第54章 参孙
§1
第54章 参孙 Chap. 54 – Samson
§2
在当时蔓延的背道之中，仍有一些忠心敬拜上帝的人，不断地恳求他拯救以色列人。虽然表面上未蒙答应，虽然压迫者的势力，年复一年不断的重重地加诸各地，但是上帝的眷顾已经在设法帮助他们。当非利士人压迫以色列人的初期，已经有一个孩子出世，上帝将要用他来打击这些强敌的势力。[1]{PP 560.1}
§3
Amid the widespread apostasy the faithful worshipers of God continued to plead with Him for the deliverance of Israel. Though there was apparently no response, though year after year the power of the oppressor continued to rest more heavily upon the land, Gods providence was preparing help for them. Even in the early years of the Philistine oppression a child was born through whom God designed to humble the power of these mighty foes.{PP 560.1}[1]
§4
在边境上的山地里有一个小城名叫琐拉，在这里可以俯瞰非利士平原。城内住着但支派的玛挪亚一家，这是在普遍背叛的情况中，依然效忠耶和华的少数家庭之一。这时，有“耶和华的使者”向没有儿女的玛挪亚的妻子显现；并告诉她，她必生一个儿子，而且上帝必借着他“起首拯救以色列人。”因此天使指示她，她自己应有的习惯，以及她应当怎样养育她的孩子，说：“所以你当谨慎，清酒浓酒都不可喝，一切不洁之物也不可吃。”（见士13:4）她的孩子从小也要遵守这同样的戒条，还要加上一条，就是不可剃头，因为他一出胎就要归耶和华作拿细耳人。[2]{PP 560.2}
§5
On the border of the hill country overlooking the Philistine plain was the little town of Zorah. Here dwelt the family of Manoah, of the tribe of Dan, one of the few households that amid the general defection had remained true to Jehovah. To the childless wife of Manoah the Angel of Jehovah appeared with the message that she should have a son, through whom God would begin to deliver Israel. In view of this the Angel gave her instruction concerning her own habits, and also for the treatment of her child: Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing. And the same prohibition was to be imposed, from the first, upon the child, with the addition that his hair should not be cut; for he was to be consecrated to God as a Nazarite from his birth.{PP 560.2}[2]
§6
妇人找到她的丈夫，向他形容了天使的像貌之后，就重述了天使对她所讲的话。玛挪亚唯恐在交托他们的这重要工作上犯什么错误，就祈求耶和华说：“主啊，求你再差遣那神人到我们这里来，好指教我们怎样待这将要生的孩子。”[3]{PP 560.3}
§7
The woman sought her husband, and, after describing the Angel, she repeated His message. Then, fearful that they should make some mistake in the important work committed to them, the husband prayed, Let the Man of God which Thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.{PP 560.3}[3]
§8
当天使再显现的时候，玛挪亚就殷殷地询问说：“我们当怎样待这孩子，他后来当怎样呢？”天使又重复了他先前的指示，说：“我告诉妇人的一切事，她都当谨慎。葡萄树所结的都不可吃；清酒浓酒都不可喝；一切不洁之物也不可吃；凡我所吩咐的她都当遵守。”[4]{PP 560.4}
§9
When the Angel again appeared, Manoahs anxious inquiry was, How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him? The previous instruction was repeated--Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware. She may not eat of anything that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.{PP 560.4}[4]
§10
上帝有一个重要的工作，要这应许给玛挪亚的孩子去作；并且为使他得到从事这工作必需的资格起见，就细心地规定了母亲和孩子的生活习惯。天使给玛挪亚妻子的指示乃是“清酒浓酒都不喝，一切不洁之物也不可吃；凡我所吩咐的她都当遵守。”母亲的习惯对孩子必有或好或坏的影响。为了孩子的幸福，她必须自己受卫生原理的约束，必须实践节制和克己的教训。有些愚妄的顾问往往主张，作母亲的必需满足每一个欲望和情感；但这种说法是不正确而有害的。由于上帝亲自的吩咐，作母亲的有实行自制的神圣责任。[5]{PP 561.1}
§11
God had an important work for the promised child of Manoah to do, and it was to secure for him the qualifications necessary for this work that the habits of both the mother and the child were to be carefully regulated. Neither let her drink wine or strong drink, was the Angels instruction for the wife of Manoah, nor eat any unclean thing. All that I commanded her let her observe. The child will be affected for good or for evil by the habits of the mother. She must herself be controlled by principle and must practice temperance and self-denial, if she would seek the welfare of her child. Unwise advisers will urge upon the mother the necessity of gratifying every wish and impulse, but such teaching is false and mischievous. The mother is by the command of God Himself placed under the most solemn obligation to exercise self-control.{PP 561.1}[5]
§12
父亲与母亲有这同样的责任。父母自己的特性，无论是心灵或身体方面的，以及他们的气质和食欲，都能遗传给儿女。由于父母无节制的生活，儿女就往往缺少体力、才力和道德的力量。饮酒和吸烟的人，可能，而且必然把他们无度的嗜好、不纯净的血液和易受刺激的神经都传给他们的儿女。放荡无羁的人往往会把他们强烈的情欲，甚至可怕的疾病，遗传给他们的子孙。而且因为儿女抵挡试探的能力比父母还弱，所以结果一代不如一代。父母不但要为遗传给他儿女的凶暴性情和败坏的食欲负责，而且还要为成千成万生下来就耳聋、眼瞎、患病或白痴的婴儿负一大部分的责任。[6]{PP 561.2}
§13
And fathers as well as mothers are involved in this responsibility. Both parents transmit their own characteristics, mental and physical, their dispositions and appetites, to their children. As the result of parental intemperance children often lack physical strength and mental and moral power. Liquor drinkers and tobacco users may, and do, transmit their insatiable craving, their inflamed blood and irritable nerves, to their children. The licentious often bequeath their unholy desires, and even loathsome diseases, as a legacy to their offspring. And as the children have less power to resist temptation than had the parents, the tendency is for each generation to fall lower and lower. To a great degree parents are responsible not only for the violent passions and perverted appetites of their children but for the infirmities of the thousands born deaf, blind, diseased, or idiotic.{PP 561.2}[6]
§14
每一个作父母的应当自问：“我们应当怎样待这将要生的孩子？”许多人曾经轻视孩子受的先天影响；但是从天上赐给那两个希伯来父母的指示，经一再地用最清楚，最严肃的方式所重述出来，就足以显明我们的创造主是如何重视这个问题了。[7]{PP 561.3}
§15
The inquiry of every father and mother should be, What shall we do unto the child that shall be born unto us? The effect of prenatal influences has been by many lightly regarded; but the instruction sent from heaven to those Hebrew parents, and twice repeated in the most explicit and solemn manner, shows how this matter is looked upon by our Creator.{PP 561.3}[7]
§16
这个由应许而来的孩子，只从父母受到良好的遗传是不够的。他更需要受良好的训练，并养成正当的习惯。上帝曾指示这个将来作以色列士师和拯救者的孩子，必须从小领受严格的节制训练。他要从出生就归上帝作拿细耳人。这样，他就终身处在清酒浓酒都不可喝的戒条之下。父母应当从儿女婴儿时起，就把节制、克己和自治的教训教导他们。[8]{PP 561.4}
§17
And it was not enough that the promised child should receive a good legacy from the parents. This must be followed by careful training and the formation of right habits. God directed that the future judge and deliverer of Israel should be trained to strict temperance from infancy. He was to be a Nazarite from his birth, thus being placed under a perpetual prohibition against the use of wine or strong drink. The lessons of temperance, self-denial, and self-control are to be taught to children even from babyhood.{PP 561.4}[8]
§18
天使所说的戒条，包括“一切不洁之物。”食物洁与不洁之分，并不尽是属于仪文和专断的条例，乃是根据卫生的原则而定的。犹太民族数千年来以非常的活力著称，就是缘于遵守这区分为主要原因。节制的范围必须比单单禁酒更广泛。食用刺激品和不易消化的食物，往往象饮酒一样，能损害身体的健康，而且时常遗下醉酒之根。真正的节制教导我们完全避免用各种有害之物，而要审慎地食用一切有益之物。很少人明白自己饮食的习惯，对健康、品格、今生的前途以及永久的命运，究竟有多大的关系？我们的食欲必须经常受道德和理性的约束。身体应当服从理智，理智不应服从身体。[9]{PP 562.1}
§19
The angels prohibition included every unclean thing. The distinction between articles of food as clean and unclean was not a merely ceremonial and arbitrary regulation, but was based upon sanitary principles. To the observance of this distinction may be traced, in a great degree, the marvelous vitality which for thousands of years has distinguished the Jewish people. The principles of temperance must be carried further than the mere use of spirituous liquors. The use of stimulating and indigestible food is often equally injurious to health, and in many cases sows the seeds of drunkenness. True temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful and to use judiciously that which is healthful. There are few who realize as they should how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their character, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny. The appetite should ever be in subjection to the moral and intellectual powers. The body should be servant to the mind, and not the mind to the body.{PP 562.1}[9]
§20
上帝对玛挪亚的应许到时候就应验了，他生了一个儿子，给他起名叫参孙。孩子渐渐长大，显然地具有非常的体力。但他的力量并不是因为他有坚实的筋肉；他和他的父母都深知是因为他作拿细耳人；他没有剃过的头发，就是这身份的记号。如果参孙能像他父母一样忠心遵守上帝的命令，他就必有一个更高贵更幸福的前途。可惜他竟与拜偶像的人联合，以致败坏了自己。原来琐拉城靠近非利士地，参孙就去与非利士人交结来往，和他们作朋友了。这样，在他青年的时候既与异族人亲昵结交，影响所及，遂使他的整个人生黯淡无光。参孙爱上了非利士地亭拿镇上的一个女子，便决意要娶她为妻。他那敬畏上帝的父母尽力想要劝阻，但他只以“我喜悦她”这一句话来回答。最后，父母为了让他称心满意，就给他定了这门亲事。[10]{PP 562.2}
§21
The divine promise to Manoah was in due time fulfilled in the birth of a son, to whom the name of Samson was given. As the boy grew up it became evident that he possessed extraordinary physical strength. This was not, however, as Samson and his parents well knew, dependent upon his well-knit sinews, but upon his condition as a Nazarite, of which his unshorn hair was a symbol. Had Samson obeyed the divine commands as faithfully as his parents had done, his would have been a nobler and happier destiny. But association with idolaters corrupted him. The town of Zorah being near the country of the Philistines, Samson came to mingle with them on friendly terms. Thus in his youth intimacies sprang up, the influence of which darkened his whole life. A young woman dwelling in the Philistine town of Timnath engaged Samsons affections, and he determined to make her his wife. To his God-fearing parents, who endeavored to dissuade him from his purpose, his only answer was, She pleaseth me well. The parents at last yielded to his wishes, and the marriage took place. {PP 562.2}[10]
§22
这时候参孙已届壮年，正是应该执行他神圣使命，效忠上帝的时候，而他反倒与以色列人的仇敌相结合。当他与所选择的对象结婚的时候，他并没有问一问这样行是否能更加荣耀上帝；是否把自己置于不能完成他今生目的的境地。对那些先求尊荣上帝的人，上帝已应许赐给他们智慧；但他对那些专求满足自己愿望的人，并没有讲过什么应许。[11]{PP 563.1}
§23
Just as he was entering upon manhood, the time when he must execute his divine mission--the time above all others when he should have been true to God--Samson connected himself with the enemies of Israel. He did not ask whether he could better glorify God when united with the object of his choice, or whether he was placing himself in a position where he could not fulfill the purpose to be accomplished by his life. To all who seek first to honor Him, God has promised wisdom; but there is no promise to those who are bent upon self-pleasing.{PP 563.1}[11]
§24
今日有多少人正在蹈参孙的覆辙啊！敬虔的人与不敬虔的人结婚，岂不是常因他们在选择配偶的时候，只以自己的爱好为出发点吗？他们没有求问上帝，也没有把上帝的荣耀放在心上。基督徒的信仰原应该在婚姻的关系上有决定性的影响；但是多少男女的结合并没有遵守基督徒的原则。撒但经常勾引上帝的子民去与他的百姓结合，想要借此在他们身上加强他的势力；并为要达到这个目的起见，企图能在他们心中引起不纯正的情欲。但耶和华在他的《圣经》中早已清清楚楚地教训他的子民，不可与那些心中没有上帝之爱的人结合。“基督和彼列（彼列就是撒但的别名）有什么相和呢？信主的和不信主的有什么相干呢？上帝的殿和偶像有什么相同呢？”（林后6:15-16）[12]{PP 563.2}
§25
How many are pursuing the same course as did Samson! How often marriages are formed between the godly and the ungodly, because inclination governs in the selection of husband or wife! The parties do not ask counsel of God, nor have His glory in view. Christianity ought to have a controlling influence upon the marriage relation, but it is too often the case that the motives which lead to this union are not in keeping with Christian principles. Satan is constantly seeking to strengthen his power over the people of God by inducing them to enter into alliance with his subjects; and in order to accomplish this he endeavors to arouse unsanctified passions in the heart. But the Lord has in His word plainly instructed His people not to unite themselves with those who have not His love abiding in them. What concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? 2 Corinthians 6:15, 16.{PP 563.2}[12]
§26
参孙在婚姻的筵席上，与那些忌恨以色列上帝的人有了密切的交往。凡自愿与这样的人发生关系的，必要感到多少须迁就些他们的习惯和风俗。在这样的事上所花费的时间，还不如白白的荒废了好呢。因为在那种场合中思想所受的影响和所讲的话语，都足以削弱人的道德原则，并破坏人心灵的保障。[13]{PP 563.3}
§27
At his marriage feast Samson was brought into familiar association with those who hated the God of Israel. Whoever voluntarily enters into such relations will feel it necessary to conform, to some degree, to the habits and customs of his companions. The time thus spent is worse than wasted. Thoughts are entertained and words are spoken that tend to break down the strongholds of principle and to weaken the citadel of the soul.{PP 563.3}[13]
§28
参孙违背上帝命令所娶来的妻子，在婚筵未终之前就已显明她对自己的丈夫怀有二心。参孙因她没有信义而大大发怒，就暂时丢开她独自回琐拉家里去了。等到过了一些日子。他回去看他新妇的时候，就发现她已经作了别人的妻子。于是他就毁了非利士人一切的田地和葡萄园。这种报复的手段惹起了非利士人的忿怒，他们就把他的妻子杀了。这都是他们先威吓她，叫她欺骗参孙之后引起的种种是非。参孙最近曾赤手空拳杀死一只少壮的狮子，并杀了三十个亚实基伦人，证明他有非常大的力气。如今，他因非利士人残酷地杀了他的妻子，就极其恼怒，“大大击杀他们。”然后为了躲避仇敌报复起见，他就退到犹大支派的“以坦磐”的穴内。[14]{PP 563.4}
§29
The wife, to obtain whom Samson had transgressed the command of God, proved treacherous to her husband before the close of the marriage feast. Incensed at her perfidy, Samson forsook her for the time, and went alone to his home at Zorah. When, afterward relenting, he returned for his bride, he found her the wife of another. His revenge, in the wasting of all the fields and vineyards of the Philistines, provoked them to murder her, although their threats had driven her to the deceit with which the trouble began. Samson had already given evidence of his marvelous strength by slaying, singlehanded, a young lion, and by killing thirty of the men of Ashkelon. Now, moved to anger by the barbarous murder of his wife, he attacked the Philistines and smote them with a great slaughter. Then, wishing a safe retreat from his enemies, he withdrew to the rock Etam, in the tribe of Judah.{PP 563.4}[14]
§30
这时有一支强大的军队追赶参孙到了这地，犹大人便大大惊惶，竟卑鄙地同意把他交在敌人的手中。因此有三千犹大人上到他那里去。虽然众寡之势那么悬殊，但他们若非确知他不至伤害自己的同胞，就不敢走近他。参孙同意给他们捆绑了去交在非利士人手中；但他先叫犹大人应许他们不亲手杀害他，否则，他为自卫起见就不得不毁灭他们了。他让他们用两条新绳把他捆绑起来，并在狂欢庆幸之中被带到敌人的营里。但正当仇敌的欢呼声震山谷之时，“耶和华的灵大大感动参孙。”他挣断了那坚固的新绳，好像是火烧的麻一样。于是他就地拾起一件武器，虽然不过是一块驴腮骨，但在他手中却比刀剑更加好用，他击杀非利士人，直到他们留下一千具尸首，仓惶逃去。[15]{PP 564.1}
§31
To this place he was pursued by a strong force, and the inhabitants of Judah, in great alarm, basely agreed to deliver him to his enemies. Accordingly three thousand men of Judah went up to him. But even at such odds they would not have dared approach him had they not felt assured that he would not harm his own countrymen. Samson consented to be bound and delivered to the Philistines, but first exacted from the men of Judah a promise not to attack him themselves, and thus compel him to destroy them. He permitted them to bind him with two new ropes, and he was led into the camp of his enemies amid demonstrations of great joy. But while their shouts were waking the echoes of the hills, the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon him. He burst asunder the strong new cords as if they had been flax burned in the fire. Then seizing the first weapon at hand, which, though only the jawbone of an ass, was rendered more effective than sword or spear, he smote the Philistines until they fled in terror, leaving a thousand men dead upon the field.{PP 564.1}[15]
§32
如果此时以色列人能与参孙联合一致，随着他的胜利继续杀敌，他们就可以脱离这些压迫者的手了。可惜他们已经成了丧胆怯懦的了。他们已经忽略了上帝命令他们驱逐异邦人的任务，反而染了他们卑下的习俗，忍受他们残酷的虐待。而且只要敌人不公开的直接损害他们自己，他们还要赞助这样的行动呢。当他们自己落在压迫者权势之下时，他们只知驯服地忍辱偷生，其实他们如能顺从上帝，他们倒很可以脱离这些压迫者的手。如今当上帝为他们兴起一位拯救者时，他们还是一再地离弃他，与敌人联合。[16]{PP 564.2}
§33
Had the Israelites been ready to unite with Samson and follow up the victory, they might at this time have freed themselves from the power of their oppressors. But they had become dispirited and cowardly. They had neglected the work which God commanded them to perform, in dispossessing the heathen, and had united with them in their degrading practices, tolerating their cruelty, and, so long as it was not directed against themselves, even countenancing their injustice. When themselves brought under the power of the oppressor, they tamely submitted to the degradation which they might have escaped, had they only obeyed God. Even when the Lord raised up a deliverer for them, they would, not infrequently, desert him and unite with their enemies.{PP 564.2}[16]
§34
在参孙胜利之后，以色列人立他为士师，他治理以色列人有二十年之久。可惜一步错行为第二步错行作了进阶。参孙曾违背上帝的命令，在非利士人中娶了一个妻子，如今他又冒险在他的死敌当中，放纵邪僻的情欲。他倚仗自己有使非利士人感到惊慌的大力气，就昂然无惧地到迦萨，去亲近那地的一个妓女。那城的居民得知参孙在他们那里，就急起报仇。这个敌人既被关在他们坚固的城墙之内，他们就以为拿获他有如探囊取物；只等天亮就可以奏凯了。参孙半夜醒来。当他想起自己已经破坏了作拿细耳人的誓约时，良心的自责使他深深悔恨。他虽然犯了罪，但上帝的恩典还没有丢弃他。他那神奇的气力又救了他的性命。他来到城门口，用力把城门拆掉，将门连同门框门闩都扛到希伯仑前的山顶上。[17]{PP 564.3}
§35
After his victory the Israelites made Samson judge, and he ruled Israel for twenty years. But one wrong step prepares the way for another. Samson had transgressed the command of God by taking a wife from the Philistines, and again he ventured among them--now his deadly enemies--in the indulgence of unlawful passion. Trusting to his great strength, which had inspired the Philistines with such terror, he went boldly to Gaza, to visit a harlot of that place. The inhabitants of the city learned of his presence, and they were eager for revenge. Their enemy was shut safely within the walls of the most strongly fortified of all their cities; they felt sure of their prey, and only waited till the morning to complete their triumph. At midnight Samson was aroused. The accusing voice of conscience filled him with remorse, as he remembered that he had broken his vow as a Nazarite. But notwithstanding his sin, Gods mercy had not forsaken him. His prodigious strength again served to deliver him. Going to the city gate, he wrenched it from its place and carried it, with its posts and bars, to the top of a hill on the way to Hebron.{PP 564.3}[17]
§36
参孙虽然在九死一生中逃脱了危险，但他却没有因此停止他犯罪的行为。他虽然不敢再到非利士人中去，然而他仍旧追求那引到败亡的肉欲享乐。在离他出生之地不远有一个梭烈谷，“后来参孙在梭烈谷喜爱一个妇人。”这个妇人名叫大利拉，意思就是“吞吃者。”梭烈谷是以葡萄园著名的；故此对于这个飘摇不定的拿细耳人又是一个试探；他已养成饮酒的恶习，因此破坏了那保持纯洁和效忠上帝的誓约。这时，非利士人极其注意他们这个仇敌的行动，当参孙迷恋于这个新的情妇时，他们就决意利用大利拉来毁灭他。[18]{PP 565.1}
§37
But even this narrow escape did not stay his evil course. He did not again venture among the Philistines, but he continued to seek those sensuous pleasures that were luring him to ruin. He loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, not far from his own birthplace. Her name was Delilah, the consumer. The vale of Sorek was celebrated for its vineyards; these also had a temptation for the wavering Nazarite, who had already indulged in the use of wine, thus breaking another tie that bound him to purity and to God. The Philistines kept a vigilant watch over the movements of their enemy, and when he degraded himself by this new attachment, they determined, through Delilah, to accomplish his ruin.{PP 565.1}[18]
§38
非利士人打发一个包括各省首领的代表团到梭烈谷去。他们因参孙具有那么大的力气，所以并不敢捉拿他，他们的目的是要尽可能地查出他力量的秘密。所以他们贿买大利拉，叫她探明这秘密，并告诉他们。[19]{PP 565.2}
§39
A deputation consisting of one leading man from each of the Philistine provinces was sent to the vale of Sorek. They dared not attempt to seize him while in possession of his great strength, but it was their purpose to learn, if possible, the secret of his power. They therefore bribed Delilah to discover and reveal it.{PP 565.2}[19]
§40
当这个里应外合的女子向参孙催逼不休时，参孙就欺骗她说，如果试用某某方法，他就必软弱得像别人一样。但她每次把方法试验过之后，就发现自己受了欺骗。于是她怪参孙说谎，说：“你既不与我同心，怎么说你爱我呢？你这三次斯哄我，没有告诉我你因何有这么大的力气。”参孙已经有三次最明白的凭据，可以看出非利士人已经同他的情妇勾结来杀害他；但每当大利拉的计划失败之后，她都说是向他取笑，而参孙竟盲目的消除了惧怕的心。[20]{PP 565.3}
§41
As the betrayer plied Samson with her questions, he deceived her by declaring that the weakness of other men would come upon him if certain processes were tried. When she put the matter to the test, the cheat was discovered. Then she accused him of falsehood, saying, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? Thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth. Three times Samson had the clearest evidence that the Philistines had leagued with his charmer to destroy him; but when her purpose failed, she treated the matter as a jest, and he blindly banished fear.{PP 565.3}[20]
§42
大利拉天天用话催逼他，直到“他心里烦闷要死；”然而有一种不可捉摸的力量牵着他，使他一直留在大利拉身边。参孙终于被逼不过，泄露了心中的秘密，说：“向来人没有用剃头刀剃我的头，因为我自出母胎就归上帝作拿细耳人；若剃了我的头发，我的力气就离开我，我便软弱像别人一样。”于是大利拉立刻打发人去见非利士人的首领，请他们急速到她这里来。当这战士睡觉的时候，大利拉就把他的发绺剃掉了。于是大利拉像她以前三次一样呼叫说：“参孙哪，非利士人拿你来了！”他忽然惊醒，想要像以前一样运用他的力气杀灭他们；可是，他那失去力气的膀臂不再听他的指挥，他就知道“耶和华已经离开他了。”参孙的头发被剃之后，为了试验他是否仍有力气，大利拉就开始戏弄他，使他疼痛；因为非利士人非确知他的力气已经离开了他，他们是不敢走近他的。于是他们拿住他，剜了他的两眼，把他带到迦萨去。他在那里被铜链锁着，关在监牢里作苦工。[21]{PP 566.1}
§43
Day by day Delilah urged him, until his soul was vexed unto death; yet a subtle power kept him by her side. Overcome at last, Samson made known the secret: There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mothers womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man. A messenger was immediately dispatched to the lords of the Philistines, urging them to come to her without delay. While the warrior slept, the heavy masses of his hair were severed from his head. Then, as she had done three times before, she called, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson! Suddenly awaking, he thought to exert his strength as before and destroy them; but his powerless arms refused to do his bidding, and he knew that Jehovah was departed from him. When he had been shaven, Delilah began to annoy him and cause him pain, thus making a trial of his strength; for the Philistines dared not approach him till fully convinced that his power was gone. Then they seized him and, having put out both his eyes, they took him to Gaza. Here he was bound with fetters in their prison house and confined to hard labor.{PP 566.1}[21]
§44
这是多大的改变啊！这个曾经作过以色列士师和勇士的参孙，如今竟变成软弱、瞎眼、被囚，作最卑贱的下等奴役！参孙曾逐步违犯他蒙圣召的条件。上帝已经容忍他很久了；及至他屈服于罪恶的权势之下，而泄露了自己的秘密的时候，耶和华便离开了他。他长发的本身并没有什么特别的功能，那不过是他效忠上帝的一个记号而已；一旦他因放纵情欲而牺牲了这记号之后，这记号所代表的福分也就随之而丧失了。[22]{PP 566.2}
§45
What a change to him who had been the judge and champion of Israel!--now weak, blind, imprisoned, degraded to the most menial service! Little by little he had violated the conditions of his sacred calling. God had borne long with him; but when he had so yielded himself to the power of sin as to betray his secret, the Lord departed from him. There was no virtue in his long hair merely, but it was a token of his loyalty to God; and when the symbol was sacrificed in the indulgence of passion, the blessings of which it was a token were also forfeited.{PP 566.2}[22]
§46
参孙被非利士人戏耍，备受痛苦和羞辱，于是他比过去更清楚地觉悟到自己的软弱；他所受的种种苦难使他痛悔前非。他的头发渐渐长长，他的力气也渐渐恢复了；但他的仇敌既看他是一个被桎梏而无抵抗力的囚徒，所以不觉得有什么忧惧了。[23]{PP 566.3}
§47
In suffering and humiliation, a sport for the Philistines, Samson learned more of his own weakness than he had ever known before; and his afflictions led him to repentance. As his hair grew, his power gradually returned; but his enemies, regarding him as a fettered and helpless prisoner, felt no apprehensions.{PP 566.3}[23]
§48
非利士人把他们的胜利归功于他们的假神；他们欣喜万分，并公然亵渎以色列的上帝。他们订了一个节期，来尊荣他们的鱼神，就是海神大衮。百姓和首领从非利士平原的一切城镇乡村都聚集了来；敬拜的人一群一群地挤满了那广大的庙宇，平顶上也挤满了人。这是一个饮宴庆祝的场合。那时有隆重的献祭仪式，接着有音乐和盛大的宴会。以后，他们带了参孙来，作为大衮神最大的战利品。他一来了，众人就呐喊欢呼。百姓和首领嘲弄他的不幸，并赞扬那把“毁坏他们地”的仇敌交在他们手中的神。过了一时参孙好像疲乏了，所以要求让他在庙中间托房的两根柱子前靠一靠。于是他默默祷告说：“主耶和华啊，求你眷念我；上帝啊，求你赐我这一次的力量，使我在非利士人身上报那剜我双眼的仇。”说完这话，他就用他有力的膀臂抱住柱子说：“我情愿与非利士人同死。”于是尽力屈身，房顶就轰然一声塌了下来，压死了房中所有的众人。“这样，参孙死时所杀的人，比活着所杀的还多。”[24]{PP 566.4}
§49
The Philistines ascribed their victory to their gods; and, exulting, they defied the God of Israel. A feast was appointed in honor of Dagon, the fish god, the protector of the sea. From town and country throughout the Philistine plain the people and their lords assembled. Throngs of worshipers filled the vast temple and crowded the galleries about the roof. It was a scene of festivity and rejoicing. There was the pomp of the sacrificial service, followed by music and feasting. Then, as the crowning trophy of Dagons power, Samson was brought in. Shouts of exultation greeted his appearance. People and rulers mocked his misery and adored the god who had overthrown the destroyer of their country. After a time, as if weary, Samson asked permission to rest against the two central pillars which supported the temple roof. Then he silently uttered the prayer, O Lord God, remember me, I pray Thee, and strengthen me, I pray Thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines. With these words he encircled the pillars with his mighty arms; and crying, Let me die with the Philistines! he bowed himself, and the roof fell, destroying at one crash all that vast multitude. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life.{PP 566.4}[24]
§50
偶像和敬拜的人，祭司和平民，武士和贵族，都被埋在大衮庙的瓦砾之下了。其中还有一个巨人的身体，就是上帝所曾拣选拯救他子民的人。当这可怕的信息传到以色列地时，参孙的亲族就从山上下来，抢救了这位已死英雄的尸首，也没有人阻挡他们。他们把他“抬上来葬在琐拉和以实陶中间，在他父玛挪亚的坟墓里。”[25]{PP 567.1}
§51
The idol and its worshipers, priest and peasant, warrior and noble, were buried together beneath the ruins of Dagons temple. And among them was the giant form of him whom God had chosen to be the deliverer of His people. Tidings of the terrible overthrow were carried to the land of Israel, and Samsons kinsmen came down from their hills, and, unopposed, rescued the body of the fallen hero. And they brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol, in the burying place of Manoah his father.{PP 567.1}[25]
§52
上帝要借着参孙“起首拯救以色列人脱离非利士人的手”的应许毕竟实现了；但是这一个本可使上帝得颂赞，使祖国得光荣的参孙，不料留下了何等黯淡悲惨的传记啊。如果他能忠于神圣的选召，则上帝的旨意得以完成，而他个人也可以得到荣耀与尊贵。可惜他向试探屈服，不忠于委托。但他的使命却在失败、监禁和死亡之中完成了。[26]{PP 567.2}
§53
Gods promise that through Samson He would begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines was fulfilled; but how dark and terrible the record of that life which might have been a praise to God and a glory to the nation! Had Samson been true to his divine calling, the purpose of God could have been accomplished in his honor and exaltation. But he yielded to temptation and proved untrue to his trust, and his mission was fulfilled in defeat, bondage, and death.{PP 567.2}[26]
§54
就体力来说，参孙乃是地上极强壮的人；但在自制、忠贞和坚稳上，他却是人间最软弱的了。许多人误以为情感的强烈，表明性格的刚强；但实在说来，一个被情感所左右的人乃是一个弱者。人真正的伟大，不在乎那些控制他的情感，乃在乎他控制情感的力量。[27]{PP 567.3}
§55
Physically, Samson was the strongest man upon the earth; but in self-control, integrity, and firmness, he was one of the weakest of men. Many mistake strong passions for a strong character, but the truth is that he who is mastered by his passions is a weak man. The real greatness of the man is measured by the power of the feelings that he controls, not by those that control him.{PP 567.3}[27]
§56
参孙曾蒙上帝的眷顾，使他可以准备去完成他蒙召从事的工作。从他人生的开始，周围的环境实有利于他强健的体力、活泼的智力和纯洁的道德。可惜他在恶同伴的影响之下，放弃了人类唯一的保障，就是对上帝的信赖；他就被邪恶的潮流冲去了。凡在尽责作事的时候遭遇试炼的人，都可以确信上帝必保守他们；但是人若故意置身于试探的威胁之下，他们就早晚必要跌倒了。[28]{PP 568.1}
§57
Gods providential care had been over Samson, that he might be prepared to accomplish the work which he was called to do. At the very outset of life he was surrounded with favorable conditions for physical strength, intellectual vigor, and moral purity. But under the influence of wicked associates he let go that hold upon God which is mans only safeguard, and he was swept away by the tide of evil. Those who in the way of duty are brought into trial may be sure that God will preserve them; but if men willfully place themselves under the power of temptation, they will fall, sooner or later.{PP 568.1}[28]
§58
凡上帝所要用为从事特别工作的人，撒但都要竭最大之力去引诱他们误入歧途。他尽力攻击我们的弱点，并利用我们品格上的缺点来控制我们的全身；而且他知道，只要人将这些缺点珍爱不舍，他是一定能成功的。但是没有什么人是必须如此为他所胜的。人不必单靠自己微薄的努力去战胜邪恶的权势。帮助就在眼前，凡愿意得帮助的就必得着。在雅各所看到的梯子上“上去下来”的那些圣天使，必能帮助每一个凡愿意攀登到高天之上的人。[29]{PP 568.2}
§59
The very ones whom God purposes to use as His instruments for a special work, Satan employs his utmost power to lead astray. He attacks us at our weak points, working through defects in the character to gain control of the whole man; and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed. But none need be overcome. Man is not left alone to conquer the power of evil by his own feeble efforts. Help is at hand and will be given to every soul who really desires it. Angels of God, that ascend and descend the ladder which Jacob saw in vision, will help every soul who will, to climb even to the highest heaven.{PP 568.2}[29]