第57章 约柜被掳
§1
第57章 约柜被掳Chap. 57 - The Ark
§2
还有一个警告要传给以利的家。上帝不能与这大祭司和他的儿子交往；因为他们的罪像一层密云一样，已经使他们与圣灵隔离了。但是在邪恶的潮流之中，童子撒母耳仍然效忠上天，于是上帝以斥责以利家的信息传给撒母耳，作他担任至高者先知圣职的委任状。[1]{PP 581.1}
§3
Taken by the Philistines Another warning was to be given to Elis house. God could not communicate with the high priest and his sons; their sins, like a thick cloud, had shut out the presence of His Holy Spirit. But in the midst of evil the child Samuel remained true to Heaven, and the message of condemnation to the house of Eli was Samuels commission as a prophet of the Most High.{PP 581.1}[1]
§4
“当那些日子，耶和华的言语稀少，不常有默示。一日以利睡卧在自己的地方；他眼目昏花，看不分明；上帝的灯在上帝耶和华殿内约柜那里，还没有熄灭，撒母耳已经睡了。耶和华呼唤撒母耳。”（见撒上3:1-7）撒母耳以为这是以利的声音，就赶紧走到祭司的床边，说：“你呼唤我，我在这里。”以利回答说：“我没有呼唤你，你去睡吧。”撒母耳被呼唤三次，他三次都照样答应。于是以利知道这神秘的呼唤乃是上帝的声音。耶和华已经越过他所拣选的仆人——这位白发苍苍的老人——而与一个孩童交谈了。对以利和他的全家，这乃是一个难堪而该受的谴责。[2]{PP 581.2}
§5
The word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; and ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; that the Lord called Samuel. Supposing the voice to be that of Eli, the child hastened to the bedside of the priest, saying, Here am I; for thou calledst me. The answer was, I called not, my son; lie down again. Three times Samuel was called, and thrice he responded in like manner. And then Eli was convinced that the mysterious call was the voice of God. The Lord had passed by His chosen servant, the man of hoary hairs, to commune with a child. This in itself was a bitter yet deserved rebuke to Eli and his house.{PP 581.2}[2]
§6
以利心中没有起什么嫉妒或怨恨的思想。他指示撒母耳若是那声音再呼唤的话，就这样回答，说：“耶和华啊，请说，仆人敬听。”果然又听见那声音呼唤了，童子就回答说：“请说，仆人敬听。”他一想到那伟大的上帝竟要与他说话，心中不禁非常畏惧，甚至连以利所教他讲话的方式也记不完全了。[3]{PP 581.3}
§7
No feeling of envy or jealousy was awakened in Elis heart. He directed Samuel to answer, if again called, Speak, Lord; for Thy servant heareth. Once more the voice was heard, and the child answered, Speak; for Thy servant heareth. So awed was he at the thought that the great God should speak to him that he could not remember the exact words which Eli bade him say.{PP 581.3}[3]
§8
“耶和华对撒母耳说：我在以色列中必行一件事，叫听见的人都必耳鸣。我指着以利家所说的话，到了时候我必始终应验在以利身上。我曾告诉他必永远降罚与他的家，因他知道儿子作孽，自招咒诅，却不禁止他们。所以我向以利家起誓说：以利家的罪孽，虽献祭奉礼物，永不能得赎去。”[4]{PP 581.4}
§9
And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone that heareth it shall tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Elis house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering forever.{PP 581.4}[4]
§10
撒母耳在从上帝领受这一个信息之前，他“还未认识耶和华，也未得耶和华的默示。”这意思就是说，他那时还不熟悉上帝赐给众先知的直接显示。这点是耶和华的旨意，要用这出其不意的方式显示自己，叫以利可以从这少年人的惊奇与询问而得知这个信息。[5]{PP 582.1}
§11
Before receiving this message from God, Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him; that is, he was not acquainted with such direct manifestations of Gods presence as were granted to the prophets. It was the Lords purpose to reveal Himself in an unexpected manner, that Eli might hear of it through the surprise and inquiry of the youth.{PP 582.1}[5]
§12
撒母耳一想到上帝交托他的那么可怕的信息，便满心惊惶诧异。到了早晨，他照常执行他的本分，但在他幼稚的心上却负了一个沉重的但子。上帝既没有吩咐他将这可怕的谴责告诉以利，他就保持缄默，并尽可能地避免与以利见面。他战战兢兢，唯恐自己被人追问，不得不宣布上帝对他所敬爱之人所定的罪案。以利确知这信息必是预告什么大灾祸，将要临到他和他的家。所以他把撒母耳叫来，嘱咐他忠实地把耶和华所显示的事告诉他。这个少年人便听他的话，把一切都告诉了他，于是老人便低头顺服这可怕的判决，他说：“这是出于耶和华，愿他凭自己的意旨而行。”[6]{PP 582.2}
§13
Samuel was filled with fear and amazement at the thought of having so terrible a message committed to him. In the morning he went about his duties as usual, but with a heavy burden upon his young heart. The Lord had not commanded him to reveal the fearful denunciation, hence he remained silent, avoiding, as far as possible, the presence of Eli. He trembled, lest some question should compel him to declare the divine judgments against one whom he loved and reverenced. Eli was confident that the message foretold some great calamity to him and his house. He called Samuel, and charged him to relate faithfully what the Lord had revealed. The youth obeyed, and the aged man bowed in humble submission to the appalling sentence. It is the Lord, he said: let Him do what seemeth Him good.{PP 582.2}[6]
§14
然而以利并没有显出真正悔改的实效。他虽然承认了自己的错，却没有弃绝罪恶。年复一年的过去，耶和华延搁未降他所宣布的报应。在那几年中，以利很可以多多挽救他过去的失败；但这位老祭司并没有采取有效的步骤，来矫正那污秽耶和华圣所，并使以色列千万人败亡的罪恶。上帝的宽容竟使何弗尼和非尼哈的心肠更加刚硬，肆无忌惮了。以利曾把那警告并谴责他家的信息通告全国，希望借此多少抵消他过去疏忽的恶影响。但是百姓和他的儿子都不顾这警告。周围列国的人也知道以色列中所公开的罪孽，他们也就更加在拜偶像和犯罪的行为上胆大妄为了。他们在罪恶之中知觉已经麻木。如果以色列能保持他们的正直，则列国的人必能感觉到自己的罪恶是何等可憎。但是报应的日子即将来到。上帝的权威已被人撇在一边，对他的敬拜已被人轻忽藐视，所以他必须亲自干涉，来维护他圣名的荣誉。[7]{PP 582.3}
§15
Yet Eli did not manifest the fruits of true repentance. He confessed his guilt, but failed to renounce the sin. Year after year the Lord delayed His threatened judgments. Much might have been done in those years to redeem the failures of the past, but the aged priest took no effective measures to correct the evils that were polluting the sanctuary of the Lord and leading thousands in Israel to ruin. The forbearance of God caused Hophni and Phinehas to harden their hearts and to become still bolder in transgression. The messages of warning and reproof to his house were made known by Eli to the whole nation. By this means he hoped to counteract, in some measure, the evil influence of his past neglect. But the warnings were disregarded by the people, as they had been by the priests. The people of surrounding nations also, who were not ignorant of the iniquities openly practiced in Israel, became still bolder in their idolatry and crime. They felt no sense of guilt for their sins, as they would have felt had the Israelites preserved their integrity. But a day of retribution was approaching. Gods authority had been set aside, and His worship neglected and despised, and it became necessary for Him to interpose, that the honor of His name might be maintained.{PP 582.3}[7]
§16
“以色列人出去与非利士人打仗，安营在以便以谢，非利士人安营在亚弗。”以色列人这次的战役，事先并没有求问上帝，也没有征得大祭司或先知的同意。“非利士人与以色列人摆阵。两军交战的时候，以色列人败在非利士人面前，非利士人在战场上杀了他们的军兵，约有四千人。”当这灰心丧胆的队伍回到营中时，“以色列的长老说，耶和华今日为何使我们败在非利士人面前呢？”上帝刑罚全国的时机业已成熟了，然而他们却看不出自己的罪孽正是这次可怕灾祸的原因。他们说：“我们不如将耶和华的约柜，从示罗抬到我们这里来，好在我们中间救我们脱离敌人的手。”耶和华并没有命令，也没有准许他们把约柜抬到军营之中；但以色列人却自信必得胜利，于是当以利的儿子将约柜抬进营中时，他们就发出大声的欢呼。[8]{PP 583.1}
§17
Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek. This expedition was undertaken by the Israelites without counsel from God, without the concurrence of high priest or prophet. And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. As the shattered and disheartened force returned to their encampment, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us today before the Philistines? The nation was ripe for the judgments of God, yet they did not see that their own sins had been the cause of this terrible disaster. And they said, Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies. The Lord had given no command or permission that the ark should come into the army; yet the Israelites felt confident that victory would be theirs, and uttered a great shout when it was borne into the camp by the sons of Eli.{PP 583.1}[8]
§18
非利士人一向把约柜看作以色列人的神，把耶和华为他子民所行的一切大能的事，都归功于约柜的能力。当他们听说约柜来到以色列营中，又听见众人所发的大声欢呼时，他们便说：“在希伯来人营里大声欢呼，是什么缘故呢？随后就知道耶和华的约柜到了营中。非利士人就惧怕起来，说：有神到了他们营中；又说：我们有祸了；向来不曾有这样的事。我们有祸了，谁能救我们脱离这些大能之神的手呢？从前在旷野用各样灾殃击打埃及人的，就是这些神。非利士人哪，你们要刚强，要作大丈夫，免得作希伯来人的奴仆，如同他们作你们的奴仆一样；你们要作大丈夫与他们争战。”[9]{PP 583.2}
§19
The Philistines looked upon the ark as the god of Israel. All the mighty works that Jehovah had wrought for His people were attributed to its power. As they heard the shouts of joy at its approach, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the Lord was come into the camp. And the Philistines were afraid; for they said, God has come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore. Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? These are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness. Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.{PP 583.2}[9]
§20
非利士人向以色列人猛烈的进攻，结果以色列人大败，被杀的人甚多。有三万人死于战场，上帝的约柜也被掳去，以利的两个儿子在护卫约柜时也被杀了。这样，以色列人的历史上又留下一个见证，作为将来世世代代的警戒，说明那些自称为上帝子民的罪孽决不能逃脱刑罚。人越明白上帝的旨意，他们违背他旨意的罪也就越大。[10]{PP 583.3}
§21
The Philistines made a fierce assault, which resulted in the defeat of Israel, with great slaughter. Thirty thousand men lay dead upon the field, and the ark of God was taken, the two sons of Eli having fallen while fighting to defend it. Thus again was left upon the page of history a testimony for all future ages--that the iniquity of Gods professed people will not go unpunished. The greater the knowledge of Gods will, the greater the sin of those who disregard it.{PP 583.3}[10]
§22
以色列人所能遭遇的最可怕的灾祸，从此落到他们头上了。上帝的约柜已经被掳，如今已在敌人手中。当耶和华圣颜和能力的表号从他们中间移去的时候，真可以说荣耀已经离开以色列了。上帝真理和能力最奇妙的显示，是与这神圣的约柜息息相关的。从前无论在什么时候，只要约柜一出现，以色列人就得了神奇的胜利。约柜之上有金基路伯的翅膀遮蔽着，在至圣所内有言语所不能形容的荣光出现，这就是至高上帝看得见的象征。但如今约柜没有使他们得到胜利，在这一次战役中并没有保卫他们，因此以色列人普遍地为之悲哀沮丧。[11]{PP 584.1}
§23
The most terrifying calamity that could occur had befallen Israel. The ark of God had been captured, and was in the possession of the enemy. The glory had indeed departed from Israel when the symbol of the abiding presence and power of Jehovah was removed from the midst of them. With this sacred chest were associated the most wonderful revelations of Gods truth and power. In former days miraculous victories had been achieved whenever it appeared. It was shadowed by the wings of the golden cherubim, and the unspeakable glory of the Shekinah, the visible symbol of the most high God, had rested over it in the holy of holies. But now it had brought no victory. It had not proved a defense on this occasion, and there was mourning throughout Israel.{PP 584.1}[11]
§24
他们没有看出自己的信仰不过是口头上的信仰，并不能得到上帝的喜悦。约柜里面所保存的上帝的律法是上帝同在的象征；但他们已经侮辱了上帝的诫命，轻视了他的律例，以致使耶和华的灵担忧。当百姓顺从上帝的圣洁律例时，耶和华就与他们同在，用他无穷的能力为他们行事；但当他们依靠约柜，而没有把它与上帝结合起来，也没有顺从他的律法，来尊荣他明显的旨意时，约柜就如一个普通的箱子一样，与他们无益了。他们看约柜如同拜偶像的列国看他们的假神一样，好像它本身有什么能力和拯救的因素似的。他们违犯了约柜中的律法，他们对约柜的敬拜，正足以使他们走到形式主义、假冒为善和敬拜偶像的地步。他们的罪已经使自己与上帝隔绝，除非他们悔改，并放弃他们的罪孽，他就不能使他们得到什么胜利。[12]{PP 584.2}
§25
They had not realized that their faith was only a nominal faith, and had lost its power to prevail with God. The law of God, contained in the ark, was also a symbol of His presence; but they had cast contempt upon the commandments, had despised their requirements, and had grieved the Spirit of the Lord from among them. When the people obeyed the holy precepts, the Lord was with them to work for them by His infinite power; but when they looked upon the ark, and did not associate it with God, nor honor His revealed will by obedience to His law, it could avail them little more than a common box. They looked to the ark as the idolatrous nations looked to their gods, as if it possessed in itself the elements of power and salvation. They transgressed the law it contained; for their very worship of the ark led to formalism, hypocrisy, and idolatry. Their sin had separated them from God, and He could not give them the victory until they had repented of and forsaken their iniquity.{PP 584.2}[12]
§26
单有约柜和圣所在以色列人中间是不够的。单有祭司献祭，百姓得称为上帝的儿女也是不够的。那些“心中注重罪孽”的人，耶和华必不听他们的要求；经上说：“转耳不听律法的，他的祈祷也为可憎。”（箴28:9）[13]{PP 584.3}
§27
It was not enough that the ark and the sanctuary were in the midst of Israel. It was not enough that the priests offered sacrifices, and that the people were called the children of God. The Lord does not regard the request of those who cherish iniquity in the heart; it is written that he that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. Proverbs 28:9. {PP 584.3}[13]
§28
当军队出去作战的时候，年迈眼花的以利却留在示罗。他为感觉前途的不祥而烦闷，他等待着战争的消息，因他“为上帝的约柜心里担忧。”他在会幕门口设了一个位子，天天坐在大道旁，焦急地等着有报信的人从战场上回来。[14]{PP 585.1}
§29
When the army went out to battle, Eli, blind and old, had tarried at Shiloh. It was with troubled forebodings that he awaited the result of the conflict; for his heart trembled for the ark of God. Taking his position outside the gate of the tabernacle, he sat by the highway side day after day, anxiously expecting the arrival of a messenger from the battlefield.{PP 585.1}[14]
§30
最后有一个便雅悯人从阵上来，“衣服撕裂，头蒙灰尘，”急忙向进城的上坡路跑去，他漫不经意地跑过道旁的老人，一直冲进城去，向期待着的人群传报失败和丧亡的信息。[15]{PP 585.2}
§31
At length a Benjamite from the army, with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head, came hurrying up the ascent leading to the city. Passing heedlessly the aged man beside the way, he rushed on to the town, and repeated to eager throngs the tidings of defeat and loss.{PP 585.2}[15]
§32
呼号哀哭之声传到那坐在会幕门口观望者的耳中。有人把报信的人带到他面前。那人对以利说：“以色列人在非利士人面前逃跑，民中被杀的甚多；你的两个儿子何弗尼、非尼哈也都死了。”这事虽惨，以利还能忍受得住，因为他早已料到这事。但报信人一说：“并且上帝的约柜被掳去，”他脸上就现出无法形容的惨痛。他想到自己的罪使上帝受了这样的侮辱，使他转离了以色列，便再也不能忍受下去了，他毫无气力的，往后跌倒，“折断颈项而死。”[16]{PP 585.3}
§33
The sound of wailing and lamentation reached the watcher beside the tabernacle. The messenger was brought to him. And the man said unto Eli, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead. Eli could endure all this, terrible as it was, for he had expected it. But when the messenger added, And the ark of God is taken, a look of unutterable anguish passed over his countenance. The thought that his sin had thus dishonored God and caused Him to withdraw His presence from Israel was more than he could bear; his strength was gone, he fell, and his neck brake, and he died.{PP 585.3}[16]
§34
非尼哈的妻子虽然有一个不敬虔的丈夫，但她却是一个敬畏耶和华的妇女。她公公和丈夫的死，尤其是上帝约柜被掳的可怖消息，竟成了她的死因。她觉得以色列最后的希望已经断绝；她为这次在遭难的时候所生的孩子起名叫以迦博，就是“没有荣耀”的意思。她临死再三的悲呼：“荣耀离开以色列，因为上帝的约柜被掳去了。”[17]{PP 585.4}
§35
The wife of Phinehas, notwithstanding the impiety of her husband, was a woman who feared the Lord. The death of her father-in-law and her husband, and above all, the terrible tidings that the ark of God was taken, caused her death. She felt that the last hope of Israel was gone; and she named the child born in this hour of adversity, Ichabod, or inglorious; with her dying breath mournfully repeating the words, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.{PP 585.4}[17]
§36
但是耶和华并没有完全丢弃他的百姓，他也没有让异教人长久欢庆。他已用非利士人作为刑罚以色列人的工具，现在还要用约柜刑罚非利士人。过去上帝的圣颜曾随着约柜，作为他顺从之民的力量和荣耀。现在那看不见的圣颜仍然随着这约柜，给一切违犯他圣洁律法的人带来了恐慌和毁灭。耶和华往往用他最狠毒的敌人来刑罚那些自称是他子民之人的不忠。当恶人看到以色列遭受惩罚时，他们固然会暂时得意；但时候将到，他们必要遭到圣洁而恨恶罪恶之上帝的刑罚。无论何处，只要有人怀藏罪孽，那里必有迅速而毫厘不爽的神圣刑罚随之而来。[18]{PP 585.5}
§37
But the Lord had not wholly cast aside His people, nor would He long suffer the exultation of the heathen. He had used the Philistines as the instrument to punish Israel, and He employed the ark to punish the Philistines. In time past the divine Presence had attended it, to be the strength and glory of His obedient people. That invisible Presence would still attend it, to bring terror and destruction to the transgressors of His holy law. The Lord often employs His bitterest enemies to punish the unfaithfulness of His professed people. The wicked may triumph for a time as they see Israel suffering chastisement, but the time will come when they, too, must meet the sentence of a holy, sin-hating God. Whenever iniquity is cherished, there, swift and unerring, the divine judgments will follow.{PP 585.5}[18]
§38
非利士人兴高采烈地把约柜抬到他们五个主要城邑之一亚实突去，放在他们的神大衮的庙中。他们幻想着以前随着约柜的能力如今已经属于他们。并且再加上大衮的能力，他们就举世无敌了。可是次日他们到了庙里，看见一个令人非常恐慌的现象。大衮已经仆倒在耶和华的约柜前，面伏于地。祭司们恭恭敬敬地把这偶像扶起来，又立在原处。但到了次日，他们见大衮又仆倒在约柜之前，不料身体也折断了。这偶像的上半身是一个人像，而下半身则像一条鱼。如今那像人的一部分都折断了，只剩下那像鱼的残体。祭司和百姓惊慌万分；他们认为这一件神秘的事乃是一个凶兆，说明他们自己和他们的偶像都将在希伯来人的上帝面前被毁灭。于是他们把约柜从庙中抬出来，单放在另一所房子里。[19]{PP 586.1}
§39
The Philistines removed the ark in triumph to Ashdod, one of their five principal cities, and placed it in the house of their god Dagon. They imagined that the power which had hitherto attended the ark would be theirs, and that this, united with the power of Dagon, would render them invincible. But upon entering the temple on the following day, they beheld a sight which filled them with consternation. Dagon had fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of Jehovah. The priests reverently lifted the idol and restored it to its place. But the next morning they found it, strangely mutilated, again lying upon the earth before the ark. The upper part of this idol was like that of a man, and the lower part was in the likeness of a fish. Now every part that resembled the human form had been cut off, and only the body of the fish remained. Priests and people were horror-struck; they looked upon this mysterious event as an evil omen, foreboding destruction to themselves and their idols before the God of the Hebrews. They now removed the ark from their temple and placed it in a building by itself.{PP 586.1}[19]
§40
亚实突人遭了打击，居民都患了一种痛苦致命的疾病。他们记得从前以色列的上帝曾降灾难在埃及人身上，他们就认为自己所受的灾难，必是约柜在他们中间的缘故。于是他们决定把约柜运往迦特去。但灾难也紧紧地随着约柜转移，所以迦特人把它送往以革伦去。以革伦人接到约柜，就喊嚷起来，说：“他们将以色列上帝的约柜运到我们这里，要害我们和我们的众民。”他们像迦特人和亚实突人一样，也祈求他们神的保护；但毁坏的工作仍然继续进行，直到他们在苦难中“合城呼号，声音上达于天。”他们再不敢将约柜放在人的家里，就把它放在露天之下。于是接着有鼠疫发生，蹂躏全地，毁坏了全地和仓库里的土产。这时举国险些被疾病和饥荒全然毁灭了。[20]{PP 586.2}
§41
The inhabitants of Ashdod were smitten with a distressing and fatal disease. Remembering the plagues that were inflicted upon Egypt by the God of Israel, the people attributed their afflictions to the presence of the ark among them. It was decided to convey it to Gath. But the plague followed close upon its removal, and the men of that city sent it to Ekron. Here the people received it with terror, crying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people. They turned to their gods for protection, as the people of Gath and Ashdod had done; but the work of the destroyer went on, until, in their distress, the cry of the city went up to heaven. Fearing longer to retain the ark among the homes of men, the people next placed it in the open field. There followed a plague of mice, which infested the land, destroying the products of the soil, both in the storehouse and in the field. Utter destruction, by disease or famine, now threatened the nation.{PP 586.2}[20]
§42
耶和华的约柜在非利士地七个月，以色列人在这时期中，并没有作什么收复约柜的努力。但此时非利士人却急切地要放弃约柜，像他们过去想把它夺过来一样。约柜非但没有作为他们能力的泉源，反而成了他们的重累和灾难。然而他们不知道应采取什么方针才好；因为约柜无论运到哪里，哪里就遭到上帝的刑罚。于是他们招集国内的首领、祭司和占卜的，急切问他们说：“我们向耶和华的约柜应当怎样行？请指示我们用何法将约柜送回原处。”他们建议用赔罪的贵重礼物将约柜送回去。祭司说：“然后你们可得痊愈，并知道他的手为何不离开你们。”[21]{PP 586.3}
§43
For seven months the ark remained in Philistia, and during all this time the Israelites made no effort for its recovery. But the Philistines were now as anxious to free themselves from its presence as they had been to obtain it. Instead of being a source of strength to them, it was a great burden and a heavy curse. Yet they knew not what course to pursue; for wherever it went the judgments of God followed. The people called for the princes of the nation, with the priests and diviners, and eagerly inquired, What shall we do to the ark of Jehovah? tell us wherewith we shall send it to his place? They were advised to return it with a costly trespass offering. Then, said the priests, ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why His hand is not removed from you.{PP 586.3}[21]
§44
为逃避或免除灾难起见，古时异教人的风俗，是要用金子、银子，或其他材料仿照导致毁灭之物，或身体上特别受灾的部分作一个像。然后把它安置在柱子上，或其他容易看见的地方，他们以为这样就可以保护患者脱离这个像所代表的灾祸。现代在有一些异教徒中，这种风俗依然盛行。当一个病人到庙里向他的神求治时，他要带着一个他所患之处的像献与他的神为祭。[22]{PP 587.1}
§45
To ward off or to remove a plague, it was anciently the custom among the heathen to make an image in gold, silver, or other material, of that which caused the destruction, or of the object or part of the body specially affected. This was set up on a pillar or in some conspicuous place, and was supposed to be an effectual protection against the evils thus represented. A similar practice still exists among some heathen peoples. When a person suffering from disease goes for cure to the temple of his idol, he carries with him a figure of the part affected, which he presents as an offering to his god.{PP 587.1}[22]
§46
非利士的首领便依着这种流行的迷信，指示百姓制造他们的金像，“他们回答说：当照非利士首领的数目，用五个金痔疮，五个金老鼠，因为在你们众人和你们首领的身上，都是一样的灾。”[23]{PP 587.2}
§47
It was in accordance with the prevailing superstition that the Philistine lords directed the people to make representations of the plagues by which they had been afflicted--five golden emerods, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for, said they, one plague was on you all, and on your lords.{PP 587.2}[23]
§48
这些哲士承认约柜附有神秘的能力，是一种他们无法应付的能力。但他们并没有劝告百姓离弃偶像去侍奉耶和华。他们虽然因难堪的灾祸而不得不承认他的威权，但他们仍然仇恨以色列的上帝。照样，罪人可能因上帝的刑罚而确知抗拒上帝是徒劳无益的。他们可能不得不承认他的能力，可是他们心中还是背了他的管教。这样的屈服并不能救罪人。人必须将心归向上帝，必须为上帝的恩典所软化，然后他的悔改才能蒙悦纳。[24]{PP 587.3}
§49
These wise men acknowledged a mysterious power accompanying the ark--a power which they had no wisdom to meet. Yet they did not counsel the people to turn from their idolatry to serve the Lord. They still hated the God of Israel, though compelled by overwhelming judgments to submit to His authority. Thus sinners may be convinced by the judgments of God that it is in vain to contend against Him. They may be compelled to submit to His power, while at heart they rebel against His control. Such submission cannot save the sinner. The heart must be yielded to God--must be subdued by divine grace--before mans repentance can be accepted.{PP 587.3}[24]
§50
上帝对恶人的容忍是多么的宽大啊！敬拜偶像的非利士人和离道叛教的以色列人，一同享受了他的恩赐。上帝向人所表示的怜爱虽然不为人所理会，但仍经常临到一般忘恩负义和悖逆成性之人的身上。每一样福惠都向他们提说赐恩的主，但他们对他的爱却漠不关心。上帝对世人的容忍非常的宽大；但他们若一直顽梗不化，怙恶不悛，他就撤回了他保护的手。他们既不肯在上帝的作为以及他《圣经》的警告、劝诫和责备上听从他的声音，他就不得不借着刑罚教训他们了。[25]{PP 587.4}
§51
How great is the long-suffering of God toward the wicked! The idolatrous Philistines and backsliding Israel had alike enjoyed the gifts of His providence. Ten thousand unnoticed mercies were silently falling in the pathway of ungrateful, rebellious men. Every blessing spoke to them of the Giver, but they were indifferent to His love. The forbearance of God was very great toward the children of men; but when they stubbornly persisted in their impenitence, He removed from them His protecting hand. They refused to listen to the voice of God in His created works, and in the warnings, counsels, and reproofs of His word, and thus He was forced to speak to them through judgments.{PP 587.4}[25]
§52
在非利士人当中，还有一些人反对将约柜送回原处去；他们认为这样承认以色列上帝的权能，有损于非利士人的尊严。可是“祭司和占卜的”劝诫百姓，不要效法法老和埃及人刚硬的心，以免他们还要受更大的灾难。于是他们提出一个博得众人赞同的计划，并立时予以实施。这计划就是将约柜和金礼物放在一辆新车上，这样就可以防止一切污秽的危险；车上要套两只从来未曾负过轭的乳牛，并要把牛犊关在家里，让母牛随意走去。如果母牛拉着约柜直行大道，到最近的一座利未人的城伯示麦，而回到以色列人那里去，非利士人就要以此为凭据，证明这大灾是以色列的上帝降在他们身上的；他们说：“若不然，便可以知道不是他的手击打我们，是我们偶然遇见的。”[26]{PP 588.1}
§53
There were some among the Philistines who stood ready to oppose the return of the ark to its own land. Such an acknowledgment of the power of Israels God would be humiliating to the pride of Philistia. But the priests and the diviners admonished the people not to imitate the stubbornness of Pharaoh and the Egyptians, and thus bring upon themselves still greater afflictions. A plan which won the consent of all was now proposed, and immediately put in execution. The ark, with the golden trespass offering, was placed upon a new cart, thus precluding all danger of defilement; to this cart, or car, were attached two kine upon whose necks a yoke had never been placed. Their calves were shut up at home, and the cows were left free to go where they pleased. If the ark should thus be returned to the Israelites by the way of Beth-shemesh, the nearest city of the Levites, the Philistines would accept this as evidence that the God of Israel had done unto them this great evil; but if not, they said, then we shall know that it is not His hand that smote us; it was a chance that happened to us.{PP 588.1}[26]
§54
母牛离开牛犊，拉着车随意走去，一面走一面叫，直行大道向伯示麦去。虽然没有人赶车，这荷重的牲畜仍然继续前行。有上帝与约柜同在，它就平平安安地到了所指定的地方。[27]{PP 588.2}
§55
On being set free, the kine turned from their young and, lowing as they went, took the direct road to Beth-shemesh. Guided by no human hand, the patient animals kept on their way. The divine Presence accompanied the ark, and it passed on safely to the very place designated.{PP 588.2}[27]
§56
那时正是收割的时候，伯示麦人在平原上收割麦子。他们“举目看见约柜，就欢喜了。车到了伯示麦人约书亚的田间，就站住了；在那里有一块大磐石，他们把车劈了，将两只母牛献给耶和华为燔祭。”非利士人的首领曾跟在约柜后面，“直到伯示麦的境界，”他们看见伯示麦人收了约柜，就回以革伦去了。这时灾难已经停止，他们就确信他们所受的灾祸乃是以色列的上帝所降的。[28]{PP 588.3}
§57
It was now the time of wheat harvest, and the men of Beth-shemesh were reaping in the valley. And they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it. And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Beth-shemite, and stood there, where there was a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart, and offered the kine of burnt-offering unto the Lord. The lords of the Philistines, who had followed the ark unto the border of Beth-shemesh, and had witnessed its reception, now returned to Ekron. The plague had ceased, and they were convinced that their calamities had been a judgment from the God of Israel.{PP 588.3}[28]
§58
伯示麦人将约柜回到他们中间的消息很快地传开了，于是众人从四围的乡村里蜂拥而至欢迎约柜的回来。这时约柜放在先前作祭坛的大磐石上，他们就在约柜前再献上许多祭物给耶和华。如果这些敬拜的人真能悔改他们的罪，上帝就必赐福给他们。可是他们没有忠心顺从他的律法；他们固然为约柜回来而欣喜，并认为这是蒙福的先兆，但他们对约柜神圣的性质却没有真正的体会。他们没有为它预备一个合适的安放场所，反而让它留在禾场上。当他们注视着这神圣的约柜，并谈论其归来的奇妙方式时，他们就想要知道其中的特别能力何在。最后他们为好奇心所驱使，就揭上面遮盖之物，竟冒昧的把它打开。[29]{PP 589.1}
§59
The men of Beth-shemesh quickly spread the tidings that the ark was in their possession, and the people from the surrounding country flocked to welcome its return. The ark had been placed upon the stone that first served for an altar, and before it additional sacrifices were offered unto the Lord. Had the worshipers repented of their sins, Gods blessing would have attended them. But they were not faithfully obeying His law; and while they rejoiced at the return of the ark as a harbinger of good, they had no true sense of its sacredness. Instead of preparing a suitable place for its reception, they permitted it to remain in the harvest field. As they continued to gaze upon the sacred chest and to talk of the wonderful manner in which it had been restored, they began to conjecture wherein lay its peculiar power. At last, overcome by curiosity, they removed the coverings and ventured to open it.{PP 589.1}[29]
§60
全以色列人都曾受过有关敬畏并尊崇约柜的教训，从前每当约柜需要从一地迁移到另一地方时，抬约柜的利未人连看都不敢。只有一年一次，大祭司才蒙准许观看上帝的约柜。连信奉异教的非利士人，也未敢揭开遮在其上的布罩。在它被运送的一切过程中，总有人眼所看不见的天使一直在旁边护卫着。伯示麦人的胆大和不敬，立时受了刑罚。许多人突然被击杀而丧命了。[30]{PP 589.2}
§61
All Israel had been taught to regard the ark with awe and reverence. When required to remove it from place to place the Levites were not so much as to look upon it. Only once a year was the high priest permitted to behold the ark of God. Even the heathen Philistines had not dared to remove its coverings. Angels of heaven, unseen, ever attended it in all its journeyings. The irreverent daring of the people at Beth-shemesh was speedily punished. Many were smitten with sudden death.{PP 589.2}[30]
§62
其余的人并没有因这次的刑罚而悔改，只是对约柜存着迷信的惧怕而已。伯示麦人渴望约柜离开他们，而自己又不敢挪移它，于是就打发人去见基列耶琳的居民，请他们把约柜接去。这地方的人兴高采烈地来欢迎这神圣的约柜。他们知道这是上帝赐恩给顺从和忠心之人的保证。他们以严肃的愉快的精神，把约柜接到他们的城中，放在一个利未人亚比拿达的家中。他派他的儿子以利亚撒看守耶和华的约柜，从此，约柜就留在那里多年。[31]{PP 589.3}
§63
The survivors were not led by this judgment to repent of their sin, but only to regard the ark with superstitious fear. Eager to be free from its presence, yet not daring to remove it, the Beth-shemites sent a message to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim, inviting them to take it away. With great joy the men of this place welcomed the sacred chest. They knew that it was the pledge of divine favor to the obedient and faithful. With solemn gladness they brought it to their city and placed it in the house of Abinadab, a Levite. This man appointed his son Eleazar to take charge of it, and it remained there for many years.{PP 589.3}[31]
§64
自从耶和华向哈拿的儿子显示自己以来，撒母耳被召作上帝的先知已为全国所公认。虽然这本分在他是痛苦难堪的，但他还是忠心地传达了上帝对以利家的警告。撒母耳已经借此证明他是耶和华忠心的使者：“耶和华与他同在，使他所说的话，一句都不落空。从但到别是巴所有的以色列人，都知道耶和华立撒母耳为先知。”[32]{PP 589.4}
§65
During the years since the Lord first manifested Himself to the son of Hannah, Samuels call to the prophetic office had come to be acknowledged by the whole nation. By faithfully delivering the divine warning to the house of Eli, painful and trying as the duty had been, Samuel had given proof of his fidelity as Jehovahs messenger; and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.{PP 589.4}[32]
§66
以色列全国仍处在冷淡和拜偶像的状况中，上帝的刑罚还在他们身上，他们依然受着非利士人的管辖。在这些年间，撒母耳巡行全地的各城各乡，企图挽回百姓的心，归向他们列祖的上帝；他的努力获得了美好的效果。以色列人受了仇敌的压迫二十年之后，他们就“都倾向耶和华。”撒母耳劝告他们说：“你们若一心归顺耶和华，就要把外邦的神，和亚斯他录，从你们中间除掉，专心归向耶和华，单单的侍奉他；”在这里，我们就可以看出撒母耳所教导的实际的虔诚和内心的信仰，是与基督在地上时所教导的一样。若没有基督的恩典，则信仰的形式对古代的以色列人是毫无价值的，对今日的以色列人也是如此。[33]{PP 590.1}
§67
The Israelites as a nation still continued in a state of irreligion and idolatry, and as a punishment they remained in subjection to the Philistines. During this time Samuel visited the cities and villages throughout the land, seeking to turn the hearts of the people to the God of their fathers; and his efforts were not without good results. After suffering the oppression of their enemies for twenty years, the Israelites mourned after the Lord. Samuel counseled them, If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve Him only. Here we see that practical piety, heart religion, was taught in the days of Samuel as taught by Christ when He was upon the earth. Without the grace of Christ the outward forms of religion were valueless to ancient Israel. They are the same to modern Israel.{PP 590.1}[33]
§68
今日我们也需要这内心信仰的复兴，像古时以色列人所经历的一样。凡愿意归顺上帝的人，第一步必要的工作乃是悔改。任何人不能代替别人作这工作。我们必须亲自在上帝面前谦卑，并除掉我们的偶像。我们什么时候尽到了我们所有的力量，耶和华就必向我们显示他的救恩。[34]{PP 590.2}
§69
There is need today of such a revival of true heart religion as was experienced by ancient Israel. Repentance is the first step that must be taken by all who would return to God. No one can do this work for another. We must individually humble our souls before God and put away our idols. When we have done all that we can do, the Lord will manifest to us His salvation.{PP 590.2}[34]
§70
撒母耳既有各支派的首领与他合作，就在米斯巴招集了一个大会，并在这里宣告严肃的禁食。百姓都很谦卑地承认了自己的罪；并为证明他们决心服从所听见的教训起见，他们就立撒母耳作士师。[35]{PP 590.3}
§71
With the co-operation of the heads of the tribes, a large assembly was gathered at Mizpeh. Here a solemn fast was held. With deep humiliation the people confessed their sins; and as an evidence of their determination to obey the instructions they had heard, they invested Samuel with the authority of judge.{PP 590.3}[35]
§72
非利士人以为以色列人的这一次聚集，乃是作战会议，所以派出一枝劲旅要在以色列人的计划还没有成熟之前，驱散他们。非利士军接近的消息使以色列人大起恐慌。百姓恳请撒母耳说：“愿你不住的为我们呼求耶和华我们的上帝，救我们脱离非利士人的手。”[36]{PP 590.4}
§73
The Philistines interpreted this gathering to be a council of war, and with a strong force set out to disperse the Israelites before their plans could be matured. The tidings of their approach caused great terror in Israel. The people entreated Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, that He will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.{PP 590.4}[36]
§74
正在撒母耳奉献一只羊羔为燔祭的时候，非利士人就前来作战了。那一位曾在大火，烟云，和雷轰中降临在西奈山，并为以色列人分开红海，又在约旦河中开路的全能之主，这时又显示了他的能力。这前进的军队猝遇一阵可怕的暴风雨，顷刻之间遍地都是非利士人有能力的勇士之尸体了。[37]{PP 590.5}
§75
While Samuel was in the act of presenting a lamb as a burnt offering, the Philistines drew near for battle. Then the Mighty One who had descended upon Sinai amid fire and smoke and thunder, who had parted the Red Sea and made a way through Jordan for the children of Israel, again manifested His power. A terrible storm burst upon the advancing host, and the earth was strewn with the dead bodies of mighty warriors.{PP 590.5}[37]
§76
当时以色列人肃静敬畏地站在那里，战战兢兢的，一则以喜，一则一惧。以至他们看见仇敌被击杀，他们就知道上帝已经悦纳了他们的悔改。虽然他们没有准备作战，但这时他们拿了被杀之非利士人的武器，去追赶逃跑的敌人，直到伯甲。这一次获得显著胜利的战场，正是二十年前以色列人败在非利士人面前，祭司被杀，约柜被掳的地方。可见，顺从上帝乃是安全幸福之道，而违背上帝，则结果总是导致灾祸和陷于失败之途的；这一个真理，无论对国家对个人，都是确切可靠的。这时非利士人既完全被制服，他们就归还了从以色列人夺去的城邑，而且多年再不敢轻启战端了。其他国家也都追随着非利士人而行，所以在撒母耳单独治理的时期内，以色列人大享太平。[38]{PP 591.1}
§77
The Israelites had stood in silent awe, trembling with hope and fear. When they beheld the slaughter of their enemies, they knew that God had accepted their repentance. Though unprepared for battle, they seized the weapons of the slaughtered Philistines and pursued the fleeing host to Beth-car. This signal victory was gained upon the very field where, twenty years before, Israel had been smitten before the Philistines, the priests slain, and the ark of God taken. For nations as well as for individuals, the path of obedience to God is the path of safety and happiness, while that of transgression leads only to disaster and defeat. The Philistines were now so completely subdued that they surrendered the strongholds which had been taken from Israel and refrained from acts of hostility for many years. Other nations followed this example, and the Israelites enjoyed peace until the close of Samuels sole administration.{PP 591.1}[38]
§78
为令这一次的胜利垂诸永久起见，撒母耳在米斯巴和善的中间，立了一块大石作纪念。他给那石题名叫“以便以谢，”意思就是“援助之石，”他对百姓说：“到如今耶和华都帮助我们。”[39]{PP 591.2}
§79
That the occasion might never be forgotten, Samuel set up, between Mizpeh and Shen, a great stone as a memorial. He called the name of it Ebenezer, the stone of help, saying to the people, hitherto hath Jehovah helped us.{PP 591.2}[39]