第55章 童子撒母耳
§1
第55章 童子撒母耳
§2
Chap. 55 - The Child Samuel
§3
以法莲山地有一个利未人，名叫以利加拿，他是一个有财有势并敬爱耶和华的人。他的妻子哈拿是一个热诚敬虔的妇人。她的性情温柔谦逊，更以极大的热诚和卓越的信心著称。[1]{PP 569.1}
§4
Elkanah, a Levite of Mount Ephraim, was a man of wealth and influence, and one who loved and feared the Lord. His wife, Hannah, was a woman of fervent piety. Gentle and unassuming, her character was marked with deep earnestness and a lofty faith.{PP 569.1}[1]
§5
这一对敬虔的夫妇，没有得着每一个希伯来人所热切希冀的福分；他们的家庭中多年没有听见儿童欢笑的声音；丈夫为传宗接代起见，像其他许多人一样，另娶了一个妻子。可是这一个缺少信心的举措并没有使他得到幸福。家中固然添了儿女；但是上帝所立的神圣婚姻制度却受了影响，家庭的和睦因而破坏了。新娶的妻子毗尼拿是一个嫉妒成性、心胸狭窄、傲慢无礼的人。哈拿一生的指望似乎幻灭了，人生已成了不幸的重累；然而她却以毫无抱怨的温柔来应付试炼。[2]{PP 569.2}
§6
The blessing so earnestly sought by every Hebrew was denied this godly pair; their home was not gladdened by the voice of childhood; and the desire to perpetuate his name led the husband--as it had led many others--to contract a second marriage. But this step, prompted by a lack of faith in God, did not bring happiness. Sons and daughters were added to the household; but the joy and beauty of Gods sacred institution had been marred and the peace of the family was broken. Peninnah, the new wife, was jealous and narrow-minded, and she bore herself with pride and insolence. To Hannah, hope seemed crushed and life a weary burden; yet she met the trial with uncomplaining meekness.{PP 569.2}[2]
§7
以利加拿一向忠心遵守上帝的典章。那时，示罗的敬拜仍然奉行；他原是可以参加服务的一个利未人，但因圣所服务的程序不按正规，所以没有人派他在圣所服务。虽然如此，他每年仍照指定的节期上示罗去敬拜献祭。[3]{PP 569.3}
§8
Elkanah faithfully observed the ordinances of God. The worship at Shiloh was still maintained, but on account of irregularities in the ministration his services were not required at the sanctuary, to which, being a Levite, he was to give attendance. Yet he went up with his family to worship and sacrifice at the appointed gatherings.{PP 569.3}[3]
§9
那令以利加拿家庭受咒诅的恶灵，竟在这一家人赴崇拜上帝的神圣节期时发动了。以利加拿奉献了感恩祭之后，全家就照着已往的风俗，参加一次严肃而喜乐的宴会。在这时节，以利加拿将祭肉分给毗尼拿和她的儿女每人一分；但为表示尊重哈拿起见，他分给她双份，显明他对她的爱情，并算她已经有了一个儿子。于是那第二个妻子妒火中烧，声称：自己生儿养女，乃是特别蒙上帝眷爱；并嘲笑哈拿没有儿女，是耶和华不喜悦她的证据。毗尼拿年年说这样的话，直到哈拿再也忍受不住了。她无法隐忍悲愁，哭不成声，泪如泉涌，就从筵席上退去了。她丈夫虽然安慰她说：“你为何哭泣，不吃饭，心里愁闷呢？有我不比十个儿子还好吗？”也是徒然。（撒上1:1-8）[4]{PP 569.4}
§10
Even amid the sacred festivities connected with the service of God the evil spirit that had cursed his home intruded. After presenting the thank offerings, all the family, according to the established custom, united in a solemn yet joyous feast. Upon these occasions Elkanah gave the mother of his children a portion for herself and for each of her sons and daughters; and in token of regard for Hannah, he gave her a double portion, signifying that his affection for her was the same as if she had had a son. Then the second wife, fired with jealousy, claimed the precedence as one highly favored of God, and taunted Hannah with her childless state as evidence of the Lords displeasure. This was repeated from year to year, until Hannah could endure it no longer. Unable to hide her grief, she wept without restraint, and withdrew from the feast. Her husband vainly sought to comfort her. Why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? he said; am I not better to thee than ten sons?{PP 569.4}[4]
§11
哈拿没有说什么咎责的话。她只得把那世上亲友所不能分担的重担卸给上帝。她恳切地祈求上帝除去她的耻辱，并赐给她一个宝贵的恩赐，就是一个儿子，使她可以为上帝教育抚养。她又立了一个庄严的誓约，上帝若赐她一个儿子，她就要使这个孩子终身归与上帝。这时哈拿已走近会幕门口，心里愁苦，就“痛痛哭泣，祈祷耶和华。”然而她默默向上帝求告，并没有发声。在那邪恶的时代，像这样的敬拜是很少见到的。非礼的宴会和醉酒，倒是司空见惯的事，就是在宗教的节期间也是如此。大祭司以利注意到哈拿，想她必是喝醉了酒，所以他定意要给她一个该受的谴责，就严厉地说：“你要醉到几时呢？你不应该喝酒。”[5]{PP 570.1}
§12
Hannah uttered no reproach. The burden which she could share with no earthly friend she cast upon God. Earnestly she pleaded that He would take away her reproach and grant her the precious gift of a son to nurture and train for Him. And she made a solemn vow that if her request were granted, she would dedicate her child to God, even from its birth. Hannah had drawn near to the entrance of the tabernacle, and in the anguish of her spirit she prayed, . . . and wept sore. Yet she communed with God in silence, uttering no sound. In those evil times such scenes of worship were rarely witnessed. Irreverent feasting and even drunkenness were not uncommon, even at the religious festivals; and Eli the high priest, observing Hannah, supposed that she was overcome with wine. Thinking to administer a deserved rebuke, he said sternly, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.{PP 570.1}[5]
§13
哈拿听了这话，又惊骇，又痛苦，但她温柔地回答说：“主啊，不是这样，我是心里愁苦的妇人，清酒浓酒都没有喝，但在耶和华面前倾心吐意。不要将婢女看作不正经的女子；我因被人激动愁苦太多，所以祈求到如今。”[6]{PP 570.2}
§14
Pained and startled, Hannah answered gently, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.{PP 570.2}[6]
§15
大祭司深深地受了感动，因为他是一个属于上帝的人；他就以祝福代替责备说：“你可以平平安安的回去，愿以色列的上帝允准你向他所求的。”[7]{PP 570.3}
§16
The high priest was deeply moved, for he was a man of God; and in place of rebuke he uttered a blessing: Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of Him.{PP 570.3}[7]
§17
哈拿的祈祷蒙了应允；她果然得到她所恳切祈求的恩赐。当她看到这个孩子时，就给他起名叫撒母耳，意思就是：“从耶和华那里求来的。”一到这孩子长大，可以离开母亲的时候，她就向上帝还她所许的愿。她以慈母的全部热情疼爱自己的孩子；当她天天注视着孩子各方面的发育，并听到他牙牙学语的时候，她的心和孩子就更加紧紧地连在一起了。她虽然只有这一个孩子，又是上天特别的恩赐；但她既然从上帝领受了这个归他为圣的产业，就不敢把属上帝的孩子私自留下。[8]{PP 570.4}
§18
Hannahs prayer was granted; she received the gift for which she had so earnestly entreated. As she looked upon the child, she called him Samuel--asked of God. As soon as the little one was old enough to be separated from his mother, she fulfilled her vow. She loved her child with all the devotion of a mothers heart; day by day, as she watched his expanding powers and listened to his childish prattle, her affections entwined about him more closely. He was her only son, the special gift of Heaven; but she had received him as a treasure consecrated to God, and she would not withhold from the Giver His own.{PP 570.4}[8]
§19
哈拿又与她丈夫同上示罗去，奉上帝的名把她宝贝的恩赐献在祭司面前；说：“我祈求为要得这孩子，耶和华已将我所求的赐给我了。所以我将这孩子归与耶和华；使他终身归与耶和华。”以利因这位以色列妇女的信心和热诚深受感动。他自己是一个溺爱的父亲，当他看到这个母亲的伟大牺牲，看她甘愿与自己的独生子分离，而把他献上为上帝服务时，以利就深为钦佩，而自愧不如。他因自己的溺爱儿子痛痛自责，并谦卑恭敬地俯伏在耶和华的面前下拜。[9]{PP 571.1}
§20
Once more Hannah journeyed with her husband to Shiloh and presented to the priest, in the name of God, her precious gift, saying, For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him: therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. Eli was deeply impressed by the faith and devotion of this woman of Israel. Himself an overindulgent father, he was awed and humbled as he beheld this mothers great sacrifice in parting with her only child, that she might devote him to the service of God. He felt reproved for his own selfish love, and in humiliation and reverence he bowed before the Lord and worshiped.{PP 571.1}[9]
§21
母亲的心里充满了喜乐和赞美，她渴望从内心中倾吐对上帝的感谢。这时，有圣灵感动她，哈拿祷告说：“我的心因耶和华快乐；我的角因耶和华高举；我的口向仇敌张开；我因耶和华的救恩欢欣。只有耶和华为圣，除他以外没有可比的，也没有磐石像我们的上帝。人不要夸口说骄傲的话，也不要出狂妄的言语，因耶和华是大有智识的上帝，人的行为被他衡量。……耶和华使人死，也使人活；使人下阴间，也使人往上升。他使人贫穷，也使人富足；使人卑微，也使人高贵。他从灰尘里抬举贫寒人，从粪堆中提拔穷乏人，使他们与王子同坐，得着荣耀的座位；地的柱子属于耶和华，他将世界立在其上。他必保护圣民的脚步，使恶人在黑暗中寂然不动，人都不能靠力量得胜。与耶和华争竞的，必被打碎，耶和华必从天上以雷攻击他；必审判地极的人；将力量赐与所立的王，高举受膏者的角。”[10]{PP 571.2}
§22
The mothers heart was filled with joy and praise, and she longed to pour forth her gratitude to God. The Spirit of Inspiration came upon her; and Hannah prayed, and said: My heart rejoiceth in the Lord; Mine horn is exalted in the Lord; My mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; Because I rejoice in Thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: For there is none beside Thee: Neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; Let not arrogancy come out of your mouth; For Jehovah is a God of knowledge, And by Him actions are weighed. . . . The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: He bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: He bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, And lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, To set them among princes, And to make them inherit the throne of glory: For the pillars of the earth are the Lords, And He hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of His saints, And the wicked shall be silent in darkness; For by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; Out of heaven shall He thunder upon them: The Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; And He shall give strength unto His king, And exalt the horn of His anointed.{PP 571.2}[10]
§23
哈拿的祷告就是一篇预言，一面提到那将要作以色列王的大卫，一面论及上帝的受膏者弥赛亚。这篇诗歌首先提到一个傲慢乖戾妇人夸大的话，继而指出上帝仇敌的毁灭，以及他赎民的最后胜利。[11]{PP 572.1}
§24
Hannahs words were prophetic, both of David, who should reign as king of Israel, and of the Messiah, the Lords Anointed. Referring first to the boasting of an insolent and contentious woman, the song points to the destruction of the enemies of God and the final triumph of His redeemed people. {PP 572.1}[11]
§25
哈拿从示罗平平安安地回到拉玛的家；把孩子撒母耳留在示罗，使他在大祭司的指导之下受训练，学习在上帝的殿中服务。哈拿从她儿子知识初开的时候就已经教训他敬爱上帝，并看自己是属于耶和华的人。她曾设法利用他周围的一些普通事物，来引导他的思想归向创造主。当这位忠实的母亲和孩子分离的时候，她还是一直挂念着她的爱子。她每天祷告时，总是为他代求。她每年亲手为他作一件小外袍；当她同丈夫上示罗朝拜上帝的时候，就带给他作为母爱的记念。这件外袍的一针一线，可说都是祈祷缝成的；她祈求上帝使穿这小袍的孩子能成为一个纯洁、高尚、忠实的人。哈拿从来没有为她儿子要求属世的尊荣，只是恳切地为他祷告，使他可以达到上天所认为伟大的地步，使他可以荣耀上帝，造福人群。[12]{PP 572.2}
§26
From Shiloh, Hannah quietly returned to her home at Ramah, leaving the child Samuel to be trained for service in the house of God, under the instruction of the high priest. From the earliest dawn of intellect she had taught her son to love and reverence God and to regard himself as the Lords. By every familiar object surrounding him she had sought to lead his thoughts up to the Creator. When separated from her child, the faithful mothers solicitude did not cease. Every day he was the subject of her prayers. Every year she made, with her own hands, a robe of service for him; and as she went up with her husband to worship at Shiloh, she gave the child this reminder of her love. Every fiber of the little garment had been woven with a prayer that he might be pure, noble, and true. She did not ask for her son worldly greatness, but she earnestly pleaded that he might attain that greatness which Heaven values--that he might honor God and bless his fellow men.{PP 572.2}[12]
§27
哈拿所得到的报赏是何等的丰厚啊！她的榜样对忠心之人的鼓励又是何等的有力啊！每一个母亲都有无上宝贵的机会和权利。我们应当把一般妇女所视为烦累重担的家务，看作伟大而高尚的工作。母亲的特权，乃是用她的影响使世人得福。而且她这样作，也必使自己得到喜乐。她可以为自己的儿女修直道路，使他们不论经过光明或荫翳，都可以上达天国光荣的高处。但是母亲唯有在自己的生活上追求顺从基督的教训，才能依着神圣的标准陶冶儿女的品格。世界充斥着许多腐化的影响；世上的风俗习惯在青年人身上有极大的力量。如果母亲没有尽到教诲、引导和禁戒儿女的本分，则她的儿女必致趋向邪恶，离弃良善。每一个母亲务要时常到救主面前祈求，说：“指教我们，”“我们当怎样待这孩子，他后来当怎样呢？”她务要留意上帝在《圣经》中所赐的教导，这样，当她需要的时候，就必有智慧赐给她。[13]{PP 572.3}
§28
What a reward was Hannahs! and what an encouragement to faithfulness is her example! There are opportunities of inestimable worth, interests infinitely precious, committed to every mother. The humble round of duties which women have come to regard as a wearisome task should be looked upon as a grand and noble work. It is the mothers privilege to bless the world by her influence, and in doing this she will bring joy to her own heart. She may make straight paths for the feet of her children, through sunshine and shadow, to the glorious heights above. But it is only when she seeks, in her own life, to follow the teachings of Christ that the mother can hope to form the character of her children after the divine pattern. The world teems with corrupting influences. Fashion and custom exert a strong power over the young. If the mother fails in her duty to instruct, guide, and restrain, her children will naturally accept the evil, and turn from the good. Let every mother go often to her Saviour with the prayer, Teach us, how shall we order the child, and what shall we do unto him? Let her heed the instruction which God has given in His word, and wisdom will be given her as she shall have need.{PP 572.3}[13]
§29
“孩子撒母耳渐渐长大，耶和华与人越发喜爱他。”撒母耳的少年时期虽然一直是在会幕中专作敬拜上帝的事，但他未能完全脱离邪恶的影响和罪恶的榜样。以利的两个儿子不敬畏上帝，也不尊敬他们的父亲；但撒母耳并没有与他们结交，也没有随从他们邪恶的作风。他不断地努力要达到上帝所要他达到的地步。这是每一个少年所有的特权。连幼小的孩子献身为上帝服务，也必蒙他喜悦。[14]{PP 573.1}
§30
The child Samuel grew on, and was in favor both with the Lord, and also with men. Though Samuels youth was passed at the tabernacle devoted to the worship of God, he was not free from evil influences or sinful example. The sons of Eli feared not God, nor honored their father; but Samuel did not seek their company nor follow their evil ways. It was his constant endeavor to become what God would have him. This is the privilege of every youth. God is pleased when even little children give themselves to His service.{PP 573.1}[14]
§31
以利曾受托照顾撒母耳，这孩子可爱的性格引起了这年老祭司温暖的慈爱。撒母耳是亲切而宽厚，服从而有礼的。以利常因自己儿子的不肖而深为痛心，但在这托管的孩子身上却得到了安舒、慰藉和福乐。撒母耳既能帮助他作事，又很孝敬他，所以世上没有什么父亲爱他的儿子，比以利爱这少年人更深的了。在一国的首长和这天真的孩子之间，竟能发生这样恳挚的爱情，的确是一件罕有的事。当以利年老力衰，并为自己儿子的放荡行为而焦虑悔恨时，他就常从撒母耳那里得到一点安慰。[15]{PP 573.2}
§32
Samuel had been placed under the care of Eli, and the loveliness of his character drew forth the warm affection of the aged priest. He was kind, generous, obedient, and respectful. Eli, pained by the waywardness of his own sons, found rest and comfort and blessing in the presence of his charge. Samuel was helpful and affectionate, and no father ever loved his child more tenderly than did Eli this youth. It was a singular thing that between the chief magistrate of the nation and the simple child so warm an affection should exist. As the infirmities of age came upon Eli, and he was filled with anxiety and remorse by the profligate course of his own sons, he turned to Samuel for comfort.{PP 573.2}[15]
§33
按着平常的规矩，利未人未过二十五岁，是不得参加圣所中服务的，但撒母耳却是个例外。他的职责一年比一年加重；那时他虽然还是一个孩童，但他却已穿上细麻布的以弗得，表明他是献身作圣所中工作的了。当他被带到圣幕时虽然年纪幼小，但就在那时他已担负起能力所足以应付的工作了。这些工作起先是很粗重，而且往往不是很愉快的；但他总是甘心乐意尽他最大的努力去作。他在日常的生活上实行他的信仰。他认定自己是上帝的仆人，自己的工作乃是上帝的工作。他的努力既是出于爱上帝的心，和遵行他旨意的至诚，就蒙了上帝的悦纳。这样撒母耳就成了天地之主的同工者。而且上帝造就他，去为以色列人成就一番伟大的工作。[16]{PP 573.3}
§34
It was not customary for the Levites to enter upon their peculiar services until they were twenty-five years of age, but Samuel had been an exception to this rule. Every year saw more important trusts committed to him; and while he was yet a child, a linen ephod was placed upon him as a token of his consecration to the work of the sanctuary. Young as he was when brought to minister in the tabernacle, Samuel had even then duties to perform in the service of God, according to his capacity. These were at first very humble, and not always pleasant; but they were performed to the best of his ability, and with a willing heart. His religion was carried into every duty of life. He regarded himself as Gods servant, and his work as Gods work. His efforts were accepted, because they were prompted by love to God and a sincere desire to do His will. It was thus that Samuel became a co-worker with the Lord of heaven and earth. And God fitted him to accomplish a great work for Israel.{PP 573.3}[16]
§35
如果儿童能受教，看他们粗重的日常本分为耶和华所指定的工作，为训练他们进行忠心有效服务的学校，那么，他们的工作就必显得多么愉快可贵啊！人若履行每一个本分如同是为耶和华作的，就必能使最平凡的事务饶有兴味；并可将地上的工人与天上实行上帝旨意的圣者连结起来。[17]{PP 574.1}
§36
If children were taught to regard the humble round of everyday duties as the course marked out for them by the Lord, as a school in which they were to be trained to render faithful and efficient service, how much more pleasant and honorable would their work appear. To perform every duty as unto the Lord, throws a charm around the humblest employment and links the workers on earth with the holy beings who do Gods will in heaven.{PP 574.1}[17]
§37
今生和来生的成功，都有赖于在小事上的忠心和慎重的留意。在上帝的一切工作中，最小的事和最大的一样，都可以看出他的完全来自那托住万有的手，也就是那装饰田野百合花的手。上帝在他的范围内是完全的，所以我们也要在我们的范围内作完全人。一个坚强，优美，而匀称的品格，是由于个别的分内之事积累而成的。我们的生活细节，无论大小，都要以忠信表明其性质。在小事上守正不阿，在小事上履行忠信和仁爱，必能使人生的道路光明愉快；及至我们地上的工作结束之后，我们必要发现每一件忠心履行的小节，都已发生其良好的影响，这影响是永远不能磨灭的。[18]{PP 574.2}
§38
Success in this life, success in gaining the future life, depends upon a faithful, conscientious attention to the little things. Perfection is seen in the least, no less than in the greatest, of the works of God. The hand that hung the worlds in space is the hand that wrought with delicate skill the lilies of the field. And as God is perfect in His sphere, so we are to be perfect in ours. The symmetrical structure of a strong, beautiful character is built up by individual acts of duty. And faithfulness should characterize our life in the least as well as in the greatest of its details. Integrity in little things, the performance of little acts of fidelity and little deeds of kindness, will gladden the path of life; and when our work on earth is ended, it will be found that every one of the little duties faithfully performed has exerted an influence for good--an influence that can never perish.{PP 574.2}[18]
§39
今日的青年也可以像撒母耳一样，在上帝眼中看为宝贵。他们若能忠心保持自己基督徒的纯正人格，也可以在改革的工作上发出强有力的影响。现今正需要这样的人，上帝有工作给每一位这样的人去作。凡在今日忠心执行上帝所交托他们之任务的人所能成就的事，至少可与古代圣贤为上帝和人类所作的工作相媲美。[19]{PP 574.3}
§40
The youth of our time may become as precious in the sight of God as was Samuel. By faithfully maintaining their Christian integrity, they may exert a strong influence in the work of reform. Such men are needed at this time. God has a work for every one of them. Never did men achieve greater results for God and humanity than may be achieved in this our day by those who will be faithful to their God-given trust.{PP 574.3}[19]