第44章 过约旦河
§1
第44章 过约旦河
§2
Chap. 44 - Crossing the Jordan
§3
以色列人因他们的领袖逝世极其悲伤，他们举行特别的丧礼三十日，来居丧追悼。他们在他去世之后，才充分领会到他智慧的劝告、父母般的慈爱，以及那毫不动摇之信心，对他们有多大的帮助。这时他们以空前深切的感激，来回想他在世时所给他们的宝贵教训。[1]{PP 481.1}
§4
The Israelites deeply mourned for their departed leader, and thirty days were devoted to special services in honor of his memory. Never till he was taken from them had they so fully realized the value of his wise counsels, his parental tenderness, and his unswerving faith. With a new and deeper appreciation they recalled the precious lessons he had given while still with them.{PP 481.1}[1]
§5
摩西死了，可是他的影响并没有消逝。这影响继续存在，并在百姓心中又复发了。这一个圣洁无私的人生，必长久存留于百姓的记忆之中，并以潜移默化的能力影响他们的生活；连那些在他生前忽略他教训的人，这时也受了他的影响。正如太阳西沉之后，余晖仍照耀在山峰之上；照样在纯全、圣洁、良善的人去世之后，他们的工作仍将长远发光，照耀世人。他们的行为、言语和榜样，必要流芳百世。“义人被记念直到永远。”（诗112:6）[2]{PP 481.2}
§6
Moses was dead, but his influence did not die with him. It was to live on, reproducing itself in the hearts of his people. The memory of that holy, unselfish life would long be cherished, with silent, persuasive power molding the lives even of those who had neglected his living words. As the glow of the descending sun lights up the mountain peaks long after the sun itself has sunk behind the hills, so the works of the pure, the holy, and the good shed light upon the world long after the actors themselves have passed away. Their works, their words, their example, will forever live. The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. Psalm 112:6.{PP 481.2}[2]
§7
百姓固然因他们的莫大损失而心中忧伤痛苦，但他们知道自己并没有被上帝丢弃。日间的云柱和夜间的火柱仍旧停留在会幕之上，证明他们若遵守上帝的命令，他仍要领导并帮助他们。[3]{PP 481.3}
§8
While they were filled with grief at their great loss, the people knew that they were not left alone. The pillar of cloud rested over the tabernacle by day, and the pillar of fire by night, an assurance that God would still be their guide and helper if they would walk in the way of His commandments.{PP 481.3}[3]
§9
这时，约书亚已是以色列人所公认的领袖。大家都知道他是一个战士，他的才能和品德在百姓这一段历史中，是特别有价值的。他是勇敢、刚毅、坚忍、敏捷、廉洁的；在他治理百姓时，他并不顾自己的利益，而最可取的乃是他对上帝所存的活泼的信心，这就是上帝所拣选率领以色列军队进入应许之地的人的品德。当以色列人飘流在旷野的时期，约书亚曾作摩西的主要助手；在上帝召呼他担任领袖之前，他那安静而不夸张的忠贞，在别人动摇时所表现的坚定，以及在危险之中固守真理的精神，早已显明他是有资格继承摩西的了。[4]{PP 481.4}
§10
Joshua was now the acknowledged leader of Israel. He had been known chiefly as a warrior, and his gifts and virtues were especially valuable at this stage in the history of his people. Courageous, resolute, and persevering, prompt, incorruptible, unmindful of selfish interests in his care for those committed to his charge, and, above all, inspired by a living faith in God--such was the character of the man divinely chosen to conduct the armies of Israel in their entrance upon the Promised Land. During the sojourn in the wilderness he had acted as prime minister to Moses, and by his quiet, unpretending fidelity, his steadfastness when others wavered, his firmness to maintain the truth in the midst of danger, he had given evidence of his fitness to succeed Moses, even before he was called to the position by the voice of God.{PP 481.4}[4]
§11
约书亚对当前的工作极其焦虑，毫无一点自信力；但他的惧怕被上帝的应许消除了。上帝对他说：“我怎样与摩西同在，也必照样与你同在；我必不撇下你，也不丢弃你。……你必使这百姓承受那地为业，就是我向他们列祖起誓应许赐给他们的地。”“凡你脚掌所踏之地，我都照着我所应许摩西的话赐给你们了。”（见书1-4:）从遥远的黎巴嫩高地，到大海的边岸，往东直到伯拉大河流域，都要作他们的境界。[5]{PP 482.1}
§12
It was with great anxiety and self-distrust that Joshua had looked forward to the work before him; but his fears were removed by the assurance of God, As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. . . . Unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. To the heights of Lebanon in the far distance, to the shores of the Great Sea, and away to the banks of the Euphrates in the east--all was to be theirs.{PP 482.1}[5]
§13
上帝在发了这个应许之外，又加上一番训戒说：“只要刚强，大大壮胆，谨守遵行我仆人摩西所吩咐你的一切律法。”耶和华的指示是：“这律法书不可离开你的口，总要昼夜思想；”“不可偏离左右；”“如此你的道路就可以亨通，凡事顺利。”[6]{PP 482.2}
§14
To this promise was added the injunction, Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses My servant commanded. The Lords direction was, This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night; turn not from it to the right hand or to the left; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.{PP 482.2}[6]
§15
这时以色列人仍然安营在约旦河东岸，这条河就是他们攻取迦南的第一个天堑。上帝先对约书亚说：“起来，和众百姓过这约旦河，往我所要赐给以色列人的地去。”他虽然没有得什么指示怎样过去，但约书亚知道上帝既已吩咐，他就必为他的百姓开路，使他们可以过去；这勇敢的领袖就凭着这样的信心，立刻开始准备前进。[7]{PP 482.3}
§16
The Israelites were still encamped on the east side of Jordan, which presented the first barrier to the occupation of Canaan. Arise, had been the first message of God to Joshua, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them. No instruction was given as to the way in which they were to make the passage. Joshua knew, however, that whatever God should command, He would make a way for His people to perform, and in this faith the intrepid leader at once began his arrangements for an advance.{PP 482.3}[7]
§17
在约旦河西岸不过数里之遥，正对着以色列人安营之地有一座坚固的大城耶利哥。这一座城实际上就是迦南全境的锁钥，对以色列人的成功可算是一个相当可畏的障碍。所以约书亚差派两个青年人前去窥探那城，以便确知该城的人口、资源及其防御的实力。这时城中的居民已是惊惶疑虑，非常警惕，所以这两个探子是冒了很大的危险而去的。幸亏在耶利哥有一个妇人喇合，不顾自己性命的危险掩护了他们。为报答她的恩德起见，他们就应许在城破之日，保护她得免于难。[8]{PP 482.4}
§18
A few miles beyond the river, just opposite the place where the Israelites were encamped, was the large and strongly fortified city of Jericho. This city was virtually the key to the whole country, and it would present a formidable obstacle to the success of Israel. Joshua therefore sent two young men as spies to visit this city and ascertain something as to its population, its resources, and the strength of its fortifications. The inhabitants of the city, terrified and suspicious, were constantly on the alert, and the messengers were in great danger. They were, however, preserved by Rahab, a woman of Jericho, at the peril of her own life. In return for her kindness they gave her a promise of protection when the city should be taken.{PP 482.4}[8]
§19
探子安全地回来了，报信说：“耶和华果然将那全地交在我们手中；那地的一切居民，在我们面前心都消化了。”他们在耶利哥的时候，喇合曾对他们说：“我们听见你们出埃及的时候，耶和华怎样在你们面前使红海的水干了；并且你们怎样待约旦河东的两个亚摩利王西宏和噩，将他们尽行毁灭。我们一听见这些事，心就消化了。因你们的缘故，并无一人有胆气；耶和华你们的上帝，本是上天下地的上帝。”[9]{PP 483.1}
§20
The spies returned in safety with the tidings, Truly the Lord hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us. It had been declared to them in Jericho, We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.{PP 483.1}[9]
§21
这时已下令准备好前进。百姓要备办三天的食粮，军队要准备一切作战。众民全心服从他们领袖的计划，并向他保证，必要信任他，支持他，说：“你所吩咐我们行的，我们都必行；你所差遣我们去的，我们都必去。我们从前在一切事上怎样听从摩西，现在也必照样听从你；唯愿耶和华你的上帝与你同在，像与摩西同在一样。”[10]{PP 483.2}
§22
Orders were now issued to make ready for an advance. The people were to prepare a three days supply of food, and the army was to be put in readiness for battle. All heartily acquiesced in the plans of their leader and assured him of their confidence and support: All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the Lord thy God be with thee, as He was with Moses.{PP 483.2}[10]
§23
以色列全营离开什亭皂荚树林中的营盘，下到约旦河边去。大家都知道他们若没有上帝的帮助，就不能希望过河。现在正是春天季节，每年此时山上积雪融化，使约旦河水涨过两岸，以致人在平常的渡口无法过河，上帝有意要用神奇的方式使以色列人过约旦河。约书亚蒙上帝的指示，吩咐百姓自洁；他们必须放弃自己的罪，并洁除外表的一切污秽；他说：“因为明天耶和华必在你们中间行奇事。”约柜要在众民的前面引路。当他们看见祭司抬着约柜——耶和华同在的象征——离开营盘的中心地点前往河边时，他们“就要离开所住的地方跟着约柜去。”至于过河的步骤，早经一一事先告诉他们。约书亚又说：“因此你们就知道在你们中间有永生上帝，并且他必在你们面前赶出迦南人。”“看哪，普天下主的约柜必在你们前头过去到约旦河里。”[11]{PP 483.3}
§24
Leaving their encampment in the acacia groves of Shittim, the host descended to the border of the Jordan. All knew, however, that without divine aid they could not hope to make the passage. At this time of the year--in the spring season--the melting snows of the mountains had so raised the Jordan that the river overflowed its banks, making it impossible to cross at the usual fording places. God willed that the passage of Israel over Jordan should be miraculous. Joshua, by divine direction, commanded the people to sanctify themselves; they must put away their sins and free themselves from all outward impurity; for tomorrow, he said, the Lord will do wonders among you. The ark of the covenant was to lead the way before the host. When they should see the token of Jehovahs presence, borne by the priests, remove from its place in the center of the camp, and advance toward the river, then they were to remove from their place, and go after it. The circumstances of the passage were minutely foretold; and said Joshua, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites. . . . Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.{PP 483.3}[11]
§25
到了指定的时候，他们就出动了。祭司肩上抬着约柜为前驱，百姓已蒙指示，要跟在后面，但必须与约柜相隔约有二里之遥。当祭司前行到了约旦河岸时，众民都以深切的兴趣观看。他们看见祭司抬着约柜，稳稳地向着怒涛汹涌的河流前进，直到他们的脚踏入水中。那时，上流的水忽然停住，下流的水全然断绝，河床就出现了。[12]{PP 484.1}
§26
At the appointed time began the onward movement, the ark, borne upon the shoulders of the priests, leading the van. The people had been directed to fall back, so that there was a vacant space of more than half a mile about the ark. All watched with deep interest as the priests advanced down the bank of the Jordan. They saw them with the sacred ark move steadily forward toward the angry, surging stream, till the feet of the bearers were dipped into the waters. Then suddenly the tide above was swept back, while the current below flowed on, and the bed of the river was laid bare.{PP 484.1}[12]
§27
祭司遵着上帝的命令，到约旦河中站定之时，全军都下到河中，过到对岸去。这样，全以色列人心中就留下了深刻的印象，知道那停住约旦河水的能力，就是四十年前曾为他们的父老们在红海中打开出路的能力。众民尽都过去之后，约柜才被抬到河的西岸。约柜一到了安全之处，祭司的“脚掌刚落旱地，”那被拘禁住的河水便开放了，浩浩荡荡，流花翻腾地冲流下去。[13]{PP 484.2}
§28
At the divine command the priests advanced to the middle of the channel and stood there while the entire host descended and crossed to the farther side. Thus was impressed upon the minds of all Israel the fact that the power that stayed the waters of Jordan was the same that had opened the Red Sea to their fathers forty years before. When the people had all passed over, the ark itself was borne to the western shore. No sooner had it reached a place of security, and the soles of the priests feet were lifted up unto the dry land, than the imprisoned waters, being set free, rushed down, a resistless flood, in the natural channel of the stream.{PP 484.2}[13]
§29
后代的人也要看到这大神迹的证据。当祭司抬着约柜在约旦河中站定的时候，就有事先选出的十二个人，每支派一个，从河床中祭司站定的地方，各拿一块石头扛到西岸去。这些石头要带到河那边，立在他们第一个安营的地方，留作纪念。百姓要向他们的子子孙孙传说上帝为他们施行拯救的故事。正如约书亚所说的，“要使地上万民都知道耶和华的手，大有能力；他要使你们永远敬畏耶和华你们的上帝。”[14]{PP 484.3}
§30
Coming generations were not to be without a witness to this great miracle. While the priests bearing the ark were still in the midst of Jordan, twelve men previously chosen, one from each tribe, took up each a stone from the river bed where the priests were standing, and carried it over to the western side. These stones were to be set up as a monument in the first camping place beyond the river. The people were bidden to repeat to their children and childrens children the story of the deliverance that God had wrought for them, as Joshua said, That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God forever.{PP 484.3}[14]
§31
这个伟大神迹的影响，无论在希伯来人身上，或在他们的仇敌身上，都是非常重要的。这是向以色列人保证，上帝必继续与他们同在，保护他们，这是一个凭据，证明他必要借约书亚为他们行事，正如他过去借着摩西所行的一样。这艰巨的任务曾在四十年前动摇他们祖宗的信心，故当他们开始去征服那地的时候，确是需要这样的一个保证，来坚固他们的心。故在过约旦河之前，耶和华向约书亚说：“从今日起我必使你在以色列众人眼前尊大，使他们知道我怎样与摩西同在，也必照样与你同在。”结果这应许实现了。“当那日耶和华使约书亚在以色列人眼前尊大；在他平生的日子，百姓敬畏他，像从前敬畏摩西一样。”[15]{PP 484.4}
§32
The influence of this miracle, both upon the Hebrews and upon their enemies, was of great importance. It was an assurance to Israel of Gods continued presence and protection--an evidence that He would work for them through Joshua as He had wrought through Moses. Such an assurance was needed to strengthen their hearts as they entered upon the conquest of the land--the stupendous task that had staggered the faith of their fathers forty years before. The Lord had declared to Joshua before the crossing, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. And the result fulfilled the promise. On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.{PP 484.4}[15]
§33
上帝为以色列人的缘故，施行他的大能，是为要增加四围列国对他们的惧怕，这样就具备了条件，使他们更容易得到完全的胜利。当上帝在以色列民前面停住约旦河水的消息，传到亚摩利王和迦南王耳中时，他们就都胆战心惊张皇失措了。希伯来人过去曾经杀了米甸的五个王，以及强大的亚摩利王西宏，和巴珊王噩，如今又过了这涨水的约旦河急流，这就使四围的列国极其恐惧。对迦南人，对以色列全会众，对约书亚自己，这就是明确的凭据，证明永生的上帝天地的主，是在他的百姓中间；而且他“必不撇下他们，也不丢弃他们。”[16]{PP 485.1}
§34
This exercise of divine power in behalf of Israel was designed also to increase the fear with which they were regarded by the surrounding nations, and thus prepare the way for their easier and complete triumph. When the tidings that God had stayed the waters of Jordan before the children of Israel, reached the kings of the Amorites and of the Canaanites, their hearts melted with fear. The Hebrews had already slain the five kings of Midian, the powerful Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og of Bashan, and now the passage over the swollen and impetuous Jordan filled all the surrounding nations with terror. To the Canaanites, to all Israel, and to Joshua himself, unmistakable evidence had been given that the living God, the King of heaven and earth, was among His people, and that He would not fail them nor forsake them.{PP 485.1}[16]
§35
希伯来人在离约旦河不远的地方安营，这是他们在迦南地的第一个安营之处。约书亚在这里“给以色列人行割礼。”“以色列人在吉甲安营；……守逾越节。”（书5:3,10,9）自从以色列人在加低斯叛逆以来，他们一直没有举行割礼的仪式，就证明他们已经破坏了与上帝所立的约，这约是指定以割礼为记号的。而且那纪念他们从埃及蒙拯救的逾越节也没有举行，这证明耶和华对他们想要回到为奴之地的欲望，甚是不悦。虽然如此，如今他们被弃的年代已经满了；上帝重新承认以色列为他的子民，而且立约的记号也恢复了。一切在旷野中出生的百姓都受了割礼。于是上帝向约书亚说：“我今日将埃及的羞辱从你们身上辊去了。”为假物寄意起见，他们安营的地方就叫作“吉甲，”就是“辊”或“辊开”的意思。[17]{PP 485.2}
§36
A short distance from Jordan the Hebrews made their first encampment in Canaan. Here Joshua circumcised the children of Israel; and the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover. The suspension of the rite of circumcision since the rebellion at Kadesh had been a constant witness to Israel that their covenant with God, of which it was the appointed symbol, had been broken. And the discontinuance of the Passover, the memorial of their deliverance from Egypt, had been an evidence of the Lords displeasure at their desire to return to the land of bondage. Now, however, the years of rejection were ended. Once more God acknowledged Israel as His people, and the sign of the covenant was restored. The rite of circumcision was performed upon all the people who had been born in the wilderness. And the Lord declared to Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you, and in allusion to this the place of their encampment was called Gilgal, a rolling away, or rolling off.{PP 485.2}[17]
§37
因为希伯来人不能像他们所预期的，在离开埃及不久之后就占领迦南，信奉异教的国家曾侮辱耶和华和他的百姓。以色列人的仇敌曾因他们长久在旷野飘流而得意；并曾讥诮说，希伯来人的上帝不能领他们进入应许之地。如今耶和华既为他的百姓分开约旦河的水，就明显地表示了他的能力和恩典，他们的仇敌也就不能再侮辱他们了。[18]{PP 486.1}
§38
Heathen nations had reproached the Lord and His people because the Hebrews had failed to take possession of Canaan, as they expected, soon after leaving Egypt. Their enemies had triumphed because Israel had wandered so long in the wilderness, and they had mockingly declared that the God of the Hebrews was not able to bring them into the Promised Land. The Lord had now signally manifested His power and favor in opening the Jordan before His people, and their enemies could no longer reproach them.{PP 486.1}[18]
§39
“正月十四日晚上，”百姓在耶利哥平原守逾越节。“逾越节的次日他们就吃了那地的出产；正当那日吃无酵饼，和烘的谷。他们吃了那地的出产，第二日吗哪就止住了，以色列人也不再有吗哪了；那一年他们却吃迦南地的出产。”（书5:9-12）他们多年在旷野飘流的生活就此结束。以色列人的脚终于踏进应许之地了。[19]{PP 486.2}
§40
On the fourteenth day of the month at even, the Passover was celebrated on the plains of Jericho. And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the Passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day. And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan. The long years of their desert wanderings were ended. The feet of Israel were at last treading the Promised Land.{PP 486.2}[19]