第66章 扫罗的死
§1
第66章 扫罗的死
§2
Chap. 66 - The Death of Saul
§3
以色列人与非利士人又宣战了。“非利士人聚集,来到书念安营，”书念在耶斯列平原的北端；而扫罗和他的军队则安营在这平原南面的基利波山下，离非利士军只有几里路。从前基甸和他的三百人追赶米甸大军，就是在这平原上。可是从前鼓舞那位以色列的拯救者的精神，和现在激动扫罗的精神却是大不相同的。基甸大有信心，依靠雅各大能的上帝出去作战；但扫罗却因上帝已经弃绝了他而感觉到孤立无援，没有保障。当他看到非利士的军旅时，“就惧怕，心中发颤。”（见撒上28章、31章）[1]{PP 675.1}
§4
Again war was declared between Israel and the Philistines. The Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem, on the northern edge of the plain of Jezreel; while Saul and his forces encamped but a few miles distant, at the foot of Mount Gilboa, on the southern border of the plain. It was on this plain that Gideon, with three hundred men, had put to flight the hosts of Midian. But the spirit that inspired Israels deliverer was widely different from that which now stirred the heart of the king. Gideon went forth strong in faith in the mighty God of Jacob; but Saul felt himself to be alone and defenseless, because God had forsaken him. As he looked abroad upon the Philistine host, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.{PP 675.1}[1]
§5
扫罗听说大卫和他的军队与非利士人在一起，所以他预料耶西的儿子必乘机为过去所受的亏负报仇。于是王困扰极了。原来那使国家临到这么大危险的，乃是他自己那蛮横无理的性情，这性情曾激动他去杀害上帝所拣选的人。当他一心一意的去追赶大卫的时候，他就忽略了国防。非利士人乘着以色列人没有戒备的时候，就侵入了他们的腹地。这样，当撒但怂恿扫罗用全力去搜寻大卫，以便杀害他的时候，这同样恶毒的精神也鼓动了非利士人，来乘机消灭扫罗，并击败上帝的百姓。这个大仇敌现今还是常用这同样的策略。他常鼓动一些不诚心侍奉主的人，在教会内部引起嫉妒和纷争，以后他就趁着上帝子民分裂的时候，鼓动他的爪牙来造成他们的败亡。[2]{PP 675.2}
§6
Saul had learned that David and his force were with the Philistines, and he expected that the son of Jesse would take this opportunity to revenge the wrongs he had suffered. The king was in sore distress. It was his own unreasoning passion, spurring him on to destroy the chosen of God, that had involved the nation in so great peril. While he had been engrossed in pursuing David he had neglected the defense of his kingdom. The Philistines, taking advantage of its unguarded condition, had penetrated into the very heart of the country. Thus while Satan had been urging Saul to employ every energy in hunting David, that he might destroy him, the same malignant spirit had inspired the Philistines to seize their opportunity to work Sauls ruin and overthrow the people of God. How often is the same policy still employed by the archenemy! He moves upon some unconsecrated heart to kindle envy and strife in the church, and then, taking advantage of the divided condition of Gods people, he stirs up his agents to work their ruin.{PP 675.2}[2]
§7
第二天，扫罗必须与非利士人交锋了。那迫近的浩劫阴沉沉地笼罩着他；他切望有人帮助，有人指导。他虽求问耶和华，也是徒然。“耶和华却不借梦、或乌陵、或先知，回答他。”凡存着诚实和谦卑的心来到耶和华面前的人，他从来不丢弃他。但他为什么转离扫罗而不回答他呢？因为王已经自愿地弃绝一切求问上帝的方法。他已经拒绝了先知撒母耳的劝告，他已经驱逐了上帝所拣选的大卫；他又杀害了耶和华的祭司。他既割断了上天所安排的每一种交往的媒介，他还能希望上帝答复他的祈祷吗？他既使施恩的圣灵担忧而去；耶和华还能借着梦兆和启示来回答他吗？况且扫罗并没有以谦卑和悔改的心转向上帝。他所要求的并不是赦罪及与上帝和好的恩典，只是求上帝拯救他脱离仇敌而已。他自己的顽梗和悖逆已经使他与上帝隔绝。现唯一的生路就是忏悔改过。但这个骄傲的君王在痛苦绝望之中，竟决意从其他方面求得帮助。[3]{PP 675.3}
§8
On the morrow Saul must engage the Philistines in battle. The shadows of impending doom gathered dark about him; he longed for help and guidance. But it was in vain that he sought counsel from God. The Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. The Lord never turned away a soul that came to Him in sincerity and humility. Why did he turn Saul away unanswered? The king had by his own act forfeited the benefits of all the methods of inquiring of God. He had rejected the counsel of Samuel the prophet; he had exiled David, the chosen of God; he had slain the priests of the Lord. Could he expect to be answered by God when he had cut off the channels of communication that Heaven had ordained? He had sinned away the Spirit of grace, and could he be answered by dreams and revelations from the Lord? Saul did not turn to God with humility and repentance. It was not pardon for sin and reconciliation with God, that he sought, but deliverance from his foes. By his own stubbornness and rebellion he had cut himself off from God. There could be no return but by the way of penitence and contrition; but the proud monarch, in his anguish and despair, determined to seek help from another source.{PP 675.3}[3]
§9
于是扫罗吩咐臣仆说：“当为我找一个交鬼的妇人，我好去问他。”扫罗原来深知巫术的本质。耶和华曾经明令禁止，凡行使邪术的，都要处以死刑。当撒母耳在世的时候，扫罗曾命令把一切行巫术的和交鬼的人，尽都处死；如今在绝望的鲁莽之下，他竟求助于他自己所定为可憎之事。[4]{PP 676.1}
§10
Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. Saul had a full knowledge of the character of necromancy. It had been expressly forbidden by the Lord, and the sentence of death was pronounced against all who practiced its unholy arts. During the life of Samuel, Saul had commanded that all wizards and those that had familiar spirits should be put to death; but now, in the rashness of desperation, he had recourse to that oracle which he had condemned as an abomination.{PP 676.1}[4]
§11
臣仆告诉王说，在隐多珥地方有一个秘密交鬼的妇人。这个妇人已和撒但立约，愿意受他的支配，来实行他的计划；邪恶之君为报答她起见，曾为她行了奇事，并把隐秘的事显示给她。[5]{PP 676.2}
§12
It was told the king that a woman who had a familiar spirit was living in concealment at Endor. This woman had entered into covenant with Satan to yield herself to his control, to fulfill his purposes; and in return, the prince of evil wrought wonders for her and revealed secret things to her.{PP 676.2}[5]
§13
扫罗夜间改了装束，只带着两个仆人往那妇人的隐匿之处去。唉，可怜啊！以色列的王竟被撒但任意掳去！还有什么道路，能比那坚执己意，并拒绝圣灵感化的人所选择的路更黑暗呢？还有什么捆绑能较比完全让那凶恶之暴君——就是他自己来支配更可怕呢？依靠上帝和顺从他的旨意，乃是扫罗作以色列王的必要条件。如果他作王的时候能符合这些条件，他的国位就必稳固，上帝必作他的向导，无所不能者必作他的保障。到此时为止，上帝已经容忍扫罗很久了；虽然他的悖逆和顽梗几乎已经使他心中听不到上帝的声音，但是他还有悔改的机会。可是当他在危险之中转离了上帝，而去向撒但的同盟者要求亮光时，他就把自己与他创造主的最后一点联系割断了；他已经置身于鬼魔权势的控制之下，这权势曾经多年在他的身上发生影响，如今已经把他带到毁灭的边沿。[6]{PP 676.3}
§14
Disguising himself, Saul went forth by night with but two attendants, to seek the retreat of the sorceress. Oh, pitiable sight! the king of Israel led captive by Satan at his will! What path so dark for human feet to tread as that chosen by one who has persisted in having his own way, resisting the holy influences of the Spirit of God! What bondage so terrible as that of him who is given over to the control of the worst of tyrants--himself! Trust in God and obedience to His will were the only conditions upon which Saul could be king of Israel. Had he complied with these conditions throughout his reign, his kingdom would have been secure; God would have been his guide, the Omnipotent his shield. God had borne long with Saul; and although his rebellion and obstinacy had well-nigh silenced the divine voice in the soul, there was still opportunity for repentance. But when in his peril he turned from God to obtain light from a confederate of Satan, he had cut the last tie that bound him to his Maker; he had placed himself fully under the control of that demoniac power which for years had been exercised upon him, and which had brought him to the verge of destruction.{PP 676.3}[6]
§15
扫罗和他的仆人在黑夜里穿过平原，安全地经过非利士人的营盘，攀山越岭到了隐多珥妇人的住处。这交鬼的妇人藏匿于此，秘密进行她邪恶的魔术。扫罗虽然改了装，但他高大的身材和君王的风度，表明他不是一个普通的兵士。这妇人疑惑这个来人或许就是扫罗，而且他所带来的厚礼使她更加猜疑。扫罗要求她说：“求你用交鬼的法术，将我所告诉你的死人，为我招上来。”妇人回答说：“你知道扫罗从国中剪除交鬼的和行巫术的，你为何陷害我的性命，使我死呢？”于是“扫罗向妇人指着耶和华起誓，说：我指着永生的耶和华起誓，你必不因这事受刑。”妇人说：“我为你招谁上来呢？”他回答说：“撒母耳。”[7]{PP 679.1}
§16
Under the cover of darkness Saul and his attendants made their way across the plain, and, safely passing the Philistine host, they crossed the mountain ridge, to the lonely home of the sorceress of Endor. Here the woman with a familiar spirit had hidden herself away that she might secretly continue her profane incantations. Disguised as he was, Sauls lofty stature and kingly port declared that he was no common soldier. The woman suspected that her visitor was Saul, and his rich gifts strengthened her suspicions. To his request, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee, the woman answered, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die? Then Saul sware to her by the Lord, saying, As the Lord liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing. And when she said, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? he answered, Samuel.{PP 679.1}[7]
§17
妇人行使她的巫术之后，她说：“我看见有神从地里上来。……有一个老人上来，身穿长衣。扫罗知道是撒母耳，就屈身，脸伏于地下拜。”[8]{PP 679.2}
§18
After practicing her incantations, she said, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. . . . An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.{PP 679.2}[8]
§19
交鬼的妇人用巫术咒语所招出来的并非真是上帝的圣先知。撒母耳决不会出现于那邪恶之灵的巢穴中。那超自然的形象，完全是由撒但的能力所产生的。他很容易装成撒母耳的样子，正如他在旷野中试探基督时，装成光明的天使一样。[9]{PP 679.3}
§20
It was not Gods holy prophet that came forth at the spell of a sorcerers incantation. Samuel was not present in that haunt of evil spirits. That supernatural appearance was produced solely by the power of Satan. He could as easily assume the form of Samuel as he could assume that of an angel of light, when he tempted Christ in the wilderness. {PP 679.3}[9]
§21
妇人在巫术的魔力之下对王所说的第一句话，乃是“你是扫罗，为什么欺哄我呢？”这样，那冒充先知的恶灵的第一件行动，就是与这个邪恶的妇人作秘密交往，警告她不要受扫罗的欺骗。于是那冒充先知者对扫罗说道：“你为什么搅扰我，招我上来呢？扫罗回答说，我甚窘急，因为非利士人攻击我，上帝也离开我，不再借先知，或梦，回答我；因此请你上来，好指示我应当怎样行。”（撒上28:15）[10]{PP 680.1}
§22
The womans first words under the spell of her incantation had been addressed to the king, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul. Thus the first act of the evil spirit which personated the prophet was to communicate secretly with this wicked woman, to warn her of the deception that had been practiced upon her. The message to Saul from the pretended prophet was, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.{PP 680.1}[10]
§23
当撒母耳在世的时候，扫罗曾轻视他的劝告，厌恶他的责备。但如今在困难窘迫之际，他感觉先知的指导乃是他唯一的希望；而且为了要与天上的使者交往，他竟妄想求助于地狱的差役！扫罗已经完全置身于撒但的权势之下；如今，那以人的愁苦和毁灭为唯一喜乐的那恶者，就尽量利用这次的机会来造成这不幸之王的败亡。于是他冒撒母耳的名传出一道可怕的信息，来回答扫罗痛切的请求，说：[11]{PP 680.2}
§24
When Samuel was living, Saul had despised his counsel and had resented his reproofs. But now, in the hour of his distress and calamity, he felt that the prophets guidance was his only hope, and in order to communicate with Heavens ambassador he vainly had recourse to the messenger of hell! Saul had placed himself fully in the power of Satan; and now he whose only delight is in causing misery and destruction, made the most of his advantage, to work the ruin of the unhappy king. In answer to Sauls agonized entreaty came the terrible message, professedly from the lips of Samuel:{PP 680.2}[11]
§25
“耶和华已经离开你，且与你为敌，你何必问我呢？耶和华照他借我说的话，已经从你手里夺去国权，赐与别人，就是大卫。因你没有听从耶和华的命令，他恼怒亚玛力人，你没有灭绝他们，所以今日耶和华向你这样行。并且耶和华必将你和以色列人交在非利士人的手里。”[12]{PP 680.3}
§26
Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the Lord is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? And the Lord hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the Lord hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbor, even to David: because thou obeyedst not the voice of the Lord, nor executedst His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day. Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines.{PP 680.3}[12]
§27
扫罗在他一生的悖逆过程中，常受撒但的谄媚和欺骗。那试探者的工作乃是使人轻视罪恶，使违背律法的道路显为安逸可羡，使人心眼昏昧，看不出耶和华的警告和预示。撒但用他蛊惑的能力引诱扫罗自以为义，并反抗撒母耳的责备和警告。但如今在他穷途末路之时，撒但却反转来打击他，提说他所犯之罪的严重性，告诉他无法得蒙赦免，借以逼着他走上绝望之路。撒但所用以消灭扫罗的勇气，混淆他的见解，使他绝望而自寻毁灭的方法，真没有什么比这再高明的了。[13]{PP 680.4}
§28
All through his course of rebellion Saul had been flattered and deceived by Satan. It is the tempters work to belittle sin, to make the path of transgression easy and inviting, to blind the mind to the warnings and threatenings of the Lord. Satan, by his bewitching power, had led Saul to justify himself in defiance of Samuels reproofs and warning. But now, in his extremity, he turned upon him, presenting the enormity of his sin and the hopelessness of pardon, that he might goad him to desperation. Nothing could have been better chosen to destroy his courage and confuse his judgment, or to drive him to despair and self-destruction.{PP 680.4}[13]
§29
扫罗因疲倦和饥饿，身体毫无气力；同时他也恐惧惊惶，良心自责。当他听到那可怕的预示时，他就像一株橡树，在暴风雨中摇晃不定，猛然仆倒在地。[14]{PP 681.1}
§30
Saul was faint with weariness and fasting; he was terrified and conscience-stricken. As the fearful prediction fell upon his ear, his form swayed like an oak before the tempest, and he fell prostrate to the earth.{PP 681.1}[14]
§31
那交鬼的妇人大大恐慌起来。以色列的王竟躺在她面前像一个死人一样。如果他真死在她家里的话，那么她将要有怎样的后果呢？她劝扫罗起来吃点食物，又说：她既然冒了性命的危险来满足扫罗的愿望，扫罗就应当屈从她的要求，来保全自己的性命。扫罗的仆人也在旁劝解，最后他答应了，于是妇人急忙预备肥牛犊和无酵饼，拿来摆在他面前。这成何体统！在交鬼妇人的山洞里，刚才还在那里发出那注定扫罗遭劫的话，在撒但的使者面前，这一个上帝所膏的以色列王竟坐下吃饭，准备应付当天性命攸关的战事呢。[15]{PP 681.2}
§32
The sorceress was filled with alarm. The king of Israel lay before her like one dead. Should he perish in her retreat, what would be the consequences to herself? She besought him to arise and partake of food, urging that since she had imperiled her life in granting his desire, he should yield to her request for the preservation of his own. His servants joining their entreaties, Saul yielded at last, and the woman set before him the fatted calf and unleavened bread hastily prepared. What a scene!--In the wild cave of the sorceress, which but a little before had echoed with the words of doom--in the presence of Satans messenger--he who had been anointed of God as king over Israel sat down to eat, in preparation for the days deadly strife.{PP 681.2}[15]
§33
在天未破晓之前，扫罗同仆人回到营里准备作战。扫罗因求问幽暗之灵就已经毁灭了自己。他已被绝望的恐怖所压倒无力鼓舞部下的士气了。他已与那能力之源隔绝，无法引领以色列人的心仰望上帝为他们的帮助。这样，那恶者预先所宣称的话就促成它自己的实现了。[16]{PP 681.3}
§34
Before the break of day he returned with his attendants to the camp of Israel to make ready for the conflict. By consulting that spirit of darkness Saul had destroyed himself. Oppressed by the horror of despair, it would be impossible for him to inspire his army with courage. Separated from the Source of strength, he could not lead the minds of Israel to look to God as their helper. Thus the prediction of evil would work its own accomplishment.{PP 681.3}[16]
§35
在书念的平原和基利波山的斜坡上，以色列的军队和非利士的大军作了一次殊死战。隐多珥山洞中的景象虽然消灭了扫罗王心中一切的希望，但是他仍然冒死为自己的王位和国家作战。然而已徒劳无益了。“以色列人在非利士人面前逃跑，在基利波有被杀仆倒的。”王的三个勇敢的儿子都在他身边阵亡了。敌人的弓箭手紧追着扫罗。他眼看到军兵仆倒在他周围，他的王子被刀所杀。自己也受了伤，既无法再战，又不能逃跑。躲避既不可能，他决意不让自己被非利士人活活捉去，就吩咐拿兵器的人说：“你拔出刀来，将我刺死。”但当那人不肯伸手杀害耶和华的受膏者时，扫罗就自己伏在刀上死了。[17]{PP 681.4}
§36
On the plain of Shunem and the slopes of Mount Gilboa the armies of Israel and the hosts of the Philistines closed in mortal combat. Though the fearful scene in the cave of Endor had driven all hope from his heart, Saul fought with desperate valor for his throne and his kingdom. But it was in vain. The men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in Mount Gilboa. Three brave sons of the king died at his side. The archers pressed upon Saul. He had seen his soldiers falling around him and his princely sons cut down by the sword. Himself wounded, he could neither fight nor fly. Escape was impossible, and determined not to be taken alive by the Philistines, he bade his armor-bearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith. When the man refused to lift his hand against the Lords anointed, Saul took his own life by falling upon his sword.{PP 681.4}[17]
§37
以色列的第一个王带着自杀的罪死了。他的一生是失败的，而且羞辱绝望地死去，因为他决意以自己刚愎的意志来反抗上帝的旨意。[18]{PP 682.1}
§38
Thus the first king of Israel perished, with the guilt of self-murder upon his soul. His life had been a failure, and he went down in dishonor and despair, because he had set up his own perverse will against the will of God.{PP 682.1}[18]
§39
战败的信息传到远近各地，全以色列地都恐慌起来了。百姓都弃城逃跑，非利士人就长驱直入，住在其中。扫罗不依靠上帝的统治，几乎使全国都败亡了。[19]{PP 682.2}
§40
The tidings of defeat spread far and wide, carrying terror to all Israel. The people fled from the cities, and the Philistines took undisturbed possession. Sauls reign, independent of God, had well-nigh proved the ruin of his people.{PP 682.2}[19]
§41
次日，非利士人到战场上去剥取被杀之人的衣服时，发现了扫罗和他三个儿子的尸体。于是，为要增加胜利的光荣起见，他们就割了扫罗的首级，剥了他的军装，于是把血腥的首级和军装送到非利士地，作为战利品，“报信与他们庙里的偶像和众民。”他的军装最后放在“亚斯他录庙里，”而他的首级则钉在大衮的庙中。这样他们把胜利的光荣归给他们的假神，而耶和华的名就受到羞辱了。[20]{PP 682.3}
§42
On the day following the engagement, the Philistines, searching the battlefield to rob the slain, discovered the bodies of Saul and his three sons. To complete their triumph, they cut off the head of Saul and stripped him of his armor; then the head and the armor, reeking with blood, were sent to the country of the Philistines as a trophy of victory, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people. The armor was finally put in the house of Ashtaroth, while the head was fastened in the temple of Dagon. Thus the glory of the victory was ascribed to the power of these false gods, and the name of Jehovah was dishonored.{PP 682.3}[20]
§43
扫罗和他三个儿子的尸体，被拖到靠近约旦河，离基利波不远的伯珊城，用链子悬挂起来，给空中的鸷鸟吃。但基列雅比的勇士念及早年扫罗拯救他们的恩德，所以为表示他们的感激，就去抢救了王和王子的尸体，并为他们举行了哀荣的葬礼。他们夜间过了约旦河，“将扫罗和他儿子的尸身，从伯珊城墙上取下来，送到雅比那里，用火烧了；将他们骸骨葬在雅比的垂丝柳树下，就禁食七日。”这样，扫罗四十年前的善行使他在失败和羞辱的黯淡时辰，得有温慈和怜悯的手来埋葬他和他儿子的尸身。[21]{PP 682.4}
§44
The dead bodies of Saul and his sons were dragged to Beth-shan, a city not far from Gilboa, and near the river Jordan. Here they were hung up in chains, to be devoured by birds of prey. But the brave men of Jabesh-gilead, remembering Sauls deliverance of their city in his earlier and happier years, now manifested their gratitude by rescuing the bodies of the king and princes, and giving them honorable burial. Crossing the Jordan by night, they took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there, And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days. Thus the noble deed performed forty years before, secured for Saul and his sons burial by tender and pitying hands in that dark hour of defeat and dishonor.{PP 682.4}[21]