第60章 扫罗的擅专
§1
第60章 扫罗的擅专
§2
Chap. 60 - The Presumption of Saul
§3
在吉甲大会之后，扫罗遣散了攻击亚扪人时所招集的军队，只留下二千人跟随着自己驻扎在密抹，另有一千人跟随他儿子约拿单在基比亚。这是一个极严重的错误。他的军队因最近的胜利，心中充满了希望和勇气；如果他乘战胜之余威，立时去攻打以色列其他的仇敌，则对于争取国家自由之战，自必收效甚宏。[1]{PP 616.1}
§4
After the assembly at Gilgal, Saul disbanded the army that had at his call arisen to overthrow the Ammonites, reserving only two thousand men to be stationed under his command at Michmash and one thousand to attend his son Jonathan at Gibeah. Here was a serious error. His army was filled with hope and courage by the recent victory; and had he proceeded at once against other enemies of Israel, a telling blow might have been struck for the liberties of the nation.{PP 616.1}[1]
§5
同时，他们好战的邻邦非利士人非常活跃。他们在以便以谢战败之后，仍旧在以色列地保持着一些山上的堡垒；如今他们在以色列的心脏地带也设立起来了。非利士人在训练、武器和装备上，都较以色列人为优。在他们压迫以色列人的长久时期内，为了巩固自己的势力起见，曾经禁止以色列人作铁匠，以免他们为自己制造武器。在停战之后，希伯来人仍然到非利士人的防地去，求他们的铁匠为他们修造铁器。以色列人因为喜好安逸，又因长期压迫所生的自卑心理，大都忽略了为自己预备作战的武器。在战争时所使用的弓和甩石的机弦，以色列人固然能以获得；但除了扫罗和约拿单之外，他们“竟没有一个手里有刀有枪的。”（撒上13:22）[2]{PP 616.2}
§6
Meanwhile their warlike neighbors, the Philistines, were active. After the defeat at Ebenezer they had still retained possession of some hill fortresses in the land of Israel, and now they established themselves in the very heart of the country. In facilities, arms, and equipments the Philistines had great advantage over Israel. During the long period of their oppressive rule they had endeavored to strengthen their power by forbidding the Israelites to practice the trade of smiths, lest they should make weapons of war. After the conclusion of peace the Hebrews had still resorted to the Philistine garrisons for such work as needed to be done. Controlled by love of ease and the abject spirit induced by long oppression, the men of Israel had, to a great extent, neglected to provide themselves with weapons of war. Bows and slings were used in warfare, and these the Israelites could obtain; but there were none among them, except Saul and his son Jonathan, who possessed a spear or a sword.{PP 616.2}[2]
§7
扫罗作王第二年，他才开始试图制服非利士人。第一次的袭击是王的儿子约拿单所领导的，他在迦巴攻击非利士人，战胜了那地的驻军。非利士人因这次的失败极其忿怒，就急速准备反攻。这时，扫罗命令在遍地吹角宣布战争，招集一切兵士，包括约旦河对岸的支派在内，都聚集在吉甲。这个号召他们都听从了。[3]{PP 616.3}
§8
It was not until the second year of Sauls reign that an attempt was made to subdue the Philistines. The first blow was struck by Jonathan, the kings son, who attacked and overcame their garrison at Geba. The Philistines, exasperated by this defeat, made ready for a speedy attack upon Israel. Saul now caused war to be proclaimed by the sound of the trumpet throughout the land, calling upon all the men of war, including the tribes across the Jordan, to assemble at Gilgal. This summons was obeyed.{PP 616.3}[3]
§9
非利士人早已经在密抹聚集大军，“有车三万辆，马兵六千，步兵像海边的沙那样多。”（撒上13:5）当这消息传到吉甲扫罗和他的军队中时，众百姓想到他们所要应付的劲敌，因而胆战心惊起来。他们实在还没有准备好去应战，所以许多人非常恐惧，以至不敢出来尝试作战。有一些人过约旦河回去了，而另一些人则躲藏在那一带地方的许多山洞、石穴和坑中。当会战的时候临近，逃兵就越发增多了，那些没有逃亡的士兵，则因感觉不祥之兆而恐惧万分。[4]{PP 617.1}
§10
The Philistines had gathered an immense force at Michmash--thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude. When the tidings reached Saul and his army at Gilgal, the people were appalled at thought of the mighty forces they would have to encounter in battle. They were not prepared to meet the enemy, and many were so terrified that they dared not come to the test of an encounter. Some crossed the Jordan, while others hid themselves in caves and pits and amid the rocks that abounded in that region. As the time for the encounter drew near, the number of desertions rapidly increased, and those who did not withdraw from the ranks were filled with foreboding and terror.{PP 617.1}[4]
§11
当初扫罗受膏作以色列王的时候，撒母耳已经清楚地指示过他们这时所应采的步骤。先知曾说：“你当在我以先下到吉甲，我也必下到那里献燔祭和平安祭；你要等候七日，等我到了那里，指示你当行的事。”（撒上10:8）[5]{PP 617.2}
§12
When Saul was first anointed king of Israel, he had received from Samuel explicit directions concerning the course to be pursued at this time. Thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal, said the prophet; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and show thee what thou shalt do. 1 Samuel 10:8.{PP 617.2}[5]
§13
扫罗天天在那里等候，但并没有进行什么决定性的努力来鼓励百姓，或激发他们信靠上帝的心。在先知所约定的日期还没有完全届满之前，他就等得不耐烦了，并因环绕着他的困难环境而自己也灰心丧胆了。他没有忠心准备百姓参加撒母耳所要举行的献祭之礼，反而沉溺于不信和惧怕之中。借着献祭寻求上帝，原是一项最严肃而重要的工作；上帝要他的百姓省察己心，悔改罪行，以至他们的祭物可以蒙他悦纳，他就可以赐福给他们，使他们能战胜仇敌。但是扫罗渐渐的急躁起来；百姓也没有依靠上帝的帮助，反而仰望他们所拣选的王来引领他们，指示他们。[6]{PP 617.3}
§14
Day after day Saul tarried, but without making decided efforts toward encouraging the people and inspiring confidence in God. Before the time appointed by the prophet had fully expired, he became impatient at the delay and allowed himself to be discouraged by the trying circumstances that surrounded him. Instead of faithfully seeking to prepare the people for the service that Samuel was coming to perform, he indulged in unbelief and foreboding. The work of seeking God by sacrifice was a most solemn and important work; and God required that His people should search their hearts and repent of their sins, that the offering might be made with acceptance before Him, and that His blessing might attend their efforts to conquer the enemy. But Saul had grown restless; and the people, instead of trusting in God for help, were looking to the king whom they had chosen, to lead and direct them. {PP 617.3}[6]
§15
然而耶和华仍旧看顾他的百姓，并没有丢弃他们，令他们遭受那临到单靠血肉之体的人的种种灾难。在到了千钧一发的危机中，他使他们确知依靠人乃是何等的愚妄，并使之转向他作他们唯一的帮助者。如今扫罗的试验时期已经来到，要显明他究竟是否依靠上帝，是否能照着他的命令忍耐等候，借此显明自己是上帝能在艰难境遇中信任他为治理他子民的君；或是显明自己是一个心志不定，不配担任所要交托给他的神圣责任的人。以色列人所拣选的君王，将会听从万王之王的命令吗？他会不会令灰心的兵士注意那作他们永恒之能力和拯救的主呢？[7]{PP 618.1}
§16
Yet the Lord still cared for them and did not give them up to the disasters that would have come upon them if the frail arm of flesh had become their only support. He brought them into close places, that they might be convicted of the folly of depending on man, and that they might turn to Him as their only help. The time for the proving of Saul had come. He was now to show whether or not he would depend on God and patiently wait according to His command, thus revealing himself as one whom God could trust in trying places as the ruler of His people, or whether he would be vacillating and unworthy of the sacred responsibility that had devolved upon him. Would the king whom Israel had chosen, listen to the Ruler of all kings? Would he turn the attention of his fainthearted soldiers to the One in whom is everlasting strength and deliverance?{PP 618.1}[7]
§17
扫罗等候着撒母耳来，越等越不耐烦了，他把军队的混乱、苦恼和逃亡，都归咎于先知这一次的缺席。约定的日期已到，但上帝的仆人却没有即时前来。上帝曾故意留住他的仆人。但扫罗那暴躁而易受冲动的情绪再也抑制不住了。他觉得必须作一些事来安抚百姓惧怕的心，所以他决定招集大会举行献祭之礼，并借着献祭来恳求上帝的援助。上帝曾经指示，唯有那些献身担负圣职的人，才能在他面前献祭。但扫罗吩咐说：“把燔祭……带到我这里来。”（撒上13:9）他竟穿着军装，拿着武器，走近祭坛，在上帝面前献祭。[8]{PP 618.2}
§18
With growing impatience he awaited the arrival of Samuel and attributed the confusion and distress and desertion of his army to the absence of the prophet. The appointed time came, but the man of God did not immediately appear. Gods providence had detained His servant. But Sauls restless, impulsive spirit would no longer be restrained. Feeling that something must be done to calm the fears of the people, he determined to summon an assembly for religious service, and by sacrifice entreat the divine aid. God had directed that only those consecrated to the office should present sacrifices before Him. But Saul commanded, Bring hither a burnt offering; and, equipped as he was with armor and weapons of war, he approached the altar and offered sacrifice before God.{PP 618.2}[8]
§19
“刚献完燔祭，撒母耳就到了；扫罗出去迎接他，要问他好。”撒母耳立时看出扫罗已违犯了所给他明确的指示。耶和华曾借着他的先知说明这时以色列在危机中所该作的事。如果扫罗履行了上帝应许赐帮助的条件，耶和华就必借着那少数效忠于王的人为以色列人行神奇的拯救。但扫罗竟那么满意于自己和自己的工作，以至他出去迎接先知的时候，倒以为自己是应受褒奖而不必受谴责的呢。[9]{PP 618.3}
§20
And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. Samuel saw at once that Saul had gone contrary to the express directions that had been given him. The Lord had spoken by His prophet that at this time He would reveal what Israel must do in this crisis. If Saul had fulfilled the conditions upon which divine help was promised, the Lord would have wrought a marvelous deliverance for Israel, with the few who were loyal to the king. But Saul was so well satisfied with himself and his work that he went out to meet the prophet as one who should be commended rather than disapproved. {PP 618.3}[9]
§21
撒母耳的脸上满了忧虑和烦恼之色；他问扫罗说：“你作的是什么事呢？”扫罗为他擅专的行为推辞说：“因为我见百姓离开我散去，你也不照所定的日期来到，而且非利士人聚在密抹；所以我心里说，恐怕我没有祷告耶和华，非利士人下到吉甲攻击我；我就勉强献上燔祭。”[10]{PP 621.1}
§22
Samuels countenance was full of anxiety and trouble; but to his inquiry, What hast thou done? Saul offered excuses for his presumptuous act. He said: I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering.{PP 621.1}[10]
§23
“撒母耳对扫罗说：你作了糊涂事了，没有遵守耶和华你上帝所吩咐你的命令，若遵守，耶和华必在以色列中坚立你的王位，直到永远。现在你的王位必不长久；耶和华已经寻着一个合他心意的人，立他作百姓的君。……撒母耳就起来，从吉甲上到便雅悯的基比亚。”[11]{PP 621.2}
§24
And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which He commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel forever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought Him a man after His own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over His people. . . . And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin.{PP 621.2}[11]
§25
这时，除非以色列人不再作上帝的子民，那么就必须维持原先建立君主政体的基本原则，以色列国家必须受上帝政权的治理。如果以色列人能完全属于耶和华，如果属肉体和属世俗的意志能服从上帝的旨意，他就继续作以色列国的元首。只要扫罗和百姓能表现自己是属于上帝的，他就能一直作他们的保障。以色列的君王若不在一切事上都承认上帝的无上威权，他们就断不能兴旺。[12]{PP 621.3}
§26
Either Israel must cease to be the people of God, or the principle upon which the monarchy was founded must be maintained, and the nation must be governed by a divine power. If Israel would be wholly the Lords, if the will of the human and earthly were held in subjection to the will of God, He would continue to be the Ruler of Israel. So long as the king and the people would conduct themselves as subordinate to God, so long He could be their defense. But in Israel no monarchy could prosper that did not in all things acknowledge the supreme authority of God.{PP 621.3}[12]
§27
如果扫罗能在这一次的试验中，显明自己尊重上帝的命令，上帝就能借着他成全他的旨意。如今他的失败证明他不配作上帝的代理人。若是继续作下去的话，他必导致以色列人于错误之中，那控制一切的就不再是上帝的旨意而是他个人的意志了。如果扫罗能忠诚到底，他的国位就必坚立直到永远；但是他既然失败了，上帝的旨意就必须借着另一个人来成全。以色列的政权必须委托给一个愿意照着上天旨意治理百姓的人。[13]{PP 621.4}
§28
If Saul had shown a regard for the requirements of God in this time of trial, God could have worked His will through him. His failure now proved him unfit to be the vicegerent of God to His people. He would mislead Israel. His will, rather than the will of God, would be the controlling power. If Saul had been faithful, his kingdom would have been established forever; but since he had failed, the purpose of God must be accomplished by another. The government of Israel must be committed to one who would rule the people according to the will of Heaven.{PP 621.4}[13]
§29
我们真不知道，在上帝试验人的事上，究竟有多大的利害关系。除了严格顺从上帝的话以外，别无安全的道路，他一切的应许都是以信心和顺从为条件的，若不顺从他的命令，《圣经》上丰富的应许就不能实现在我们身上。我们不可随着情感的冲动，也不可依靠人的见解行事；无论我们的环境如何，我们应当听从上帝明显的旨意，并依着他确定的命令行事为人。这样，上帝自必为这事情的结果负责，借着忠心遵守他的训言，我们可以在试验的时候，于世人和天使的面前，证明耶和华可以在困难的境遇中，信任我们能实行他的旨意，尊荣他的圣名，使他的百姓得福。[14]{PP 621.5}
§30
We do not know what great interests may be at stake in the proving of God. There is no safety except in strict obedience to the word of God. All His promises are made upon condition of faith and obedience, and a failure to comply with His commands cuts off the fulfillment to us of the rich provisions of the Scriptures. We should not follow impulse, nor rely on the judgment of men; we should look to the revealed will of God and walk according to His definite commandment, no matter what circumstances may surround us. God will take care of the results; by faithfulness to His word we may in time of trial prove before men and angels that the Lord can trust us in difficult places to carry out His will, honor His name, and bless His people.{PP 621.5}[14]
§31
扫罗虽已招致了上帝的不悦，可是他还不愿意自卑悔改。他所缺少的真正虔诚，他要企图借热诚履行宗教仪式来弥补。从前何弗尼和非尼哈把上帝的约柜运到军营之中，而以色列人仍遭失败，这事扫罗不是不知道的；虽然如此，他还是决心要把那神圣的约柜和随从的祭司请来。他若能借此鼓舞百姓的信心，就希望重新招集他分散的军队与非利士人作战。他现在不需撒母耳在场支持他，如此就能免去先知的不受人欢迎的批评和责备了。[15]{PP 622.1}
§32
Saul was in disfavor with God, and yet unwilling to humble his heart in penitence. What he lacked in real piety he would try to make up by his zeal in the forms of religion. Saul was not ignorant of Israels defeat when the ark of God was brought into the camp by Hophni and Phinehas; and yet, knowing all this, he determined to send for the sacred chest and its attendant priest. Could he by this means inspire confidence in the people, he hoped to reassemble his scattered army and give battle to the Philistines. He would now dispense with Samuels presence and support, and thus free himself from the prophets unwelcome criticisms and reproofs.{PP 622.1}[15]
§33
过去曾有圣灵赐给扫罗，以启迪他的悟性，令他的心地柔和。他曾从上帝的先知那里领受真诚的教训和责备。然而他的心还是多么乖张啊！以色列人第一个王的历史乃是一个悲惨的例子，说明幼年养成的恶习有何等大的力量。扫罗在幼年时期就不爱上帝，也不敬畏他；而且他那急躁的性情既没有在幼年时训练成顺服，就必随时反抗神圣的权威。那些在幼年敬爱上帝的旨意并忠心尽责的人，就可以准备在成年时期担任更高的职务。但人若多年妄用上帝所赐的才能，而到了他们意欲改变的时候，还希望如少壮时一样很自然地把这些能力用在完全相反的事业上，这根本是不可能的了。[16]{PP 622.2}
§34
The Holy Spirit had been granted to Saul to enlighten his understanding and soften his heart. He had received faithful instruction and reproof from the prophet of God. And yet how great was his perversity! The history of Israels first king presents a sad example of the power of early wrong habits. In his youth Saul did not love and fear God; and that impetuous spirit, not early trained to submission, was ever ready to rebel against divine authority. Those who in their youth cherish a sacred regard for the will of God, and who faithfully perform the duties of their position, will be prepared for higher service in afterlife. But men cannot for years pervert the powers that God has given them, and then, when they choose to change, find these powers fresh and free for an entirely opposite course.{PP 622.2}[16]
§35
扫罗想要振奋民心的企图，结果没有成功。他既发现自己的军队只剩下六百人，就离开吉甲，退到新近从非利士人手中夺来的迦巴堡垒去。这座城在一个深而险的山谷南面，在耶路撒冷之北几里路。在这同一个山谷的北面就是密抹，非利士的军队就驻扎在这里，并时常派遣队伍出去蹂躏各地。[17]{PP 622.3}
§36
Sauls efforts to arouse the people proved unavailing. Finding his force reduced to six hundred men, he left Gilgal and retired to the fortress at Geba, lately taken from the Philistines. This stronghold was on the south side of a deep, rugged valley, or gorge, a few miles north of the site of Jerusalem. On the north side of the same valley, at Michmash, the Philistine force lay encamped while detachments of troops went out in different directions to ravage the country. {PP 622.3}[17]
§37
上帝有意让事情误到这样危急的地步，借以谴责扫罗的乖张，并给他的子民一个谦卑与信心的教训。因为扫罗在擅自献祭的事上犯了罪，所以耶和华不让他得到战胜非利士人的光荣。王的儿子约拿单是一个敬畏耶和华的人，他就蒙拣选作了拯救以色列人的器皿。他受到神圣的灵感，向拿兵器的人建议，他们二人暗暗地去袭击敌营；他主张说：“或者耶和华为我们施展能力，因为耶和华使人得胜，不在乎人多人少。”（撒上14:6）[18]{PP 623.1}
§38
God had permitted matters to be thus brought to a crisis that He might rebuke the perversity of Saul and teach His people a lesson of humility and faith. Because of Sauls sin in his presumptuous offering, the Lord would not give him the honor of vanquishing the Philistines. Jonathan, the kings son, a man who feared the Lord, was chosen as the instrument to deliver Israel. Moved by a divine impulse, he proposed to his armor-bearer that they should make a secret attack upon the enemys camp. It may be, he urged, that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few.{PP 623.1}[18]
§39
拿兵器的人也是一个有信心常祈祷的人，他赞助了这个计划，但唯恐别人拦阻他们，于是二人暗暗离营。二人向引导他们列祖的上帝恳切祷告之后，便决定求一个记号作进退的方针。于是他们下到两军对阵的隘口，悄悄地在山峰的荫下，和高低起伏的岩石所遮蔽着的曲径上穿过去。及至走近敌营之时，他们故意让敌人看见，非利士人就轻蔑地说：“希伯来人从所藏的洞穴里出来了。”于是对他们说：“你们上到这里来，我们有一件事指示你们。”这话的意思是要刑罚这两个胆敢上山的以色列人。但这话却正是约拿单和他同伴所预定的记号，认为是耶和华必使他们工作顺利的凭据。于是他们避过这些非利士人，再取一条隐蔽而难行的路。这条路是非利士人以为无人能以飞越的，所以防范不甚严密。这两个武士就这样袭入敌营，哨兵惊慌失措，来不及抵抗，就被他们杀了。[19]{PP 623.2}
§40
The armor-bearer, who also was a man of faith and prayer, encouraged the design, and together they withdrew from the camp, secretly, lest their purpose should be opposed. With earnest prayer to the Guide of their fathers, they agreed upon a sign by which they might determine how to proceed. Then passing down into the gorge separating the two armies, they silently threaded their way, under the shadow of the cliff, and partially concealed by the mounds and ridges of the valley. Approaching the Philistine fortress, they were revealed to the view of their enemies, who said, tauntingly, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves, then challenged them, Come up to us, and we will show you a thing, meaning that they would punish the two Israelites for their daring. This challenge was the token that Jonathan and his companion had agreed to accept as evidence that the Lord would prosper their undertaking. Passing now from the sight of the Philistines, and choosing a secret and difficult path, the warriors made their way to the summit of a cliff that had been deemed inaccessible, and was not very strongly guarded. Thus they penetrated the enemys camp and slew the sentinels, who, overcome with surprise and fear, offered no resistance.{PP 623.2}[19]
§41
天上的使者保护了约拿单和他的从者，有天使在他们旁边作战，非利士人就在他们面前崩溃了。那时地大震动，如同有大队马兵和车辆冲来似的。约拿单认出了上天帮助的记号，连非利士人也知道有上帝为以色列人施行拯救。营内营外的非利士人都甚恐惧战兢。他们在慌乱之中，错将自己的士兵认作敌人，就互相击杀起来了。[20]{PP 623.3}
§42
Angels of heaven shielded Jonathan and his attendant, angels fought by their side, and the Philistines fell before them. The earth trembled as though a great multitude with horsemen and chariots were approaching. Jonathan recognized the tokens of divine aid, and even the Philistines knew that God was working for the deliverance of Israel. Great fear seized upon the host, both in the field and in the garrison. In the confusion, mistaking their own soldiers for enemies, the Philistines began to slay one another. {PP 623.3}[20]
§43
不久，战场的喊声传到以色列人营中。扫罗王的守望兵看见非利士的军队溃乱，人数减少，就来报告。那时还不知希伯来营中有什么人出去作战。经过点名之后，就知道只有约拿单和拿兵器的人没有在营中。扫罗既看见非利士人溃败慌乱的情形，就领着他的军队参加攻击。那些从前逃亡或投降仇敌的希伯来人，这时也转过来攻击他们；那藏在山地的许多人也都出来追杀，当非利士人溃逃的时候，扫罗的军队便大大杀戮他们。[21]{PP 624.1}
§44
Soon the noise of the battle was heard in the camp of Israel. The kings sentinels reported that there was great confusion among the Philistines, and that their numbers were decreasing. Yet it was not known that any part of the Hebrew army had left the camp. Upon inquiry it was found that none were absent except Jonathan and his armor-bearer. But seeing that the Philistines were meeting with a repulse, Saul led his army to join the assault. The Hebrews who had deserted to the enemy now turned against them; great numbers also came out of their hiding places, and as the Philistines fled, discomfited, Sauls army committed terrible havoc upon the fugitives.{PP 624.1}[21]
§45
王决意要尽量利用他的机会，就卤莽地命令他的兵士全天不吃东西，并以严肃的咒诅加强他的禁令，说：“凡不等到晚上向敌人报完了仇吃什么的，必受咒诅。”原来这场战争，在扫罗还不知道而且没有参加的时候，早已经是胜利的了；他却希望借着全然杀灭溃败的军队来显扬自己。这个禁止人吃东西的命令，乃是出于他自私的野心，并显明他为满足自高的欲望起见，就不关心百姓的需要。扫罗用严肃的咒诅来坚定他的禁令，这一件事显明他非但是卤莽，而且也是亵慢的。在他咒诅的话中，正足以说明他的热心乃是为自己而不是为上帝的尊荣。他声称，他的目的不是“已使耶和华可以向他的敌人报完了仇，”乃是“使我可以向我的敌人报完了仇。”（译者按：撒上14:24；英译本直译如上。）[22]{PP 624.2}
§46
Determined to make the most of his advantage, the king rashly forbade his soldiers to partake of food for the entire day, enforcing his command by the solemn imprecation, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. The victory had already been gained, without Sauls knowledge or co-operation, but he hoped to distinguish himself by the utter destruction of the vanquished army. The command to refrain from food was prompted by selfish ambition, and it showed the king to be indifferent to the needs of his people when these conflicted with his desire for self-exaltation. To confirm his prohibition by a solemn oath showed Saul to be both rash and profane. The very words of the curse give evidence that Sauls zeal was for himself, and not for the honor of God. He declared his object to be, not that the Lord may be avenged on His enemies, but that I may be avenged on mine enemies.{PP 624.2}[22]
§47
这禁令的结果，反而使百姓违犯了上帝的命令。他们既终日作战，就饿得发昏了；所以限期一过，他们便急忙将所夺取的牛羊连肉带血都吃了，这样就违犯了不可吃血的律法。[23]{PP 624.3}
§48
The prohibition resulted in leading the people to transgress the command of God. They had been engaged in warfare all day, and were faint for want of food; and as soon as the hours of restriction were over, they fell upon the spoil and devoured the flesh with the blood, thus violating the law that forbade the eating of blood.{PP 624.3}[23]
§49
在那一天的战役中，约拿单没有听见王的命令，所以当他经过树林吃了一点蜜，就无意中犯了王的命令。到了晚上扫罗才知道了这事。他曾宣布，凡违犯他命令的人必被处死；如今约拿单虽然没有故意犯罪，而且上帝虽然神奇地保全了约拿单的性命，并借着他施行了拯救，但王仍宣布必须执行处决。若饶了他儿子的性命，无异承认扫罗那么卤莽的立誓乃是犯了罪。这就大有损于他的威信。扫罗可怕的判决是：“约拿单哪，你定要死，若不然，愿上帝重重的降罚与我。”[24]{PP 624.4}
§50
During the days battle Jonathan, who had not heard of the kings command, unwittingly offended by eating a little honey as he passed through a wood. Saul learned of this at evening. He had declared that the violation of his edict should be punished with death; and though Jonathan had not been guilty of a willful sin, though God had miraculously preserved his life and had wrought deliverance through him, the king declared that the sentence must be executed. To spare the life of his son would have been an acknowledgment on the part of Saul that he had sinned in making so rash a vow. This would have been humiliating to his pride. God do so, and more also, was his terrible sentence: thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.{PP 624.4}[24]
§51
扫罗既不能得到胜利的荣誉，他就希望借着热心维持自己誓约的神圣性而得尊荣。即或必须牺牲自己的儿子，他还是要给百姓一个深刻的印象，就是王的威权是必须维护的。不久之前，扫罗曾在吉甲违犯了上帝的命令，擅自作祭司的工作。当撒母耳谴责他的时候，他还强辩自己有理。如今当他自己的命令被人违犯时，何况这命令是不合理的，而且违犯的又是出于无意，这位作王又作父亲的，竟定了他儿子的死罪。[25]{PP 625.1}
§52
Saul could not claim the honor of the victory, but he hoped to be honored for his zeal in maintaining the sacredness of his oath. Even at the sacrifice of his son, he would impress upon his subjects the fact that the royal authority must be maintained. At Gilgal, but a short time before, Saul had presumed to officiate as priest, contrary to the command of God. When reproved by Samuel, he had stubbornly justified himself. Now, when his own command was disobeyed--though the command was unreasonable and had been violated through ignorance--the king and father sentenced his son to death.{PP 625.1}[25]
§53
百姓不肯让他执行这个判决。他们不怕王的怒气，陈述说：“约拿单在以色列人中这样大行拯救，岂可使他死呢？断乎不可，我们指着永生的耶和华起誓，连他的一根头发也不可落地。”这个骄傲的王，不敢轻视百姓一致的意见，于是约拿单的性命得以保全。[26]{PP 625.2}
§54
The people refused to allow the sentence to be executed. Braving the anger of the king, they declared, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. The proud monarch dared not disregard this unanimous verdict, and the life of Jonathan was preserved.{PP 625.2}[26]
§55
扫罗不能不觉得他的儿子在百姓和耶和华看来，比他还好。百姓这次保护了约拿单，对于王的卤莽乃是个严厉的谴责，他预感他的咒诅终必落到自己的头上。他就不再继续与非利士人作战，而抑郁不欢地回家里去了。[27]{PP 625.3}
§56
Saul could not but feel that his son was preferred before him, both by the people and by the Lord. Jonathans deliverance was a severe reproof to the kings rashness. He felt a presentiment that his curses would return upon his own head. He did not longer continue the war with the Philistines, but returned to his home, moody and dissatisfied.{PP 625.3}[27]
§57
凡是容易原谅自己的罪，并自辩有理的人，往往在判断并斥责别人的事上是最严厉的。许多人像扫罗一样，自招上帝的不悦，但他们却拒绝劝告，轻视责备。就是他们觉悟到耶和华不与他们同在时，他们还不肯承认困难的原因是在自己。他们常存骄傲自满的心，同时却残酷地批判，或严厉地斥责那些比他们更好的人。这些自命为审判官的人应当思考基督的话说：“因为你们怎样论断人，也必怎样被论断。你们用什么量器量给人，也必用什么量器量给你们。”（太7:2）[28]{PP 625.4}
§58
Those who are most ready to excuse or justify themselves in sin are often most severe in judging and condemning others. Many, like Saul, bring upon themselves the displeasure of God, but they reject counsel and despise reproof. Even when convinced that the Lord is not with them, they refuse to see in themselves the cause of their trouble. They cherish a proud, boastful spirit, while they indulge in cruel judgment or severe rebuke of others who are better than they. Well would it be for such self-constituted judges to ponder those words of Christ: With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Matthew 7:2.{PP 625.4}[28]
§59
那些想要高抬自己的人，往往会做出一些事来显露自己品格的真相。扫罗的事件就是如此。他自己的举动使百姓认出他看自己的尊荣和威权，比公义、怜悯和慈善更重要。这样，百姓就可以看出自己拒绝上帝所赐给的政治制度是犯了错误。他们已经弃绝一个常祈求上帝降福给他们的虔诚的先知，而换来一个凭着盲目的热诚给他们带来咒诅的王。[29]{PP 625.5}
§60
Often those who are seeking to exalt themselves are brought into positions where their true character is revealed. So it was in the case of Saul. His own course convinced the people that kingly honor and authority were dearer to him than justice, mercy, or benevolence. Thus the people were led to see their error in rejecting the government that God had given them. They had exchanged the pious prophet, whose prayers had brought down blessings, for a king who in his blind zeal had prayed for a curse upon them.{PP 625.5}[29]
§61
如果不是以色列民出面干涉，救了约拿单的性命，他们的拯救者就要在王的命令之下丧生了。百姓后来跟从扫罗的领导，该是多么地疑惧不安啊！他们一想到是他们自己立他为王的，他们又该怎样的后悔不及啊！耶和华长久容忍世人的刚愎任性，他赐给人人机会，使他们看出自己的罪，离弃自己的罪；那些不顾他旨意，轻视他警告的人，他似乎使他们顺利一时，但到了他所定的时候，他必要显明他们的愚妄。[30]{PP 626.1}
§62
Had not the men of Israel interposed to save the life of Jonathan, their deliverer would have perished by the kings decree. With what misgivings must that people afterward have followed Sauls guidance! How bitter the thought that he had been placed upon the throne by their own act! The Lord bears long with the waywardness of men, and to all He grants opportunity to see and forsake their sins; but while He may seem to prosper those who disregard His will and despise His warnings, He will, in His own time, surely make manifest their folly.{PP 626.1}[30]