第39章 征服巴珊
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第39章 征服巴珊
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Chap. 39 - The Conquest of Bashan
§3
以色列人绕过了以东地的南边，便转而向北，再往应许之地走去了。现在他们的行程是在一片广阔的高原上，和风从山上徐徐吹来，又凉爽、又舒适。这在他们最近旅行过闷热的山谷之后，这个改变确实是令人欢畅的，他们便愉快、高兴，并满有希望地向前行进去。他们过了撒烈溪，经过摩押东边的境界；因为上帝曾吩咐他们说：“不可扰害摩押人，也不可与他们争战；他们的地我不赐给你为业，因我已将亚珥赐给罗得的子孙为业。”（申2:9）关于亚扪人，上帝也作了这同样的指示，因为亚扪人也是罗得的子孙。[1]{PP 433.1}
§4
After passing to the south of Edom, the Israelites turned northward, and again set their faces toward the Promised Land. Their route now lay over a vast, elevated plain, swept by cool, fresh breezes from the hills. It was a welcome change from the parched valley through which they had been traveling, and they pressed forward, buoyant and hopeful. Having crossed the brook Zered, they passed to the east of the land of Moab; for the command had been given, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot. And the same direction was repeated concerning the Ammonites, who were also descendants of Lot.{PP 433.1}[1]
§5
以色列全军往北前进，不久便到了亚摩利人之地。这一个强大好战的民族，原先居住在迦南地的南部；但后来因人数增多，他们便过约旦河与摩押人作战，夺取了摩押人的一部分地土。从亚嫩谷往北，直到雅博河，从那时以后，亚摩利人便居住那里，治理该地。以色列人往约旦河去的路正好经过这一带地方，所以摩西差遣使者到亚摩利的首都去见他们的王西宏，用和睦的话向他说：“求你容我从你的地经过；只走大道，不偏左右。你可以卖粮给我吃，也可以卖水给我喝，只要容我步行过去。”（申2:27-28）西宏坚决不答应这个要求；于是聚集了亚摩利的全军来挡住以色列人的去路。这一支强大的军队使以色列人大大惊慌，因为他们没有准备应付这样装备完善而训练有素的军队。就作战的技术而论，亚摩利人是占优势的。照人的眼光看来，以色列人很快的就要被消灭了。[2]{PP 433.2}
§6
Still pushing northward, the hosts of Israel soon reached the country of the Amorites. This strong and warlike people originally occupied the southern part of the land of Canaan; but, increasing in numbers, they crossed the Jordan, made war upon the Moabites, and gained possession of a portion of their territory. Here they had settled, holding undisputed sway over all the land from the Arnon as far north as the Jabbok. The route to the Jordan which the Israelites desired to pursue lay directly through this territory, and Moses sent a friendly message to Sihon, the Amorite king, at his capital: Let me pass through thy land: I will go along by the highway, I will neither turn unto the right hand nor to the left. Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only I will pass through on my feet. The answer was a decided refusal, and all the hosts of the Amorites were summoned to oppose the progress of the invaders. This formidable army struck terror to the Israelites, who were poorly prepared for an encounter with well-armed and well-disciplined forces. So far as skill in warfare was concerned, their enemies had the advantage. To all human appearance, a speedy end would be made of Israel.{PP 433.2}[2]
§7
但是摩西注视着云柱，并以上帝与他们同在的象征仍在他们中间，来鼓励百姓。同时他吩咐他们竭尽人的力量准备作战。他们的敌人士气旺盛，自信必能消灭这没有准备的以色列人。可是从全地的主那里有命令对以色列人的领袖摩西说：“你们起来前往，过亚嫩谷，我已将亚摩利人希实本王西宏和他的地交在你手中你要与他争战得他的地为业。从今日起，我要使天下万民，听见你的名声都惊恐、惧怕，且因你发颤伤恸。”（申2:24-25）[3]{PP 434.1}
§8
But Moses kept his gaze fixed upon the cloudy pillar, and encouraged the people with the thought that the token of Gods presence was still with them. At the same time he directed them to do all that human power could do in preparing for war. Their enemies were eager for battle, and confident that they would blot out the unprepared Israelites from the land. But from the Possessor of all lands the mandate had gone forth to the leader of Israel: Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle. This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.{PP 434.1}[3]
§9
这些在迦南地边界上的国家，若没有公然反抗上帝的言语，并阻挡以色列人的进路，上帝就必让他们生存。耶和华曾显明自己是长久忍耐，大有恩慈和怜悯的，就是对这些信异教的民族也是如此。当亚伯拉罕在异象中看到他的后裔以色列人必要寄居外邦四百年之时，耶和华曾应许他说：“到了第四代，他们必回到此地；因为亚摩利人的罪孽，还没有满盈。”（创15:16）亚摩利人虽然是拜偶像的人，他们的大恶也已足以令他们丧失性命，但上帝还是宽容了他们四百年之久，给他们明确的凭据，证明他是唯一的真神，创造天地的主宰。上帝引领以色列人从埃及出来时所行的许多神迹，他们都知道了。他们已经得到了充分的凭据；如果他们愿意离弃偶像和邪淫的事，他们就必能认识真理。可是，他们竟拒绝了真光，固守着自己的偶像。[4]{PP 434.2}
§10
These nations on the borders of Canaan would have been spared, had they not stood, in defiance of Gods word, to oppose the progress of Israel. The Lord had shown Himself to be long-suffering, of great kindness and tender pity, even to these heathen peoples. When Abraham was shown in vision that his seed, the children of Israel, should be strangers in a strange land four hundred years, the Lord gave him the promise, In the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. Genesis 15:16. Although the Amorites were idolaters, whose life was justly forfeited by their great wickedness, God spared them four hundred years to give them unmistakable evidence that He was the only true God, the Maker of heaven and earth. All His wonders in bringing Israel from Egypt were known to them. Sufficient evidence was given; they might have known the truth, had they been willing to turn from their idolatry and licentiousness. But they rejected the light and clung to their idols.{PP 434.2}[4]
§11
当耶和华引领他的子民第二次来到迦南的边界时，他让那些异邦国家再看到他能力的凭据。在以色列人战胜亚拉得王和迦南人，以及拯救被蛇咬伤奄奄待毙之人的神迹上，他们已看出有上帝与以色列人同在。以东人虽然不许以色列人经过他们的地，以致以色列人不得不走红海那里的一条又长又难的路；但他们在绕过以东、摩押和亚扪人之地时，无论是在行路，或是在扎营，他们都没有向这些民族表示敌意，也没有损伤过他们的生命财产。在以色列人到达亚摩利边境的时候，他们要求亚摩利人准许他们经过，并应许遵守他们与其他国家之间来往的惯例。当亚摩利王拒绝了这个睦邻的请求，并公然聚集全军挑战时，他们就已恶贯满盈，这时上帝就要行使他的能力来消灭他们了。[5]{PP 434.3}
§12
When the Lord brought His people a second time to the borders of Canaan, additional evidence of His power was granted to those heathen nations. They saw that God was with Israel in the victory gained over King Arad and the Canaanites, and in the miracle wrought to save those who were perishing from the sting of the serpents. Although the Israelites had been refused a passage through the land of Edom, thus being compelled to take the long and difficult route by the Red Sea, yet in all their journeyings and encampments, past the land of Edom, of Moab and Ammon, they had shown no hostility, and had done no injury to the people or their possessions. On reaching the border of the Amorites, Israel had asked permission only to travel directly through the country, promising to observe the same rules that had governed their intercourse with other nations. When the Amorite king refused this courteous solicitation, and defiantly gathered his hosts for battle, their cup of iniquity was full, and God would now exercise His power for their overthrow.{PP 434.3}[5]
§13
以色列人渡过了亚嫩河，前去迎敌，两军交战，结果以色列军大获全胜；他们就一鼓作气占领了亚摩利人之地。这次消灭以色列人仇敌的乃是耶和华军队的元帅；如果三十八年之前以色列人能信靠他，他就必早已为他们取得这同样的胜利了。[6]{PP 435.1}
§14
The Israelites crossed the river Arnon and advanced upon the foe. An engagement took place, in which the armies of Israel were victorious; and, following up the advantage gained, they were soon in possession of the country of the Amorites. It was the Captain of the Lords host who vanquished the enemies of His people; and He would have done the same thirty-eight years before had Israel trusted in Him.{PP 435.1}[6]
§15
以色列军充满了希望和勇敢，急急地继续前进，向北进军，不久就到了一个足以考验他们勇敢和信心的地方。在他们之前有一个人口众多，国势强大的巴珊王国；该国拥有足以令现代人叹为世界奇观的石头城，“六十座……城都有坚固的高墙，有门有闩；此外还有许多无城墙的乡村。”（见申3:1-11）他们的房屋是用巨大黑石建筑的，这样伟大的建筑是当时任何军队所绝对无法攻取的。该地到处有天然的岩穴，险峻的悬崖，广阔的深渊和岩石的堡垒。该地的居民乃是巨人的后裔，都是身材高大孔武有力的，而且以强暴残虐著称，四围列国无不畏惧；而巴珊王噩则更为高大勇武，就是在巨人的国家中，也是首屈一指的。[7]{PP 435.2}
§16
Filled with hope and courage, the army of Israel eagerly pressed forward, and, still journeying northward, they soon reached a country that might well test their courage and their faith in God. Before them lay the powerful and populous kingdom of Bashan, crowded with great stone cities that to this day excite the wonder of the world--threescore cities . . . with high walls, gates, and bars; besides unwalled towns a great many. Deuteronomy 3:1-11. The houses were constructed of huge black stones, of such stupendous size as to make the buildings absolutely impregnable to any force that in those times could have been brought against them. It was a country filled with wild caverns, lofty precipices, yawning gulfs, and rocky strongholds. The inhabitants of this land, descendants from a giant race, were themselves of marvelous size and strength, and so distinguished for violence and cruelty as to be the terror of all surrounding nations; while Og, the king of the country, was remarkable for size and prowess, even in a nation of giants.{PP 435.2}[7]
§17
但云柱向前移动，以色列军便随着云柱的引领前行，直到以得来；那巨人之王和他的军队正在这里严阵以待。巴珊王噩曾根据战略的条件，拣选了这个战场。以得来城位于一个平原尽处突起的高原上，遍地都是参差不齐的火山岩，只有从一条狭窄险峻难于攀登的山路可以上去。巴珊王纵然打败，他的军队还能退入多石的荒野中，是外人无法追踪的。[8]{PP 435.3}
§18
But the cloudy pillar moved forward, and following its guidance the Hebrew hosts advanced to Edrei, where the giant king, with his forces, awaited their approach. Og had skillfully chosen the place of battle. The city of Edrei was situated upon the border of a tableland rising abruptly from the plain, and covered with jagged, volcanic rocks. It could be approached only by narrow pathways, steep and difficult of ascent. In case of defeat, his forces could find refuge in that wilderness of rocks, where it would be impossible for strangers to follow them.{PP 435.3}[8]
§19
巴珊王既然胜利在握，就带着大军出来，布阵于宽广的平原上；只见高原上剑戟如林，磨砺以须，呐喊欲战，以壮声威。希伯来人看见那高大的巨人中的巨人，巍然立于他部队之中；他们又看到他四围的大军以及那似乎无法攻破的堡垒，况在堡垒后埋伏的人正不知有多少呢？当他们看到这一切时，不禁心中战栗不已。但摩西异常沉着镇定；因为关于巴珊王，耶和华已有话说：“不要怕他；因我已将他和他的众民，并他的地，都交在你手中，你要待他像从前待住在希实本的亚摩利王西宏一样。”（申3:2）[9]{PP 436.1}
§20
Confident of success, the king came forth with an immense army upon the open plain, while shouts of defiance were heard from the tableland above, where might be seen the spears of thousands, eager for the fray. When the Hebrews looked upon the lofty form of that giant of giants towering above the soldiers of his army; when they saw the hosts that surrounded him, and beheld the seemingly impregnable fortress, behind which unseen thousands were entrenched, the hearts of many in Israel quaked with fear. But Moses was calm and firm; the Lord had said concerning the king of Bashan, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.{PP 436.1}[9]
§21
摩西坚定的信心鼓舞了百姓，使他们也笃信上帝。他们把一切都交托他全能的手中，他也没有令他们失望，没有任何伟大的巨人，或坚固的城邑，没有任何武装的大军，或岩石的堡垒，能在耶和华军队的元帅面前站立得住。耶和华亲自带领了以色列的军队；耶和华亲自击败了他们的仇敌；耶和华亲自为以色列打了胜仗。巨人的王和他的全军都被毁灭了，以色列人不久就占领了巴珊全地。这样，那一个沉溺于罪孽和可憎的拜偶像之罪的奇特民族，就如此从地上绝迹了。[10]{PP 436.2}
§22
The calm faith of their leader inspired the people with confidence in God. They trusted all to His omnipotent arm, and He did not fail them. Not mighty giants nor walled cities, armed hosts nor rocky fortresses, could stand before the Captain of the Lords host. The Lord led the army; the Lord discomfited the enemy; the Lord conquered in behalf of Israel. The giant king and his army were destroyed, and the Israelites soon took possession of the whole country. Thus was blotted from the earth that strange people who had given themselves up to iniquity and abominable idolatry.{PP 436.2}[10]
§23
在征服基列和巴珊之后，许多人回想到将近四十年之前，在加低斯所发生的那注定以色列人长期在旷野飘流的事件。现在他们方知探子对应许之地所作的报告，许多都是确实可靠的。城邑果然是坚固高大，并有巨人住在城中，希伯来人与这些巨人比较起来，确是橡侏儒一般。可是，现在他们看出他们列祖最大的错误，是不信靠上帝的能力。当时唯有这一点阻止了他们，使他们不能立时进入那美地。[11]{PP 436.3}
§24
In the conquest of Gilead and Bashan there were many who recalled the events which nearly forty years before had, in Kadesh, doomed Israel to the long desert wandering. They saw that the report of the spies concerning the Promised Land was in many respects correct. The cities were walled and very great, and were inhabited by giants, in comparison with whom the Hebrews were mere pygmies. But they could now see that the fatal mistake of their fathers had been in distrusting the power of God. This alone had prevented them from at once entering the goodly land.{PP 436.3}[11]
§25
当他们初次准备进入迦南的时候，那时的困难比现在小得多了。上帝曾应许他的子民，如果他们肯听从他的话，他必要行在他们前面，为他们争战；他也要打发黄蜂撵出那地的居民。那时，列国还没有普遍地警惕起来，更没有作多少准备来反抗他们。但这一次上帝嘱咐以色列人前进时，他们就必须应付许多有了戒备的劲敌，并攻打许多准备抵抗他们的训练有素的大军。[12]{PP 436.4}
§26
When they were at the first preparing to enter Canaan, the undertaking was attended with far less difficulty than now. God had promised His people that if they would obey His voice He would go before them and fight for them; and He would also send hornets to drive out the inhabitants of the land. The fears of the nations had not been generally aroused, and little preparation had been made to oppose their progress. But when the Lord now bade Israel go forward, they must advance against alert and powerful foes, and must contend with large and well-trained armies that had been preparing to resist their approach.{PP 436.4}[12]
§27
百姓与噩和西宏作战时所临到的考验，和他们列祖从前所未能胜过的考验是一样的。不过这次的考验，比从前上帝吩咐以色列人前进的时候更严格了。从他们上一次不肯奉耶和华的名前进直到如今，他们路上的困难已经大大增加了。今日上帝还是这样试验他的百姓。如果他们一次经不起考验，他就要带他们回到原来的处境，而这第二次的考验就要比先前更严格、更厉害了。这样继续下去，直到他们能经得起考验为止；否则，若他们仍然悖逆的话，上帝就要收回他的亮光，留他们在黑暗之中了。[13]{PP 437.1}
§28
In their contest with Og and Sihon the people were brought to the same test beneath which their fathers had so signally failed. But the trial was now far more severe than when God had commanded Israel to go forward. The difficulties in their way had greatly increased since they refused to advance when bidden to do so in the name of the Lord. It is thus that God still tests His people. And if they fail to endure the trial, He brings them again to the same point, and the second time the trial will come closer, and be more severe than the preceding. This is continued until they bear the test, or, if they are still rebellious, God withdraws His light from them and leaves them in darkness.{PP 437.1}[13]
§29
这时，希伯来人想起他们的军队，从前怎样出去作战，一败涂地，以致成千的人死在刀下。可是那时他们出去作战，乃是直接违背了上帝的命令。上帝所指定的领袖摩西并没有与他们同去，而且，那象征上帝与他们同在的云柱和约柜也没有出去。但这一次有摩西与他们同在，用希望和信心的话鼓励着他们；又有上帝的儿子在云柱中带领着他们；并有神圣的约柜伴随着他们的队伍。这个经历也给我们一个教训。以色列大能的上帝就是我们的上帝。我们尽可以依靠他；如果我们听从他的命令，他必用显著的方式为我们作工，像他为古时的百姓所作的一样。凡决心坚守本分的人，有时虽不免被疑惧和不信所侵袭；有时他们的路会被一些似乎无法越过的障碍所拦阻，足使一切肯向困难低头的人灰心丧胆；但上帝对这样的人说，往前走！不顾任何牺牲，总要尽到本分。当你虚心依靠上帝而在顺命的路上前进时，那似乎非常可怕并曾使你大大恐慌的许多困难，都必化为乌有了。[14]{PP 437.2}
§30
The Hebrews now remembered how once before, when their forces had gone to battle, they had been routed, and thousands slain. But they had then gone in direct opposition to the command of God. They had gone out without Moses, Gods appointed leader, without the cloudy pillar, the symbol of the divine presence, and without the ark. But now Moses was with them, strengthening their hearts with words of hope and faith; the Son of God, enshrined in the cloudy pillar, led the way; and the sacred ark accompanied the host. This experience has a lesson for us. The mighty God of Israel is our God. In Him we may trust, and if we obey His requirements He will work for us in as signal a manner as He did for His ancient people. Everyone who seeks to follow the path of duty will at times be assailed by doubt and unbelief. The way will sometimes be so barred by obstacles, apparently insurmountable, as to dishearten those who will yield to discouragement; but God is saying to such, Go forward. Do your duty at any cost. The difficulties that seem so formidable, that fill your soul with dread, will vanish as you move forward in the path of obedience, humbly trusting in God.{PP 437.2}[14]