第72章 押沙龙之叛
§1
第72章 押沙龙之叛
§2
Chap. 72 - The Rebellion of Absalom
§3
“他必偿还四倍，”这是大卫在听见先知拿单所说的比喻之后，无意之中对自己所宣布的判决；结果就照着他自己的判决向他执行了。他的四个儿子必须死去，而且每一个儿子的死，都是父亲犯罪的结果。[1]{PP 727.1}
§4
He shall restore fourfold, had been Davids unwitting sentence upon himself, on listening to the prophet Nathans parable; and according to his own sentence he was to be judged. Four of his sons must fall, and the loss of each would be a result of the fathers sin.{PP 727.1}[1]
§5
大卫的长子暗嫩犯了可耻的罪，大卫却没有刑罚他，也没有责备他，而把他放过了。律法曾宣布，犯奸淫的人必被人治死，而暗嫩的乱伦行为正是罪上加罪。但大卫因自己的罪良心自责，就没有使犯法的暗嫩受公平的处罚。押沙龙既是他妹妹的当然保护人，就因妹妹受了侮辱要为她报仇。但他隐蔽了报仇的心意两年之久，而且他这样作，只是要确保达到目的。有一次，在王的众子赴押沙龙所设的筵席上，这个醉酒乱伦的暗嫩，在他兄弟的命令之下被杀了。[2]{PP 727.2}
§6
The shameful crime of Amnon, the first-born, was permitted by David to pass unpunished and unrebuked. The law pronounced death upon the adulterer, and the unnatural crime of Amnon made him doubly guilty. But David, self-condemned for his own sin, failed to bring the offender to justice. For two full years Absalom, the natural protector of the sister so foully wronged, concealed his purpose of revenge, but only to strike more surely at the last. At a feast of the kings sons the drunken, incestuous Amnon was slain by his brothers command.{PP 727.2}[2]
§7
这时大卫已经遭到两倍的刑罚了。又有一个可怕的风声传来说：“押沙龙将王的众子都杀了，没有留下一个。王就起来，撕裂衣服，躺在地上；王的臣仆，也都撕裂衣服，站在旁边。”后来王的众子惊惶地回到耶路撒冷，把真情告诉他们的父亲；只有暗嫩一人被杀，他们就“放声大哭，王和臣仆也都哭得甚恸。”押沙龙则逃到他外祖父基述王达买那里去了。[3]{PP 727.3}
§8
Twofold judgment had been meted out to David. The terrible message was carried to him, Absalom hath slain all the kings sons, and there is not one of them left. Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent. The kings sons, returning in alarm to Jerusalem, revealed to their father the truth; Amnon alone had been slain; and they lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore. But Absalom fled to Talmai, the king of Geshur, his mothers father.{PP 727.3}[3]
§9
暗嫩像大卫其他的儿子一样，放纵自私的情欲。他曾设法满足自己的一切心愿，而不顾上帝的律法。他虽然犯了一件重罪，然而上帝还是长久的容忍他。上帝赐给他两年悔改的机会，但他仍继续在罪中生活，终于身负罪愆，被杀而死，等候可怕的审判大日。[4]{PP 727.4}
§10
Like other sons of David, Amnon had been left to selfish indulgence. He had sought to gratify every thought of his heart, regardless of the requirements of God. Notwithstanding his great sin, God had borne long with him. For two years he had been granted opportunity for repentance; but he continued in sin, and with his guilt upon him, he was cut down by death, to await the awful tribunal of the judgment. {PP 727.4}[4]
§11
大卫忽略了刑罚暗嫩的本份。这位作父亲而又作君王的大卫，既然不忠于职责，他儿子又如此怙恶不悛，所以耶和华就让事情自然发展，而没有遏止押沙龙。当父母或掌权的人忽略刑罚不法的本分时，上帝就要亲自下手干涉了。他遏止的能力必要从恶人身上酌量收回，以至产生一连串的事故，以罪行惩治罪行。[5]{PP 728.1}
§12
David had neglected the duty of punishing the crime of Amnon, and because of the unfaithfulness of the king and father and the impenitence of the son, the Lord permitted events to take their natural course, and did not restrain Absalom. When parents or rulers neglect the duty of punishing iniquity, God Himself will take the case in hand. His restraining power will be in a measure removed from the agencies of evil, so that a train of circumstances will arise which will punish sin with sin.{PP 728.1}[5]
§13
大卫纵容暗嫩的恶果，并没有就此停止；因为这是押沙龙叛离他父亲的原因。押沙龙逃往基述之后，大卫觉得他的儿子有罪，多少应该受些刑罚，所以不许他回来。但他这样作并没有减少，反而增加那自取的灾祸。押沙龙是一个野心勃勃，敢做敢为，不择手段的人，他既然因逃亡而不得参预国家大事，不久就从事于危险的阴谋了。[6]{PP 728.2}
§14
The evil results of Davids unjust indulgence toward Amnon were not ended, for it was here that Absaloms alienation from his father began. After he fled to Geshur, David, feeling that the crime of his son demanded some punishment, refused him permission to return. And this had a tendency to increase rather than to lessen the inextricable evils in which the king had come to be involved. Absalom, energetic, ambitious, and unprincipled, shut out by his exile from participation in the affairs of the kingdom, soon gave himself up to dangerous scheming.{PP 728.2}[6]
§15
两年之后，约押决意想使大卫父子言归于好。他既有这个目的，就去找提哥亚的一个以智慧出名的妇人来帮助他。这个妇人遵着约押的指示，装作一个依靠两个儿子安慰和供养的寡妇来见大卫。说是在一次斗欧中，兄弟杀了哥哥，如今一切亲族要把她剩下的一个儿子交出，报流血的仇。这个作母亲的说：“这样，他们要将我剩下的炭火灭尽，不与我丈夫留名留后在世上。”王听了这个请求深为感动，他应许妇人她的儿子必可得到王的保护。[7]{PP 728.3}
§16
At the close of two years Joab determined to effect a reconciliation between the father and his son. And with this object in view he secured the services of a woman of Tekoah, reputed for wisdom. Instructed by Joab, the woman represented herself to David as a widow whose two sons had been her only comfort and support. In a quarrel one of these had slain the other, and now all the relatives of the family demanded that the survivor should be given up to the avenger of blood. And so, said the mother, they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth. The kings feelings were touched by this appeal, and he assured the woman of the royal protection for her son.{PP 728.3}[7]
§17
妇人于得到王再三保证那青年人的安全之后，便求王忍耐听她；于是她说，王说话证明自己有错，因为他没有使逃亡的人归回。她说：“我们都是必死的，如同水泼在地上，不能收回；上帝并不夺取人的性命，乃设法使逃亡的人不至成为赶出回不来的。”这种刻画上帝对罪人之爱的亲切而动人的话，竟然出于那粗鲁军人约押的口，足以证明以色列人是熟悉救赎的伟大真理的。王既觉得自己尚且需要上帝的怜悯，就不能拒绝这个请求。他吩咐约押说：“你可以去，把那少年人押沙龙带回来。”[8]{PP 728.4}
§18
After drawing from him repeated promises for the young mans safety, she entreated the kings forbearance, declaring that he had spoken as one at fault, in that he did not fetch home again his banished. For, she said, we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person; yet doth He devise means, that His banished be not expelled from Him. This tender and touching portrayal of the love of God toward the sinner--coming as it did from Joab, the rude soldier--is a striking evidence of the familiarity of the Israelites with the great truths of redemption. The king, feeling his own need of Gods mercy, could not resist this appeal. To Joab the command was given, Go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.{PP 728.4}[8]
§19
押沙龙蒙准回到耶路撒冷，但不能在朝廷上露面，也不得进见他的父亲。大卫已经开始看出自己的纵欲，在儿女身上的不良影响；所以他虽然极疼爱这个容貌俊美，天资颖慧的儿子，他觉得自己总必须表示憎恨这样的罪过，以便给押沙龙和众民一个教训。押沙龙在自己家里住了两年之久，不得上朝。他妹妹和他住在一起，押沙龙既有她在面前，则她所遭受的那一次无法挽回的亏待，就活现在他的脑际了。在众民眼中看来，这个王子倒是一个英雄，而不能算为罪人。他既有这种种有利的条件，就下手笼络民心。他容貌俊美，足以博得众人的称羡。“以色列全地之中，无人像押沙龙那样俊美，得人的称赞；从脚底到头顶，毫无瑕疵。”王让押沙龙这一个野心勃勃，感情浓厚，喜怒无常的人心中蓄怨两年之久，乃是一种不智之举。大卫让他回耶路撒冷，而又不让他见父亲的面，这反使他得到百姓的同情。[9]{PP 729.1}
§20
Absalom was permitted to return to Jerusalem, but not to appear at court or to meet his father. David had begun to see the evil effects of his indulgence toward his children; and tenderly as he loved this beautiful and gifted son, he felt it necessary, as a lesson both to Absalom and to the people, that abhorrence for such a crime should be manifested. Absalom lived two years in his own house, but banished from the court. His sister dwelt with him, and her presence kept alive the memory of the irreparable wrong she had suffered. In the popular estimation the prince was a hero rather than an offender. And having this advantage, he set himself to gain the hearts of the people. His personal appearance was such as to win the admiration of all beholders. In all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. It was not wise for the king to leave a man of Absaloms character--ambitious, impulsive, and passionate--to brood for two years over supposed grievances. And Davids action in permitting him to return to Jerusalem, and yet refusing to admit him to his presence, enlisted in his behalf the sympathies of the people.{PP 729.1}[9]
§21
大卫经常记得自己违犯上帝的律法，这似乎使他在道义方面瘫痪无力了；他在没有犯罪之前是勇敢坚决的，如今却软弱无力、优柔寡断。同时也减弱了他在百姓身上的影响力。这一切，都使他这个不孝之子计划易于成功。[10]{PP 729.2}
§22
With the memory ever before him of his own transgression of the law of God, David seemed morally paralyzed; he was weak and irresolute, when before his sin he had been courageous and decided. His influence with the people had been weakened. And all this favored the designs of his unnatural son.{PP 729.2}[10]
§23
由于约押的说情，押沙龙终于得见父亲的面；他们在表面上虽然已经言归于好，但押沙龙仍旧继续进行他野心的计划。这时他俨然摆出王者的威风，有车有马，并有五十人在前头奔走。当大卫王越来越倾向于安闲清静的生活时，押沙龙却专心致力于争取民众的拥护。[11]{PP 729.3}
§24
Through the influence of Joab, Absalom was again admitted to his fathers presence; but though there was an outward reconciliation, he continued his ambitious scheming. He now assumed an almost royal state, having chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And while the king was more and more inclined to desire retirement and solitude, Absalom sedulously courted the popular favor.{PP 729.3}[11]
§25
大卫那没精打彩和优柔寡断的影响，蔓延到他的廷臣中间；所以行政和审判，都呈现疏忽和迟钝的现象。每一件使人对政府发生不满的讼事，押沙龙都狡猾地利用来笼络人心。这个风采高贵的人天天出现在城门口，一群争讼的人等候着诉说他们的冤枉，以求昭雪。押沙龙杂在他们中间，听他们的不平之鸣，同情他们的遭遇，并为政府的无能表示惋惜。这个王子听取了每一个以色列人的申诉之后，就回答说：“你的事有情有理；无奈王没有委人听你申诉。”他又说：“恨不得我作国中的士师，凡有争讼求审判的，到我这里来，我必秉公判断。若有人近前来要拜押沙龙，押沙龙就抻手拉住他，与他亲嘴。”[12]{PP 729.4}
§26
The influence of Davids listlessness and irresolution extended to his subordinates; negligence and delay characterized the administration of justice. Absalom artfully turned every cause of dissatisfaction to his own advantage. Day by day this man of noble mien might be seen at the gate of the city, where a crowd of suppliants waited to present their wrongs for redress. Absalom mingled with them and listened to their grievances, expressing sympathy with their sufferings and regret at the inefficiency of the government. Having thus listened to the story of a man of Israel, the prince would reply, Thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee; adding, O that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.{PP 729.4}[12]
§27
众民为王子狡猾的暗示所煽惑，对政府不满的情绪就迅速地蔓延各处。人人都称赞押沙龙。一般人都认为他必是国位的继承者；百姓见他足堪担任这崇高的职分，就因而自豪，大家都希望他登上宝座。“这样，押沙龙暗中得了以色列人的心。”然而王因溺爱他的儿子，就昧于事实，没有丝毫猜疑。押沙龙僭用王侯的威仪，大卫认为他的目的是求朝廷的尊荣，以为是和好之后喜乐的表示。[13]{PP 730.1}
§28
Fomented by the artful insinuations of the prince, discontent with the government was fast spreading. The praise of Absalom was on the lips of all. He was generally regarded as heir to the kingdom; the people looked upon him with pride as worthy of this high station, and a desire was kindled that he might occupy the throne. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. Yet the king, blinded by affection for his son, suspected nothing. The princely state which Absalom had assumed, was regarded by David as intended to do honor to his court--as an expression of joy at the reconciliation.{PP 730.1}[13]
§29
百姓的心已经准备应付那将要发生的事，因为押沙龙曾私下派奸细到各支派去，布置叛乱的计划。这时，他还要用侍奉神的外衣，来掩饰他背叛的阴谋。从前他在逃亡的时候曾许了一次愿，现在要到希伯仑去还愿。押沙龙对王说：“求你准我往希伯仑去，还我向耶和华所许的愿，因为仆人住在亚兰的基述，曾许愿，说：耶和华若使我再回耶路撒冷，我必侍奉他。”这位溺爱的父亲，以为这是儿子虔诚的表现，就不胜欣慰之至，随即为他祝福，让他去了。于是叛乱的阴谋完全成熟。押沙龙的这一件杰出伪善的行为，不单要蒙蔽国王，也是要取得民众的信任，这样就可以使他们背叛上帝所拣选的王了。[14]{PP 730.2}
§30
The minds of the people being prepared for what was to follow, Absalom secretly sent picked men throughout the tribes, to concert measures for a revolt. And now the cloak of religious devotion was assumed to conceal his traitorous designs. A vow made long before while he was in exile must be paid in Hebron. Absalom said to the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the Lord, in Hebron. For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the Lord shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord. The fond father, comforted with this evidence of piety in his son, dismissed him with his blessing. The conspiracy was now fully matured. Absaloms crowning act of hypocrisy was designed not only to blind the king but to establish the confidence of the people, and thus to lead them on to rebellion against the king whom God had chosen.{PP 730.2}[14]
§31
“押沙龙就起身往希伯仑去了，”他又“在耶路撒冷请了二百人与他同去，都是诚诚实实去的，并不知道其中的真情。”这些人与押沙龙同去，但一点也没有想到他们对这个儿子的敬爱，将要令他们背叛他的父亲。押沙龙一到了希伯仑，就立时派人去请大卫的一个主要谋士亚希多弗来，此人是个有名的智囊，他的意见都以为妥善可靠，明敏多智，如同神明一样。亚希多弗加入了叛党之后，这就使押沙龙的叛变显着很有成功的把握，并吸引了各地有势力的人来云集在押沙龙的旗帜之下。当叛乱起来的时候，王子所派在全国各地的奸细就散布消息说，押沙龙作王了，于是许多百姓都聚集来拥护他。[15]{PP 730.3}
§32
Absalom set forth for Hebron, and there went with him two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not anything. These men went with Absalom, little thinking that their love for the son was leading them into rebellion against the father. Upon arriving at Hebron, Absalom immediately summoned Ahithophel, one of the chief counselors of David, a man in high repute for wisdom, whose opinion was thought to be as safe and wise as that of an oracle. Ahithophel joined the conspirators, and his support made the cause of Absalom appear certain of success, attracting to his standard many influential men from all parts of the land. As the trumpet of revolt was sounded, the princes spies throughout the country spread the tidings that Absalom was king, and many of the people gathered to him.{PP 730.3}[15]
§33
当时，警报传到耶路撒冷，王也听见了。大卫如梦方醒，惊悉暴乱已在京畿之内暴发出来。他自己的儿子——他所疼爱所信任的儿子——竟在阴谋篡夺他的王位，无疑地也有弑君父之心。大卫在这危急之秋，摆脱了那长久压在他身上的抑郁感，并显出他早年的精神来，预备应付这可怕的危机。押沙龙正在希伯仑集合他的军队；希伯仑离耶路撒冷只有六十里；是以这些背叛的人不久便要兵临到首都城下了。[16]{PP 731.1}
§34
Meanwhile the alarm was carried to Jerusalem, to the king. David was suddenly aroused, to see rebellion breaking out close beside his throne. His own son--the son whom he had loved and trusted--had been planning to seize his crown and doubtless to take his life. In his great peril David shook off the depression that had so long rested upon him, and with the spirit of his earlier years he prepared to meet this terrible emergency. Absalom was mustering his forces at Hebron, only twenty miles away. The rebels would soon be at the gates of Jerusalem.{PP 731.1}[16]
§35
大卫从宫殿里眺望他的京都——“大君的城，……居高华美，为全地所喜悦。”（诗48:2）他想到这城将要遭受蹂躏屠杀，不禁战栗起来。他应否号召那些仍然向他效忠的人，来帮助他守护这京都呢？他应否让耶路撒冷满沾血迹呢？他最后决定，战争的惨痛决不可临到这座蒙选的城邑。他要离开耶路撒冷，借以试验他的百姓是否尽忠于他，并给他们机会可以自动地前来支援他。在这至危急的时候，他对上帝和对他百姓的本分，乃是维护上帝所赋予他的权威。至于战争的结果，他只得托诸上帝了。[17]{PP 731.2}
§36
From his palace David looked out upon his capital--beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, . . . the city of the great King. Psalm 48:2. He shuddered at the thought of exposing it to carnage and devastation. Should he call to his help the subjects still loyal to his throne, and make a stand to hold his capital? Should he permit Jerusalem to be deluged with blood? His decision was taken. The horrors of war should not fall upon the chosen city. He would leave Jerusalem, and then test the fidelity of his people, giving them an opportunity to rally to his support. In this great crisis it was his duty to God and to his people to maintain the authority with which Heaven had invested him. The issue of the conflict he would trust with God.{PP 731.2}[17]
§37
大卫忍气吞声，在忧伤中走出耶路撒冷，因他所宠爱的儿子的叛乱而被逼离开他的宝座，离开他的王宫，离开上帝的约柜。百姓则跟在后面，成了一个漫长的忧伤行列，如同出殡的行列一样。大卫的卫兵基利提人，比利提人，和以太从迦特带来的六百迦特人，都随着王出来。但是大卫本着他无私的性格，不能同意这些来托庇于他的外邦人与他同受苦难。他因他们这样愿意为他牺牲而表示惊异。于是王对迦特人以太说：“你是外邦逃来的人；为什么与我们同去呢？你可以回去，与新王同住，或者回你本地去吧。你来的日子不多，我今日怎好叫你与我们一同飘流，没有一定的住处呢？你不如带你的弟兄回去吧；愿耶和华用慈爱诚实待你。”[18]{PP 731.3}
§38
In humility and sorrow David passed out of the gate of Jerusalem--driven from his throne, from his palace, from the ark of God, by the insurrection of his cherished son. The people followed in long, sad procession, like a funeral train. Davids bodyguard of Cherethites, Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites from Gath, under the command of Ittai, accompanied the king. But David, with characteristic unselfishness, could not consent that these strangers who had sought his protection should be involved in his calamity. He expressed surprise that they should be ready to make this sacrifice for him. Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile. Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee.{PP 731.3}[18]
§39
以太回答说：“我指着永生的耶和华起誓，又敢在王面前起誓，无论生死，王在哪里，仆人也必在哪里。”这些人已经改变他们异教的信仰来敬拜耶和华，如今又证明他们对上帝和对王的忠贞。大卫感激涕零的接受了他们在他显然失败的时候而自愿献与他的赤心；于是众人都过了汲沦溪，往旷野去了。[19]{PP 732.1}
§40
Ittai answered, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be. These men had been converted from paganism to the worship of Jehovah, and nobly they now proved their fidelity to their God and their king. David, with grateful heart, accepted their devotion to his apparently sinking cause, and all passed over the brook Kidron on the way toward the wilderness.{PP 732.1}[19]
§41
行列又停住了。一班穿圣服的人走了近来。“撒督，和抬上帝约柜的利未人，也一同来了。”跟随大卫的人都以此为一个吉兆。那神圣的象征物出现，对他们乃是得解救和最后胜利的保证。它必能鼓舞百姓的勇气出来勤王。同时，约柜的离开耶路撒冷，必使依附押沙龙的人惊惶失措。[20]{PP 732.2}
§42
Again the procession halted. A company clad in holy vestments was approaching. And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God. The followers of David looked upon this as a happy omen. The presence of that sacred symbol was to them a pledge of their deliverance and ultimate victory. It would inspire the people with courage to rally to the king. Its absence from Jerusalem would bring terror to the adherents of Absalom.{PP 732.2}[20]
§43
大卫一看到约柜，当时心中就涌出喜乐和盼望来。但不久他又想起了别的事。他既被立为上帝产业之君，他就负有严肃的责任。以色列的王不能徒重个人的利益。却要以上帝的荣耀和他百姓的福利为至上。那住在基路伯中间的上帝曾论到耶路撒冷说：“这是我永远安息之所；”（诗132:14）非蒙上帝许可，无论祭司或君王，都没有权柄把上帝的象征物挪离原处。大卫知道自己的内心和生活必须符合神圣的律例，否则约柜不但不能作他们成功的因素，反而要成为他们遭难的缘由。大卫所犯的大罪经常在他眼前。同时，他也认明这一次的背叛乃是上帝公正的刑罚。那永不离开他家的刀剑已经出鞘了。他不能预料这次挣扎的结果将要如何。他不能把具体表现至高的神圣统治者旨意的象征挪离国家的首都，因为它乃是国家的宪法，又是国家兴盛的基础。[21]{PP 732.3}
§44
At sight of the ark joy and hope for a brief moment thrilled the heart of David. But soon other thoughts came to him. As the appointed ruler of Gods heritage he was under solemn responsibility. Not personal interests, but the glory of God and the good of his people, were to be uppermost in the mind of Israels king. God, who dwelt between the cherubim, had said of Jerusalem, This is My rest (Psalm 132:14); and without divine authority neither priest nor king had a right to remove therefrom the symbol of His presence. And David knew that his heart and life must be in harmony with the divine precepts, else the ark would be the means of disaster rather than of success. His great sin was ever before him. He recognized in this conspiracy the just judgment of God. The sword that was not to depart from his house had been unsheathed. He knew not what the result of the struggle might be. It was not for him to remove from the capital of the nation the sacred statutes which embodied the will of their divine Sovereign, which were the constitution of the realm and the foundation of its prosperity. {PP 732.3}[21]
§45
于是大卫吩咐撒督说：“你将上帝的约柜抬回城去；我若在耶和华眼前蒙恩，他必使我回来，再见约柜和他的居所。倘若他说：我不喜悦你；看哪，我在这里，愿他凭自己的意旨待我。”[22]{PP 735.1}
§46
He commanded Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favor in the eyes of the Lord, He will bring me again, and show me both it and His habitation: but if He thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let Him do to me as seemeth good unto Him.{PP 735.1}[22]
§47
大卫又说：“你不是先见吗？”上帝所指派教导百姓的一个人吗？“你可以安然回城；你儿子亚希玛斯，和亚比亚他的儿子约拿单，都可以与你同去。我在旷野的渡口那里等你们报信给我。”祭司在城里能知道叛党的动态和计谋，可以秘密地叫他们的儿子亚希玛斯和约拿单传报给王，这对大卫是很有帮助的。[23]{PP 735.2}
§48
David added, Art not thou a seer?--a man appointed of God to instruct the people. Return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me. In the city the priests might do him good service by learning the movements and purposes of the rebels, and secretly communicating them to the king by their sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan.{PP 735.2}[23]
§49
当祭司们回耶路撒冷去时，就有更浓厚的阴影笼罩在这一群逃难者的身上了。他们的王既是一个逃亡者，他们自己也是流亡在外，甚至为上帝的约柜所丢弃；于是前途因恐怖和凶兆就显得更黯淡了。“大卫蒙头赤脚，上橄榄山，一面上，一面哭，跟随他的人，也都蒙头哭着上去。有人告诉大卫说，亚希多弗也在叛党之中。”大卫不得不再作一次认明，他的灾祸乃是自己犯罪的结果。这个最能干，最狡猾的政治家亚希多弗的叛变，乃是出于报复的心理，因为他是拔示巴的祖父，他要因大卫玷辱他的家声而报仇雪恨。[24]{PP 735.3}
§50
As the priests turned back toward Jerusalem a deeper shadow fell upon the departing throng. Their king a fugitive, themselves outcasts, forsaken even by the ark of God--the future was dark with terror and foreboding. And David went up by the ascent of Mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, andhe went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. Again David was forced to recognize in his calamities the results of his own sin. The defection of Ahithophel, the ablest and most wily of political leaders, was prompted by revenge for the family disgrace involved in the wrong to Bathsheba, who was his granddaughter.{PP 735.3}[24]
§51
“大卫祷告说：耶和华啊，求你使亚希多弗的计谋，变为愚拙。”大卫王到了山顶，就在那里跪下祷告，把自己心里的重担卸给上帝，并谦卑地祈求他的怜悯。他的祷告似乎是立时蒙应允了。一个有足智有才干的谋士亚基人户筛，衣服撕裂，头蒙灰尘而来。他过去是大卫一个忠实的朋友，如今赶来，愿与这一位失位而逃亡的王共进退。大卫像是受了上帝的启导似的，看出需要这么一个忠实真诚的人，在京都的会议中维护王的利益。于是户筛照着王的要求回到耶路撒冷，表示愿为押沙龙效忠，以便从中破坏亚希多弗诡诈的计谋。[25]{PP 735.4}
§52
And David said, O Lord, I pray Thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. Upon reaching the top of the mount, the king bowed in prayer, casting upon God the burden of his soul and humbly supplicating divine mercy. His prayer seemed to be at once answered. Hushai the Archite, a wise and able counselor, who had proved himself a faithful friend to David, now came to him with his robes rent and with earth upon his head, to cast in his fortunes with the dethroned and fugitive king. David saw, as by a divine enlightenment, that this man, faithful and truehearted, was the one needed to serve the interests of the king in the councils at the capital. At Davids request Hushai returned to Jerusalem to offer his services to Absalom and defeat the crafty counsel of Ahithophel. {PP 735.4}[25]
§53
在黑暗之中出现了这一线曙光，于是王和跟随他的人从橄榄山的东坡下去，经过崎岖荒芜的原野和峡谷，沿着悬崖下多石的山径，向约旦河行去。“大卫王到了巴户琳，见有一个人出来，是扫罗族基拉的儿子，名叫示每，他一面走，一面咒骂，又拿石头砍大卫王和王的臣仆；众民和勇士，都在王的左右。示每咒骂说：你这流人血的坏人哪，去吧去吧。你流扫罗全家的血，接续他作王；耶和华把这罪归在你身上，将这国交给你儿子押沙龙；现在你自取其祸，因为你是流人血的人。”[26]{PP 736.1}
§54
With this gleam of light in the darkness, the king and his followers pursued their way down the eastern slope of Olivet, through a rocky and desolate waste, through wild ravines, and along stony and precipitous paths, toward the Jordan. And when King David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came. And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of King David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial. The Lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.{PP 736.1}[26]
§55
当大卫王正兴盛的时候，示每在言语和行为上并没有什么不忠顺的表现。但是在王遭难的时候，这个便雅悯人便显出自己的真面目来了。大卫王在位时，示每曾尊荣他，及至王遭受耻辱之时，他竟破口咒骂。真卑鄙自私极了，他以小人之心度君子之德，这是他受了撒但的鼓动，在上帝所管教的人身上发泄自己的仇恨。那在他人受苦的时候幸灾乐祸，并加以难堪的辱骂的，乃是撒但的精神。[27]{PP 736.2}
§56
In Davids prosperity Shimei had not shown by word or act that he was not a loyal subject. But in the affliction of the king this Benjamite revealed his true character. He had honored David upon his throne, but he cursed him in his humiliation. Base and selfish, he looked upon others as of the same character as himself, and, inspired by Satan, he wreaked his hatred upon him whom God had chastened. The spirit that leads man to triumph over, to revile or distress, one who is in affliction is the spirit of Satan.{PP 736.2}[27]
§57
示每非难大卫的事完全是虚假的——毫无根据，乃是出于恶意的诽谤。大卫并没有亏负过扫罗或他们一家。当扫罗完全在大卫掌握之中，他很可以杀害他的时候，也不过仅仅割下他的衣襟，而就是为了这一件不尊敬耶和华受膏者的举动，他还深深自责呢。[28]{PP 736.3}
§58
Shimeis accusations against David were utterly false--a baseless and malignant slander. David had not been guilty of wrong toward Saul or his house. When Saul was wholly in his power, and he could have slain him, he merely cut the skirt of his robe, and he reproached himself for showing even this disrespect for the Lords anointed.{PP 736.3}[28]
§59
大卫认为人的性命是神圣不可侵犯的，即使在他自己被人追捕的时候，他还是在这一点上显出明显的凭据。有一天，当他隐藏在亚杜兰的洞内，回想自己幼年无忧无虑的自由生活时，这个逃亡者曾感叹说：“甚愿有人将伯利恒城门旁井里的水打来给我喝！”（撒下23:13-17）那时，伯利恒在非利士人手中、但大卫的三个勇士闯过非利士人的营盘，从伯利恒打水来给他们的王喝时，大卫却不肯喝。他说：“这三个人冒死去打水；这水好像他们的血一般；我断不敢喝。”他随即恭恭敬敬地将水倒在上帝面前，作为奠祭。大卫原是一个战士，他的一生多半在迫害的环境中度过、但是无论何人在经过这么严重的试验之后，很少真能像大卫一样，不因其影响而变为冷酷麻木的。[29]{PP 736.4}
§60
Of Davids sacred regard for human life, striking evidence had been given, even while he himself was hunted like a beast of prey. One day while he was hidden in the cave of Adullam, his thoughts turning back to the untroubled freedom of his boyhood life, the fugitive exclaimed, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! 2 Samuel 23:13-17. Bethlehem was at that time in the hands of the Philistines; but three mighty men of Davids band broke through the guard, and brought of the water of Bethlehem to their master. David could not drink it. Be it far from me, he cried; is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? And he reverently poured out the water as an offering to God. David had been a man of war, much of his life had been spent amid scenes of violence; but of all who have passed through such an ordeal, few indeed have been so little affected by its hardening, demoralizing influence as was David.{PP 736.4}[29]
§61
大卫的侄儿亚比筛，是一个最勇武的将领，他忍受不住示每侮辱的言语。就说：“这死狗岂可咒骂我主我王呢？求你容我过去，割下他的头来。”但王止住了他，并说：“我亲生的儿子，尚且寻索我的性命，何况这便雅悯人呢？由他咒骂吧；因为这是耶和华吩咐他的。或者耶和华见我遭难，为我今日被这人咒骂，就施恩与我。”[30]{PP 737.1}
§62
Davids nephew, Abishai, one of the bravest of his captains, could not listen patiently to Shimeis insulting words. Why, he exclaimed, should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. But the king forbade him. Behold, he said, my son . . . seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the Lord hath bidden him. It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lord will requite me good for his cursing this day.{PP 737.1}[30]
§63
这时，大卫的良心正向他说明受苦难耻辱的真理。他忠心的臣仆不明白他的命运何以忽然改变，就不禁有惊异之感。但王本人对这事却不以为希奇。他久已预料到今日的遭遇。况且他曾因上帝那么长久容忍他的罪，迟迟不给他所应受的报应，还感到奇异呢。如今在他忧伤的匆忙逃亡中，自己赤着脚，脱了王袍，换上麻衣，而从者的哀声响彻山谷的时候，他想到那可爱的首都——就是他犯罪的地方，随即想起上帝的良善和忍耐，他就知道自己不是全然没有希望。他深觉耶和华必仍以慈爱待他的。[31]{PP 737.2}
§64
Conscience was uttering bitter and humiliating truths to David. While his faithful subjects wondered at his sudden reverse of fortune, it was no mystery to the king. He had often had forebodings of an hour like this. He had wondered that God had so long borne with his sins, and had delayed the merited retribution. And now in his hurried and sorrowful flight, his feet bare, his royal robes changed for sackcloth, the lamentations of his followers awaking the echoes of the hills, he thought of his loved capital--of the place which had been the scene of his sin--and as he remembered the goodness and long-suffering of God, he was not altogether without hope. He felt that the Lord would still deal with him in mercy.{PP 737.2}[31]
§65
许多犯错误的人常拿大卫的失败来原谅自己的罪；但很少人能表现他的悔改和自卑。很少人能像大卫所表现的一样，以忍耐和刚毅的精神忍受责备和报应。大卫已承认自己的罪，并已多年致力于作上帝忠仆的本分；他已努力建设他的国家，在他的统治之下，国家已经达到空前的强盛。他为建造上帝的圣殿，业已收集了大量的材料；难道如今他一生的辛劳都要付诸东流吗？难道他多年献身的努力，就是英明、敬虔和经国之才从事工作所有的政绩，必须落到他这个不顾上帝尊荣，不顾以色列繁盛的鲁莽而叛逆的儿子手中吗？大卫若是在这次遭大难的时候埋怨了上帝，岂不是人之常情吗！[32]{PP 737.3}
§66
Many a wrongdoer has excused his own sin by pointing to Davids fall, but how few there are who manifest Davids penitence and humility. How few would bear reproof and retribution with the patience and fortitude that he manifested. He had confessed his sin, and for years had sought to do his duty as a faithful servant of God; he had labored for the upbuilding of his kingdom, and under his rule it had attained to strength and prosperity never reached before. He had gathered rich stores of material for the building of the house of God, and now was all the labor of his life to be swept away? Must the results of years of consecrated toil, the work of genius and devotion and statesmanship, pass into the hands of his reckless and traitorous son, who regarded not the honor of God nor the prosperity of Israel? How natural it would have seemed for David to murmur against God in this great affliction!{PP 737.3}[32]
§67
可是他看出遭难的原因，乃是由于他自己的罪。先知弥迦的话实足以表达大卫的心情：“我虽坐在黑暗里，耶和华却作我的光。我要忍受耶和华的恼怒，因我得罪了他；直等他为我辨屈，为我伸冤。”（弥7:8-9）上帝并没有丢弃大卫。本章所载他的历史，就是当他饱受最残酷的亏待的侮辱之时，他的谦卑、无私、宽宏和顺服，乃是他平生最伟大的表现。在上天看来，以色列的王从来没有比这次受表面上最大耻辱时更伟大的了。[33]{PP 738.1}
§68
But he saw in his own sin the cause of his trouble. The words of the prophet Micah breathe the spirit that inspired Davids heart. When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against Him, until He plead my cause, and execute judgment for me. Micah 7:8, 9. And the Lord did not forsake David. This chapter in his experience, when, under cruelest wrong and insult, he shows himself to be humble, unselfish, generous, and submissive, is one of the noblest in his whole experience. Never was the ruler of Israel more truly great in the sight of heaven than at this hour of his deepest outward humiliation.{PP 738.1}[33]
§69
如果上帝放过大卫而不谴责他的罪，使他在违犯上帝的律法之后还可以平安顺利地坐在宝座上；那么，怀疑派和不信的人或许有所借口，拿大卫的历史来毁谤对《圣经》的信仰。但耶和华所给大卫的经验，说明上帝不能容忍或原谅罪恶。大卫的历史使我们也能看出上帝处理罪恶目的的远大；即使在最阴沉的惩罚中，我们也能以看出他怜悯和慈善的美意。他使大卫在杖下经过，但并没有毁灭他；炉火乃是为炼净他，而不是要烧灭他。耶和华说：如果他们“背弃我的律例，不遵守我的诫命；我就要用杖责罚他们的过犯，用鞭责罚他们的罪孽。只是我必不将我的慈爱，全然收回，也必不叫我的信实废弃。”（诗89:31-33）[34]{PP 738.2}
§70
Had God permitted David to go on unrebuked in sin, and while transgressing the divine precepts, to remain in peace and prosperity upon his throne, the skeptic and infidel might have had some excuse for citing the history of David as a reproach to the religion of the Bible. But in the experience through which He caused David to pass, the Lord shows that He cannot tolerate or excuse sin. And Davids history enables us to see also the great ends which God has in view in His dealings with sin; it enables us to trace, even through darkest judgments, the working out of His purposes of mercy and beneficence. He caused David to pass under the rod, but He did not destroy him; the furnace is to purify, but not to consume. The Lord says, If they break My statutes, and keep not My commandments; then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless My loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer My faithfulness to fail. Psalm 89:31-33.{PP 738.2}[34]
§71
大卫离开耶路撒冷之后不久，押沙龙和他的军队就进了城，他们兵不血刃地占领了这个以色列的堡垒。户筛列在最先欢迎新王的人中，王子看见父亲的挚友和谋士来归附他，又惊奇、又得意。押沙龙自信是成功了。他的阴谋一直是顺利发展的，于是为巩固自己的王位并取得国人的信任起见，他就欢迎户筛入朝参政。[35]{PP 738.3}
§72
Soon after David left Jerusalem, Absalom and his army entered, and without a struggle took possession of the stronghold of Israel. Hushai was among the first to greet the new-crowned monarch, and the prince was surprised and gratified at the accession of his fathers old friend and counselor. Absalom was confident of success. Thus far his schemes had prospered, and eager to strengthen his throne and secure the confidence of the nation, he welcomed Hushai to his court.{PP 738.3}[35]
§73
这时，押沙龙已经拥有一支庞大的军队，但多数是没有受过军事训练的。直到现在，他们还没有经过一次正式的作战。亚希多弗深知大卫的情况绝不是没有希望的。国内大部分的人仍然效忠于他；他周围还有许多尽忠王室，训练有素的战士，而他的军队是由干练惯战的将领指挥的。亚希多弗知道在众人拥戴新王的热情消退之后，必有反作用发生。如果叛逆失势，押沙龙或许还能与他的父亲和好；但他主要的谋士亚希多弗倒要为这次的叛逆负重大的责任了；因此，最重的刑罚也必落到他的头上。为防止押沙龙倒退不前起见，亚希多弗就建议押沙龙在全国的人眼前，作一件杜绝将来和好的事。这个狡猾而不择手段的政治家竟怂恿押沙龙在叛逆之外，还加上乱伦的罪；他献议押沙龙在以色列众人眼前，与他父亲的妃嫔亲近。依着近东各国的风俗，他此举就是声明他已经接续他父亲的宝座。于是押沙龙就照这邪恶的建议去行。这样就应验了上帝借先知向大卫所说的话：“我必从你家中兴起祸患攻击你；我必在你眼前，把你的妃嫔赐给别人；……你在暗中行这事，我却要在以色列众人面前，日光之下，报应你。”（撒下12:11-12）这并不是说上帝鼓励这邪恶的行为；乃是因为大卫的罪，上帝就没有用他的能力来阻止这事而已。[36]{PP 738.4}
§74
Absalom was now surrounded by a large force, but it was mostly composed of men untrained for war. As yet they had not been brought into conflict. Ahithophel well knew that Davids situation was far from hopeless. A large part of the nation were still true to him; he was surrounded by tried warriors, who were faithful to their king, and his army was commanded by able and experienced generals. Ahithophel knew that after the first burst of enthusiasm in favor of the new king, a reaction would come. Should the rebellion fail, Absalom might be able to secure a reconciliation with his father; then Ahithophel, as his chief counselor, would be held most guilty for the rebellion; upon him the heaviest punishment would fall. To prevent Absalom from retracing his steps, Ahithophel counseled him to an act that in the eyes of the whole nation would make reconciliation impossible. With hellish cunning this wily and unprincipled statesman urged Absalom to add the crime of incest to that of rebellion. In the sight of all Israel he was to take to himself his fathers concubines, according to the custom of oriental nations, thus declaring that he succeeded to his fathers throne. And Absalom carried out the vile suggestion. Thus was fulfilled the word of God to David by the prophet, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbor. . . . For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. 2 Samuel 12:11, 12. Not that God prompted these acts of wickedness, but because of Davids sin He did not exercise His power to prevent them.{PP 738.4}[36]
§75
亚希多弗才智的名声很高，但他缺少从上帝那里来的光照。“敬畏耶和华，是智慧的开端；”（箴9:10）这智慧却是亚希多弗所没有的，不然，他就不会以乱伦的罪作达成叛逆的方策了。心术败坏的人图谋恶事，好像天地间没有掌管万有的神来拦阻他们的计谋似的；但“那坐在天上的必发笑；主必嗤笑他们。”（诗2:4）耶和华声称：他们“不听我的劝诫，藐视我一切的责备，所以必吃自结的果子，充满自设的计谋。愚昧人背道，必杀己身，愚顽人安逸，必害己命。”（箴1:30-32）[37]{PP 739.1}
§76
Ahithophel had been held in high esteem for his wisdom, but he was destitute of the enlightenment which comes from God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10); and this, Ahithophel did not possess, or he could hardly have based the success of treason upon the crime of incest. Men of corrupt hearts plot wickedness, as if there were no overruling Providence to cross their designs; but He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Psalm 2:4. The Lord declares: They would none of My counsel: they despised all My reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. Proverbs 1:30-32.{PP 739.1}[37]
§77
亚希多弗既贯彻了保护自己的计谋，就怂恿押沙龙，立时对大卫采取行动。他对押沙龙说：“求你准我挑选一万二千人；今夜我就起身追赶大卫；趁他疲乏手软，我忽然追上他，使他惊惶；跟随他的民，必都逃跑；我就单杀王一人；使众民都归顺你。”王的谋士都以此为美。如果真依此而行，除非耶和华直接干涉，来施行拯救，大卫必然被杀。幸而有比素负盛名的亚希多弗更有智慧的一位，在掌管万事。“耶和华定意破坏亚希多弗的良谋，为要降祸与押沙龙。”[38]{PP 739.2}
§78
Having succeeded in the plot for securing his own safety, Ahithophel urged upon Absalom the necessity of immediate action against David. Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, he said, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: and I will come upon him while he is weary and weak-handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only: and I will bring back all the people unto thee. This plan was approved by the kings counselors. Had it been followed, David would surely have been slain, unless the Lord had directly interposed to save him. But a wisdom higher than that of the renowned Ahithophel was directing events. The Lord had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom.{PP 739.2}[38]
§79
这时，户筛还没有被召参加会议，他也不愿作一个不速之客，以免引起猜疑，被人当作奸细；但在会议结束之后，押沙龙非常重视他父亲谋士的意见，就把亚希多弗的计划告诉了他，请他批评。户筛看出了如果实施他所建议的计划，则大卫必难幸免。于是他说：“亚希多弗这次所定的谋不善。户筛又说：你知道你父亲和跟随他的人都是勇士；现在他们心里恼怒，如同田野丢崽子的母熊一般；而且你父亲是个战士，必不和民一同住宿，他现今或藏在坑中，或在别处。”他主张：如果押沙龙的军队去追赶大卫，他们必不能拿获他；如果他们遭到败北，则众人必至灰心丧胆，而押沙龙的企图必大受影响。他说：“因为以色列人都知道你父亲是英雄，跟随他的人，也都是勇士。”于是他建议一个能引起押沙龙的虚荣心，自私的天性，以及喜爱夸张权势的计划，说：“依我之计，不如将以色列众人，从但直到别是巴，如同海边的沙那样多，聚集到你这里来；你也亲自率领他们出战。这样，我们在何处遇见他，就下到他那里，如同露水下在地上一般；连他带跟随他的人，一个也不留下。他若进了哪一座城，以色列众人，必带绳子去，将那城拉到河里，甚至连一块小石头都不剩下。[39]{PP 740.1}
§80
Hushai had not been called to the council, and he would not intrude himself unasked, lest suspicion should be drawn upon him as a spy; but after the assembly had dispersed, Absalom, who had a high regard for the judgment of his fathers counselor, submitted to him the plan of Ahithophel. Hushai saw that if the proposed plan were followed, David would be lost. And he said, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time. For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place; he argued that, if Absaloms forces should pursue David, they would not capture the king; and should they suffer a reverse, it would tend to dishearten them and work great harm to Absaloms cause. For, he said, all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men. And he suggested a plan attractive to a vain and selfish nature, fond of the show of power: I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person. So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one. Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there. {PP 740.1}[39]
§81
“押沙龙和以色列众人说：亚基人户筛的计谋，比亚希多弗的计谋更好。”但是内中有一个人没有受骗，他很清楚地看到押沙龙这一个严重的错误所必有的结果，从此，亚希多弗知道叛逆的事终必失败。他也知道，无论王子的厄运如何，他这个教唆他去犯最大罪恶的谋士是决没有希望的了。亚希多弗曾鼓励押沙龙背叛；向他建议行最可憎的罪恶，来侮辱他的父亲；他又主张杀死大卫，并提出杀死大卫的计划；可见他自己与大卫王和好，是没有一点可能性的了；而今在押沙龙面前，另有一个人比他更蒙重用。于是就在嫉妒、忿怒、绝望之余，亚希多弗“归回本城，到了家，留下遗言，便吊死了。”这就是具有最高天才的聪明人没有求问上帝的结果。撒但以动听的应许诱惑世人，但各人至终必要发觉，“罪的工价乃是死。”（罗6:23）[40]{PP 741.1}
§82
And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. But there was one who was not deceived--one who clearly foresaw the result of this fatal mistake of Absaloms. Ahithophel knew that the cause of the rebels was lost. And he knew that whatever might be the fate of the prince, there was no hope for the counselor who had instigated his greatest crimes. Ahithophel had encouraged Absalom in rebellion; he had counseled him to the most abominable wickedness, to the dishonor of his father; he had advised the slaying of David and had planned its accomplishment; he had cut off the last possibility of his own reconciliation with the king; and now another was preferred before him, even by Absalom. Jealous, angry, and desperate, Ahithophel gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died. Such was the result of the wisdom of one, who, with all his high endowments, did not make God his counselor. Satan allures men with flattering promises, but in the end it will be found by every soul, that the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23.{PP 741.1}[40]
§83
户筛未能确知这个反复无常的王是否听从他的计谋，所以急忙警告大卫即速到约旦河外，不可迟延。户筛将信息告诉祭司，叫他们差儿子去送信。说：“亚希多弗为押沙龙和以色列的长老所定的计谋，是如此如此，我所定的计谋，是如此如此。……今夜不可住在旷野的渡口，务要过河；免得王和跟随他的人，都被吞灭。”[41]{PP 741.2}
§84
Hushai, not certain that his counsel would be followed by the fickle king, lost no time in warning David to escape beyond Jordan without delay. To the priests, who were to forward it by their sons, Hushai sent the message: Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counseled. Now therefore . . . lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.{PP 741.2}[41]
§85
这两个青年人去报信的时候曾被人发觉追赶，但他们终于完成了这危险的使命，大卫在第一天辛辛苦苦，忧忧愁愁的逃走之后，接到了这个消息，知道他必须当夜过约旦河，因为他的儿子在寻索他的性命。[42]{PP 741.3}
§86
The young men were suspected and pursued, yet they succeeded in performing their perilous mission. David, spent with toil and grief after that first day of flight, received the message that he must cross the Jordan that night, for his son was seeking his life.{PP 741.3}[42]
§87
在这可怕的危险之中，这个被人那么残酷亏待的父王可有什么感想呢？一个“英雄，”战士，令出如山的王，竟被自己疼爱、纵容和盲目信任的儿子所卖，被一些应该效忠并拥戴他的臣仆所弃绝，这时大卫将要怎样倾吐心中的感想呢？他在这最阴沉的磨难之中，依然依靠上帝，他歌唱说：“耶和华啊，我的敌人何其加增！有许多人起来攻击我；有许多人议论我说：他得不着上帝的帮助。但你耶和华是我四围的盾牌，是我的荣耀，又是叫我抬起头来的。我用我的声音求告耶和华，他就从他的圣山上应允我。我躺下睡觉，我醒着，耶和华都保佑我。虽有成万的百姓来周围攻击我，我也不怕。……救恩属乎耶和华；愿你赐福给你的百姓。”（诗3:1-8）[43]{PP 741.4}
§88
What were the feelings of the father and king, so cruelly wronged, in this terrible peril? A mighty valiant man, a man of war, a king, whose word was law, betrayed by his son whom he had loved and indulged and unwisely trusted, wronged and deserted by subjects bound to him by the strongest ties of honor and fealty--in what words did David pour out the feelings of his soul? In the hour of his darkest trial Davids heart was stayed upon God, and he sang: Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; My glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, And He heard me out of His holy hill. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, That have set themselves against me round about. . . . Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: Thy blessing is upon Thy people. Psalm 3:1-8.{PP 741.4}[43]
§89
大卫和他一切的同伴——武士和官员、老人和青年、妇女和孩子，在夜静更深的时候，渡过了水深流急的河。“到了天亮，无一人不过约旦河的。”[44]{PP 742.1}
§90
David and all his company--warriors and statesmen, old men and youth, the women and the little children--in the darkness of night crossed the deep and swift-flowing river. By the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.{PP 742.1}[44]
§91
大卫和他的军队退到玛哈念，就是一度曾作过伊施波设国都的地方。这是一个壁垒森严的坚城，周围尽是山岭，战时可以退守。而且当地食粮充足，百姓又效忠大卫。有许多依附大卫的人到此来觐王，而当地一些富足的族人，也带食粮和其他的必需品来，送给大卫。[45]{PP 742.2}
§92
David and his forces fell back to Mahanaim, which had been the royal seat of Ishbosheth. This was a strongly fortified city, surrounded by a mountainous district favorable for retreat in case of war. The country was well-provisioned, and the people were friendly to the cause of David. Here many adherents joined him, while wealthy tribesmen brought abundant gifts of provision, and other needed supplies.{PP 742.2}[45]
§93
户筛的计谋已经成功，使大卫有机会得以逃遁；但这个暴躁轻率的王子，不能长久被抑制，不久他就出发追赶他的父亲了。“押沙龙和跟随他的以色列人，也都过了约旦河。”押沙龙立大卫的姊妹亚比该的儿子亚玛撒作他军队的元帅。他军队的人数固然众多，但既没有受过训练，就不易应付他父亲久经战阵的兵士。[46]{PP 742.3}
§94
Hushais counsel had achieved its object, gaining for David opportunity for escape; but the rash and impetuous prince could not be long restrained, and he soon set out in pursuit of his father. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. Absalom made Amasa, the son of Davids sister Abigail, commander-in-chief of his forces. His army was large, but it was undisciplined and poorly prepared to cope with the tried soldiers of his father.{PP 742.3}[46]
§95
大卫把他的军兵分为三队，由约押、亚比筛和迦特人以太分别率领。大卫本来要亲自带领军队出战，但他的军官、谋士和民众都坚决地反对说：“你不可出战，若是我们逃跑，敌人必不介意；我们阵亡一半，敌人也不介意；因为你一人强似我们万人；你不如在城里预备帮助我们。王向他们说，你们以为怎样好，我就怎样行。”[47]{PP 742.4}
§96
David divided his forces into three battalions under the command of Joab, Abishai, and Ittai the Gittite. It had been his purpose himself to lead his army in the field; but against this the officers of the army, the counselors, and the people vehemently protested. Thou shalt not go forth, they said: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou be ready to succour us out of the city. And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. 2 Samuel 18:3, 4, R.V.{PP 742.4}[47]
§97
从城墙上就可以望见叛军的行列。那位篡逆者率领着他的大军；大卫的军队与他们比较起来，在人数上实在是非常悬殊的。但当王望着敌军时，他心中所悬念的并不是这次战争攸关的王位或国权，也不是他自己的性命。这个父亲的心却充满了对他叛逆的儿子的爱怜。当大卫的军兵列队从城门穿过时，他鼓励他忠勇的兵士，嘱咐他们上阵时，要笃信以色列的上帝必使他们胜利。但就是到了此时，他还不能抑制住他对押沙龙的疼爱。当百战百胜的约押率领军队在王面前经过受检阅时，他俯首倾听王最后的训话，王带着颤抖的声音说：“你们要为我的缘故，宽待那少年人押沙龙。”亚比筛和以太也领受了这同样的吩咐——“你们要为我的缘故，宽待那少年人押沙龙。”但是王的关怀似乎说明他爱押沙龙比爱他自己的国家更甚，比爱那些效忠于他的百姓更甚。但是只有加增士兵们的愤慨，使他们更仇恨这个不孝的儿子。[48]{PP 743.1}
§98
From the walls of the city the long lines of the rebel army were in full view. The usurper was accompanied by a vast host, in comparison with which Davids force seemed but a handful. But as the king looked upon the opposing forces, the thought uppermost in his mind was not of the crown and the kingdom, nor of his own life, that depended upon the wage of battle. The fathers heart was filled with love and pity for his rebellious son. As the army filed out from the city gates David encouraged his faithful soldiers, bidding them go forth trusting that the God of Israel would give them the victory. But even here he could not repress his love for Absalom. As Joab, leading the first column, passed his king, the conqueror of a hundred battlefields stooped his proud head to hear the monarchs last message, as with trembling voice he said, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And Abishai and Ittai received the same charge--Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. But the kings solicitude, seeming to declare that Absalom was dearer to him than his kingdom, dearer even than the subjects faithful to his throne, only increased the indignation of the soldiers against the unnatural son.{PP 743.1}[48]
§99
这次作战的地点是靠近约旦河的森林中，这对于押沙龙庞大的军队是最不利的。这些未受训练的军兵，在茂密的树林和洼地里，仓惶溃乱，无法控制了。“以色列人败在大卫的仆人面前；那日阵亡的甚多，共有二万人。”押沙龙见战事失败，就转身逃跑，但他的头发被一棵大树的密枝绕住，他所骑的骡子既从跨下跑掉，他便毫无办法地被悬挂起来，成了仇敌的俘虏了。有一个士兵看见他悬在那里，因为怕王不悦，便没有杀他，只将所看见的告诉约押。约押过去曾善待押沙龙，并曾两次使他与父亲言归于好，而他的一番好意竟被押沙龙无耻地辜负了。若没有约押为押沙龙求情，并帮助他得着种种的机会，这次的叛逆及其所造成的惨祸是决不会发生的。如今约押得此机会，可以一下消灭这惹祸的叛徒，他便一点也不犹豫，“手拿三杆短枪，……就刺透他的心。……他们将押沙龙丢在林中一个大坑里，上头堆起一大堆石头！”[49]{PP 743.2}
§100
The place of battle was a wood near the Jordan, in which the great numbers of Absaloms army were only a disadvantage to him. Among the thickets and marshes of the forest these undisciplined troops became confused and unmanageable. And the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men. Absalom, seeing that the day was lost, had turned to flee, when his head was caught between the branches of a widespreading tree, and his mule going out from under him, he was left helplessly suspended, a prey to his enemies. In this condition he was found by a soldier, who, for fear of displeasing the king, spared Absalom, but reported to Joab what he had seen. Joab was restrained by no scruples. He had befriended Absalom, having twice secured his reconciliation with David, and the trust had been shamelessly betrayed. But for the advantages gained by Absalom through Joabs intercession, this rebellion, with all its horrors, could never have occurred. Now it was in Joabs power at one blow to destroy the instigator of all this evil. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom. . . . And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him.{PP 743.2}[49]
§101
这样，在以色列中煽动叛乱的人都死了。亚希多弗已经自杀身亡。这具有王者风度的押沙龙，他的美丽虽足以使以色列人自豪，但却在年富力强之时被杀，尸体丢在坑中，上面堆起一大堆石头，作为永远蒙羞的记号。押沙龙生前曾在王谷为自己立了一个贵重的石柱，但是那标志他坟墓的唯一纪念物，却是旷野里的一堆石头。[50]{PP 744.1}
§102
Thus perished the instigators of rebellion in Israel. Ahithophel had died by his own hand. The princely Absalom, whose glorious beauty had been the pride of Israel, had been cut down in the vigor of his youth, his dead body thrust into a pit, and covered with a heap of stones, in token of everlasting reproach. During his lifetime Absalom had reared for himself a costly monument in the kings dale, but the only memorial which marked his grave was that heap of stones in the wilderness.{PP 744.1}[50]
§103
叛逆的首领既死，约押就吹角收兵，不再追赶败敌；同时，立即差派使者向王报捷。[51]{PP 744.2}
§104
The leader of the rebellion being slain, Joab by the sound of the trumpet recalled his army from the pursuit of the fleeing host, and messengers were at once dispatched to bear the tidings to the king.{PP 744.2}[51]
§105
守望的人从城墙上向战场观望，看见有一个人独自跑来。不久，又看见了第二个人。当第一个人跑近的时候，守望的人对那在城门旁等候的王说：“我看前头人的跑法好像撒督的儿子亚希玛斯的跑法一样。王说：他是个好人，必是报好信息。亚希玛斯向王呼叫，说：平安了；就在王面前脸伏于地，叩拜，说：耶和华你的上帝是应当称颂的，因他已将那举手攻击我主我王的人交给王了。王问说：少年人押沙龙平安不平安？”亚希玛斯给王一个模棱两可的回答。[52]{PP 744.3}
§106
The watchman upon the city wall, looking out toward the battlefield, discovered a man running alone. Soon a second came in sight. As the first drew nearer, the watchman said to the king, who was waiting beside the gate, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings. And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, Blessed be the Lord thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king. To the kings eager inquiry, Is the young man Absalom safe? Ahimaaz returned an evasive answer.{PP 744.3}[52]
§107
第二个报信的人也来到了，喊叫说：“有信息报给我主我王；耶和华今日向一切兴起攻击你的人报仇了。”于是从父亲的口中，又发出他那念念不忘的问题，说：“少年人押沙龙平安不平安？”报信的人不能隐瞒那凶信，就回答说：“愿我主我王的仇敌，和一切兴起要杀害你的人，都与那少年人一样。”这就够了。大卫没有再问下去，只是垂着头，“上城门楼去哀哭；一面走，一面说：我儿押沙龙啊！我儿，我儿押沙龙啊！我恨不得替你死；押沙龙啊！我儿！我儿！”[53]{PP 744.4}
§108
The second messenger came, crying, Tidings, my lord the king: for the Lord hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee. Again from the fathers lips came the absorbing question, Is the young man Absalom safe? Unable to conceal the heavy tidings, the herald answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is. It was enough. David questioned no further, but with bowed head he went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom! my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son! {PP 744.4}[53]
§109
得胜的军队从战场凯旋，将近城外，他们的欢呼声震山岳。但当他们走进城门时，欢呼的声音就渐渐消沉了，他们手中的旌旗也垂了下来，大家垂头丧气进城，并不像胜利归来，倒像战败逃回的一样。因为王没有等在城门口劳军，只听见他在城门楼上哀哭，说：“我儿押沙龙啊！我儿，我儿押沙龙啊！我恨不得替你死；押沙龙啊！我儿！我儿！”[54]{PP 745.1}
§110
The victorious army, returning from the field, approached the city, their shouts of triumph awaking the echoes of the hills. But as they entered the city gate the shout died away, their banners drooped in their hands, and with downcast gaze they advanced more like those who had suffered defeat than like conquerors. For the king was not waiting to bid them welcome, but from the chamber above the gate his wailing cry was heard, O my son Absalom! my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!{PP 745.1}[54]
§111
“众民听说王为他儿子忧愁，他们得胜的欢乐，却变成悲哀。那日，众民暗暗的进城，就如败阵逃跑惭愧的民一般。”[55]{PP 745.2}
§112
The victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people; for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son. And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.{PP 745.2}[55]
§113
约押怒气填膺。上帝已经给他们欢呼快乐的理由；以色列中从来未曾遭过的最大叛逆已经瓦解；但这次的大胜利，却为了押沙龙的缘故变成悲哀，然而因这一个人的罪，业已造成千万的勇士阵亡。于是这位粗鲁耿直的大将冲到王的面前，莽撞地对他说：“你今日使你一切仆人的脸面惭愧了；他们今日救了你的性命，和你儿女……的性命；你却爱那恨你的人，恨那爱你的人。你今日明明的不以将帅仆人为念；我今日看明，若押沙龙活着，我们都死亡，你就喜悦了。现在你当出去，安慰你仆人的心；我指着耶和华起誓，你若不出去，今夜必无一人与你同在一处；这祸患就比你从幼年到如今所遭的更甚。”[56]{PP 745.3}
§114
Joab was filled with indignation. God had given them reason for triumph and gladness; the greatest rebellion that had ever been known in Israel had been crushed; and yet this great victory was turned to mourning for him whose crime had cost the blood of thousands of brave men. The rude, blunt captain pushed his way into the presence of the king, and boldly said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters; . . . in that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well. Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the Lord, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.{PP 745.3}[56]
§115
这种责备的话在伤心的王听来，是何等的尖酸苛刻，但大卫没有因此发怒。他认明大将所说的话是正确的，于是就下到城门口，当那些勇敢的兵士整队经过他面前时，就用鼓励和赞扬的话慰劳他们。[57]{PP 745.4}
§116
Harsh and even cruel as was the reproof to the heart-stricken king, David did not resent it. Seeing that his general was right, he went down to the gate, and with words of courage and commendation greeted his brave soldiers as they marched past him.{PP 745.4}[57]