods mercy.{PP 300.2}[30]
§63
叶忒罗住在营中不久，就看出摩西身上的责任是何等重大。在这人数众多，既无知识又无训练的群众之间，维持秩序和纪律，实在是一件非常艰巨的工作。百姓不但公认摩西在普通的事务上是他们的领袖和官长，而且民间若发生什么争论的事，也都呈到他那里去审问。他准许他们如此行，为要得机会教导他们；正如他所说：“我又叫他们知道上帝的律例和法度。”但是叶忒罗不赞成这种办法，他说：“你这作的不好，你和这些百姓必都疲惫，因为这事太重，你独自一人办理不了。”他劝摩西拣选“有才能的人，就是敬畏上帝，诚实无妄，恨不义之财的人，”派他们作千夫长、百夫长、十夫长。他们要审判关系较小的争端，至于最艰难而重要的案件，则仍要呈到摩西面前。叶忒罗说，摩西要替百姓“到上帝面前，将案件奏告上帝；又要将律例和法度教训他们，指示他们当行的道，当作的事。”（见出18:13-26）摩西采纳了这个建议，结果，不但减轻了自己的重任，而也在民间建立了更完善的秩序。[31]{PP 300.3}
§64
As Jethro remained in the camp, he soon saw how heavy were the burdens that rested upon Moses. To maintain order and discipline among that vast, ignorant, and untrained multitude was indeed a stupendous task. Moses was their recognized leader and magistrate, and not only the general interests and duties of the people, but the controversies that arose among them, were referred to him. He had permitted this, for it gave him an opportunity to instruct them; as he said, I do make them know the statutes of God, and His laws. But Jethro remonstrated against this, saying, This thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Thou wilt surely wear away, and he counseled Moses to appoint proper persons as rulers of thousands, and others as rulers of hundreds, and others of tens. They should be able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness. These were to judge in all matters of minor consequence, while the most difficult and important cases should still be brought before Moses, who was to be to the people, said Jethro, to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: and thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. This counsel was accepted, and it not only brought relief to Moses, but resulted in establishing more perfect order among the people.{PP 300.3}[31]
§65
耶和华已大大尊荣摩西，并借着他的手行了许多奇事；可是，他虽然蒙选教训别人，但他并没有因而认为自己不再需要什么指导。上帝所拣选的这位以色列人的领袖，乐意听取这位虔诚的米甸祭司的建议，而采纳了他这一贤明措施的计划。[32]{PP 301.1}
§66
The Lord had greatly honored Moses, and had wrought wonders by his hand; but the fact that he had been chosen to instruct others did not lead him to conclude that he himself needed no instruction. The chosen leader of Israel listened gladly to the suggestions of the godly priest of Midian, and adopted his plan as a wise arrangement.{PP 301.1}[32]
§67
百姓从利非订起身，随着云柱移动，继续他们的行程。他们的路线要越过荒凉的原野，攀登险峻的高山，穿过多石的小径。当他们通过沙漠的旷野时，他们往往看见在前面有崎岖的山岭，像巨大的堡垒堆在他们的路上，似乎无法前进。但当他们走近的时候，却发现在山岭的屏障之间，可以找到出路，一过去，便能望见另一片平原了。这时云柱正引着他们经过这样的一个深而且险的隘道。这是一幅伟大而动人的景象。在两边千寻的峭壁之间，尽目力所及，只见以色列全军和他们的羊群牛群，像一道活潮似的从山峡中流过。这时崔嵬的西奈山巍巍然屹立在他们的前面。云柱停止在山顶上，百姓就在山麓的平原上支搭他们的帐棚。他们在这里住了几乎一年之久。夜间有火柱向他们保证上帝是在保护他们，并且在他们熟睡的时候，有天上的粮食轻轻地降在他们的营帐之间。[33]{PP 301.2}
§68
From Rephidim the people continued their journey, following the movement of the cloudy pillar. Their route had led across barren plains, over steep ascents, and through rocky defiles. Often as they had traversed the sandy wastes, they had seen before them rugged mountains, like huge bulwarks, piled up directly across their course, and seeming to forbid all further progress. But as they approached, openings here and there appeared in the mountain wall, and beyond, another plain opened to view. Through one of the deep, gravelly passes they were now led. It was a grand and impressive scene. Between the rocky cliffs rising hundreds of feet on either side, flowed in a living tide, far as the eye could reach, the hosts of Israel with their flocks and herds. And now before them in solemn majesty Mount Sinai lifted its massive front. The cloudy pillar rested upon its summit, and the people spread their tents upon the plain beneath. Here was to be their home for nearly a year. At night the pillar of fire assured them of the divine protection, and while they were locked in slumber, the bread of heaven fell gently upon the encampment.{PP 301.2}[33]
§69
曙光照亮了黑暗的山头，太阳的金光穿透了幽遂的峡谷，在这些疲乏的行人看来，似乎是从上帝宝座那里放射出来的恩光。四面的崇山峻岭，似乎在向人述说上帝的忍耐和威严。在这样的环境之中，人心自然会感到严肃和敬畏。人们在那“用秤称山岭，用天平平冈陵”（赛40:12）的主面前，自然会感到自己的无知和软弱。以色列人要在这里领受上帝向世人所作空前的奇妙启示。耶和华聚集他的子民在这里，为要亲自颁布他的圣律法，把他诫命的神圣性质，铭记在他们心上。上帝要在他们身上施行一种伟大而基本的改变；因为奴役生活的腐化影响，和长期与拜偶像者的结交，已在他们的习惯和品性上留下了痕迹。所以上帝要使他们认识他，借以把他们提到更高的道德标准上去。[34]{PP 302.1}
§70
The dawn gilded the dark ridges of the mountains, and the suns golden rays pierced the deep gorges, seeming to these weary travelers like beams of mercy from the throne of God. On every hand vast, rugged heights seemed in their solitary grandeur to speak of eternal endurance and majesty. Here the mind was impressed with solemnity and awe. Man was made to feel his ignorance and weakness in the presence of Him who weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance. Isaiah 40:12. Here Israel was to receive the most wonderful revelation ever made by God to men. Here the Lord had gathered His people that He might impress upon them the sacredness of His requirements by declaring with His own voice His holy law. Great and radical changes were to be wrought in them; for the degrading influences of servitude and a long-continued association with idolatry had left their mark upon habits and character. God was working to lift them to a higher moral level by giving them a knowledge of Himself.{PP 302.1}[34]