第73章 大卫的晚年
§1
第73章 大卫的晚年
§2
Chap. 73 - The Last Years of David
§3
押沙龙败亡之后，国内没有立时太平。因为全国有那么多的人参加叛乱，所以若没有各支派来迎驾，大卫就不愿回到首都去复位。在押沙龙败亡以后的一段混乱时期中，各支派没有立时作决定性的行动，迎王回京，但当犹大支派最后出来迎接大卫王回京时，这事却引起了其他支派的嫉妒，以致造成了又一次的叛乱。好在叛乱迅速地弹压下去，以色列就重享太平了。[1]{PP 746.1}
§4
The overthrow of Absalom did not at once bring peace to the kingdom. So large a part of the nation had joined in revolt that David would not return to his capital and resume his authority without an invitation from the tribes. In the confusion that followed Absaloms defeat there was no prompt and decided action to recall the king, and when at last Judah undertook to bring back David, the jealousy of the other tribes was roused, and a counter-revolution followed. This, however, was speedily quelled, and peace returned to Israel.{PP 746.1}[1]
§5
大卫的历史给我们一个最有力的证据，使我们看出权势、财富和属世尊荣所带来的危险，而这些事却是世人所最喜爱追求的。况且很少人能像大卫一样，预先受到一种足以使他们能忍受这样考验的操练。大卫幼年作牧人的生活给了他谦卑、耐劳和对羊群亲切照顾的教训；他在偏僻的山间，时与大自然接触，培养了他音乐和诗歌的天才，指引他的思想倾向于创造主；在旷野生活中的长期锻炼，帮助他养成勇敢、刚毅、忍耐、信心等美德，这都是耶和华指定的方法，为要准备他登上以色列的宝座。大卫曾享受上帝之爱的宝贵经历，并曾丰富地得到圣灵的恩赐。在扫罗的历史上，他也看出单靠人的智慧是完全没有价值的。但世俗的成功和尊荣竟使大卫坚贞的品格削弱了，以至他屡次被试探所胜。[2]{PP 746.2}
§6
The history of David affords one of the most impressive testimonies ever given to the dangers that threaten the soul from power and riches and worldly honor--those things that are most eagerly desired among men. Few have ever passed through an experience better adapted to prepare them for enduring such a test. Davids early life as a shepherd, with its lessons of humility, of patient toil, and of tender care for his flocks; the communion with nature in the solitude of the hills, developing his genius for music and poetry, and directing his thoughts to the Creator; the long discipline of his wilderness life, calling into exercise courage, fortitude, patience, and faith in God, had been appointed by the Lord as a preparation for the throne of Israel. David had enjoyed precious experiences of the love of God, and had been richly endowed with His Spirit; in the history of Saul he had seen the utter worthlessness of mere human wisdom. And yet worldly success and honor so weakened the character of David that he was repeatedly overcome by the tempter.{PP 746.2}[2]
§7
以色列人与异邦民族的交往，引起了随从列国风俗的愿望，并燃起了追求属世尊荣的野心。原来以色列的尊荣，在乎他们特别蒙选作耶和华的子民；但是当以色列人逐渐骄傲自恃的时候，他们就不满意这种特点了。他们反而重视自己在列国之中所有的地位。这种精神就不能不招致试探。大卫想要在外邦中略取新的领土，故决定用征兵制来扩充军队。为达到这个目的起见，就必须先行调查户口。而那激动王这样行的，乃是他的骄傲和野心。数点百姓，必可显明大卫初即位时国家的软弱，和经他统治之后国家的强盛，这就要倾向于更进一步，助长国王和百姓已有的太过自恃之心了。经上说：“撒但起来攻击以色列人，激动大卫数点他们。”（见代上21:）以色列国在大卫作王之时的兴盛，乃是因为上帝的赐福，而不是因为国王的才能或军队的力量。但增加国家的军事力量，必要使周围列国得到一个错误的印象，以为以色列国是依靠武力，而不是依靠耶和华的力量。[3]{PP 746.3}
§8
Intercourse with heathen peoples led to a desire to follow their national customs and kindled ambition for worldly greatness. As the people of Jehovah, Israel was to be honored; but as pride and self-confidence increased, the Israelites were not content with this pre-eminence. They cared rather for their standing among other nations. This spirit could not fail to invite temptation. With a view to extending his conquests among foreign nations, David determined to increase his army by requiring military service from all who were of proper age. To effect this, it became necessary to take a census of the population. It was pride and ambition that prompted this action of the king. The numbering of the people would show the contrast between the weakness of the kingdom when David ascended the throne and its strength and prosperity under his rule. This would tend still further to foster the already too great self-confidence of both king and people. The Scripture says, Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. The prosperity of Israel under David had been due to the blessing of God rather than to the ability of her king or the strength of her armies. But the increasing of the military resources of the kingdom would give the impression to surrounding nations that Israels trust was in her armies, and not in the power of Jehovah.{PP 746.3}[3]
§9
以色列民虽然以国家的兴盛自豪，但他们却没有赞同大卫这扩充军事的计划。因此大卫所计划的人口调查，引起百姓普遍的不满，结果，大卫必须令军队的官长，代替原来调查人口的祭司和官长，去从事调查。这事的举办，是与神权政治的原则直接相抵触的。甚至一向以鲁莽见称的约押也谏诤王说：“愿耶和华使他的百姓比现在加增百倍。我主我王啊，他们不都是你的仆人吗？我主为何吩咐行这事？为何使以色列人陷在罪里呢？但王的命令胜过约押。约押就出去，走遍以色列地，回到耶路撒冷。”数点的工作还没有完结，大卫就觉悟到自己的罪。他深深地自责祷告上帝说：“我行这事大有罪了；现在求你除掉仆人的罪孽，因我所行的甚是愚昧。”第二天清晨，先知迦得带一个信息给大卫，说：“耶和华如此说，你可以随意选择；或三年的饥荒，或败在你敌人面前，被敌人的刀追杀三个月，或在你国中有耶和华的刀，就是三日的瘟疫，耶和华的使者在以色列的四境施行毁灭。现在你要想一想，我好回复那差我来的。”[4]{PP 747.1}
§10
Though the people of Israel were proud of their national greatness, they did not look with favor upon Davids plan for so greatly extending the military service. The proposed enrollment caused much dissatisfaction; consequently it was thought necessary to employ the military officers in place of the priests and magistrates, who had formerly taken the census. The object of the undertaking was directly contrary to the principles of a theocracy. Even Joab remonstrated, unscrupulous as he had heretofore shown himself. He said, The Lord make His people a hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lords servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel? Nevertheless the kings word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem. The numbering was not finished when David was convicted of his sin. Self-condemned, he said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech Thee, do away the iniquity of Thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. The next morning a message was brought to David by the prophet Gad: Thus saith the Lord, Choose thee either three years famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore, said the prophet, advise thyself what word I shall bring again to Him that sent me.{PP 747.1}[4]
§11
大卫回答说：“我甚为难；我愿落在耶和华的手里，因为他有丰盛的怜悯；我不愿落在人的手里。”[5]{PP 748.1}
§12
The kings answer was, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for His mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.{PP 748.1}[5]
§13
于是全地发生瘟疫，以色列人死了七万。这时候灾难还未延及首都，“大卫举目，看见耶和华的使者站在天地间，手里有拔出来的刀，伸在耶路撒冷以上。大卫和长老，都身穿麻衣，面伏于地。”王为以色列民恳求上帝说：“吩咐数点百姓的不是我吗？我犯了罪，行了恶，但这群羊作了什么呢？愿耶和华我上帝的手攻击我，和我的父家；不要攻击你的民，降瘟疫与他们。”[6]{PP 748.2}
§14
The land was smitten with pestilence, which destroyed seventy thousand in Israel. The scourge had not yet entered the capital, when David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. The king pleaded with God in behalf of Israel: Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let Thine hand, I pray Thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my fathers house; but not on Thy people, that they should be plagued.{PP 748.2}[6]
§15
调查人口的事固然曾在民间引起不满；但百姓自己也曾怀藏着那鼓动大卫行事的同样的罪。正如耶和华曾借着押沙龙的罪降刑罚与大卫；照样，他借着大卫的错误刑罚了以色列人的罪。[7]{PP 748.3}
§16
The taking of the census had caused disaffection among the people; yet they had themselves cherished the same sins that prompted Davids action. As the Lord through Absaloms sin visited judgment upon David, so through Davids error He punished the sins of Israel.{PP 748.3}[7]
§17
毁灭的天使已经在耶路撒冷城外停止他的工作。他站在摩利亚山，“耶布斯人阿珥楠的禾场上。”大卫照着先知的指示，上山去，为耶和华筑了一座坛。“献燔祭和平安祭，求告耶和华；耶和华就应允他，使火从天降在燔祭坛上。”“如此耶和华垂听国民所求的，瘟疫在以色列人中就止住了。”（代上21:26；撒下24:25）[8]{PP 748.4}
§18
The destroying angel had stayed his course outside Jerusalem. He stood upon Mount Moriah, in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. Directed by the prophet, David went to the mountain, and there built an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the Lord; and He answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering. So the Lord was entreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.{PP 748.4}[8]
§19
这一个建筑祭坛的地方，此后就一直被视为圣地，这时，由阿珥楠呈献给王为礼物。但王不肯把它作为礼物来接受。他对阿珥楠说：“我必要用足价向你买；我不用你的物献给耶和华，也不用白得之物献为燔祭。于是大卫为那块地平了六百舍客勒金子给阿珥楠。”这个地点原是古时亚伯拉罕筑坛奉献儿子的地方，如今，又因这一次伟大的拯救而成圣，以后就被选为所罗门建殿的基址了。[9]{PP 748.5}
§20
The spot upon which the altar was erected, henceforth ever to be regarded as holy ground, was tendered to the king by Ornan as a gift. But the king declined thus to receive it. I will verily buy it for the full price, he said; for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost. So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight. This spot, memorable as the place where Abraham had built the altar to offer up his son, and now hallowed by this great deliverance, was afterward chosen as the site of the temple erected by Solomon.{PP 748.5}[9]
§21
在大卫的晚年，又有一层阴影笼罩在他身上。他已经到了古稀之年。他在幼年飘泊时代所遭受的困难和危险，与多次的战役，以及晚年的忧虑和苦难，使他的精力耗尽了。虽然他的心志还是清醒有力，但因年老体衰，喜爱清闲，使他对国事没有敏锐的理解，于是另一次篡逆的叛乱，在他家中爆发。大卫溺爱的恶果又一次显明了。这一次阴谋篡位的人是亚多尼雅；他的容貌和仪表都甚“俊美”，他的性情暴躁而又放荡不羁。从小就没有受过多少约束；因为“他父亲素来没有使他忧闷，说：你是作什么呢？”（见王上1:）这时，他起来反抗那指定所罗门作王者上帝的权威。在天赋的才能以及属灵的资格方面，所罗门都比他的哥哥更有资格作以色列的王；上帝的选择虽然已经清楚指明，但亚多尼雅还不难找到同情他的人；约押虽然犯了多次的罪，但过去一向是忠于王室的；而这次却和祭司亚比亚他一起参加反对所罗门而谋叛。[10]{PP 749.1}
§22
Still another shadow was to gather over the last years of David. He had reached the age of threescore and ten. The hardships and exposures of his early wanderings, his many wars, the cares and afflictions of his later years, had sapped the fountain of life. Though his mind retained its clearness and strength, feebleness and age, with their desire for seclusion, prevented a quick apprehension of what was passing in the kingdom, and again rebellion sprang up in the very shadow of the throne. Again the fruit of Davids parental indulgence was manifest. The one who now aspired to the throne was Adonijah, a very goodly man in person and bearing, but unprincipled and reckless. In his youth he had been subjected to but little restraint; for his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? He now rebelled against the authority of God, who had appointed Solomon to the throne. Both by natural endowments and religious character Solomon was better qualified than his elder brother to become ruler of Israel; yet although the choice of God had been clearly indicated, Adonijah did not fail to find sympathizers. Joab, though guilty of many crimes, had heretofore been loyal to the throne; but he now joined the conspiracy against Solomon, as did also Abiathar the priest.{PP 749.1}[10]
§23
叛乱已经准备完成；叛党聚集在京城外大张筵宴，要宣布亚多尼雅作王；但他们的计划被几个忠实分子的迅速行动挫败了，其中主要的人物有祭司撒督、先知拿单和所罗门的母亲拔示巴。他们把实情告诉大卫王，并提醒他，照着上帝的指示，所罗门应当继承王位。大卫当即禅位给所罗门，所罗门立时就受膏宣布为王了。于是叛党瓦解。其主动的叛徒们都招致了死刑。但因亚比亚他所担任的圣职和他过去对大卫的尽忠，才得蒙赦免。可是，他大祭司的职分被革除，这职分就归于撒督的子孙了；约押和亚多尼雅也暂时得了保全；及至大卫死后，他们才受了该得的刑罚。那在大卫儿子亚多尼雅身上执行的死刑，凑满了大卫应受的四倍刑罚，就证明上帝多么憎恨这个作父亲的罪。[11]{PP 749.2}
§24
The rebellion was ripe; the conspirators had assembled at a great feast just without the city to proclaim Adonijah king, when their plans were thwarted by the prompt action of a few faithful persons, chief among whom were Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. They represented the state of affairs to the king, reminding him of the divine direction that Solomon should succeed to the throne. David at once abdicated in favor of Solomon, who was immediately anointed and proclaimed king. The conspiracy was crushed. Its chief actors had incurred the penalty of death. Abiathars life was spared, out of respect to his office and his former fidelity to David; but he was degraded from the office of high priest, which passed to the line of Zadok. Joab and Adonijah were spared for the time, but after the death of David they suffered the penalty of their crime. The execution of the sentence upon the son of David completed the fourfold judgment that testified to Gods abhorrence of the fathers sin.{PP 749.2}[11]
§25
大卫从开始作王的时候，他就有计划为耶和华建造一座殿宇。虽然上帝不准许他实施这个计划，但是他为建殿所显出的热情和诚心并未稍减。他曾预备了大量贵重的材料，金子、银子、红玛瑙、各样彩石、汉白玉和极贵重的木料。如今，他所收集的这些贵重的宝物必须交给别人；因为别人必须为上帝同在的象征物——约柜——建造殿宇。[12]{PP 750.1}
§26
From the very opening of Davids reign one of his most cherished plans had been that of erecting a temple to the Lord. Though he had not been permitted to execute this design, he had manifested no less zeal and earnestness in its behalf. He had provided an abundance of the most costly material--gold, silver, onyx stones, and stones of divers colors; marble, and the most precious woods. And now these valuable treasures that he had collected must be committed to others; for other hands must build the house for the ark, the symbol of Gods presence.{PP 750.1}[12]
§27
王知道自己死期已近，就招集了以色列的首领和国内各地的代表来，把这些遗产交付他们。他留下遗嘱，嘱咐他们赞助和支持来完成这建殿的大工。因为他年迈力衰，人原来不希望他亲自出席这一次禅位的集会；但上帝的圣灵降在他身上，他就能以比平常更大的热情和能力，向百姓作最后的一次讲话。他告诉他们，他自己是怎样渴望建造圣殿，而上帝的命令乃是要把这工作交给他的儿子所罗门。上帝的应许，是：“你儿子所罗门必建造我的殿和院宇；因为我拣选他作我的子，我也必作他的父。他若恒久遵行我的诫命典章，如今日一样，我就必坚定他的国位，直到永远。”大卫又说：“现今在耶和华的会中，以色列众人眼前所说的，我们的上帝也听见了；你们应当寻求耶和华你们上帝的一切诫命，谨守遵行；如此你们可以承受这美地，遗留给你们的子孙，永远为业。”（见代上28:29:）[13]{PP 750.2}
§28
Seeing that his end was near, the king summoned the princes of Israel, with representative men from all parts of the kingdom, to receive this legacy in trust. He desired to commit to them his dying charge and secure their concurrence and support in the great work to be accomplished. Because of his physical weakness, it had not been expected that he would attend to this transfer in person; but the inspiration of God came upon him, and with more than his wonted fervor and power, he was able, for the last time, to address his people. He told them of his own desire to build the temple, and of the Lords command that the work should be committed to Solomon his son. The divine assurance was, Solomon thy son, he shall build My house and My courts; for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father. Moreover I will establish his kingdom forever, if he be constant to do My commandments and My judgments, as at this day. Now therefore, David said, in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the Lord, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you forever.{PP 750.2}[13]
§29
大卫已从自己的经历上，体验到离弃上帝之人的道路是何等的崎岖难行。他已感觉到破坏律法必被定罪，并获了违犯律法的恶果；如今他很为以色列的首领们担心，希望他们能效忠上帝，并愿所罗门能顺从上帝的律法，远避那削弱父亲权威，使他艰苦一生，并使上帝受羞辱的罪。大卫知道所罗门在他崇高的地位上，必须存心谦卑，恒久信靠上帝，并不住地警醒提防，才能抵挡那缠绕他的各种试探。因为居这样崇高地位的人，乃是撒但特别攻击的目标。于是大卫对那已决定继承他王位的儿子说：“我儿所罗门哪，你当认识耶和华你父的上帝，诚心乐意的侍奉他；因为他监察众人的心，知道一切心思意念；你若寻求他，他必使你寻见；你若离弃他，他必永远丢弃你。你当谨慎，因耶和华拣选你建造殿宇，作为圣所；你当刚强去行。”[14]{PP 750.3}
§30
David had learned by his own experience how hard is the path of him who departs from God. He had felt the condemnation of the broken law, and had reaped the fruits of transgression; and his whole soul was moved with solicitude that the leaders of Israel should be true to God, and that Solomon should obey Gods law, shunning the sins that had weakened his fathers authority, embittered his life, and dishonored God. David knew that it would require humility of heart, a constant trust in God, and unceasing watchfulness to withstand the temptations that would surely beset Solomon in his exalted station; for such prominent characters are a special mark for the shafts of Satan. Turning to his son, already acknowledged as his successor on the throne, David said: And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek Him, He will be found of thee; but if thou forsake Him, He will cast thee off forever. Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.{PP 750.3}[14]
§31
大卫把造殿的详细图样，以及殿中各部分和一切器皿的样式，都照着自己从圣灵所得的指示告诉了所罗门。这时所罗门年纪还轻，怯于担负这建造圣殿和治理上帝百姓的重任。于是大卫对他儿子说：“你当刚强壮胆去行；不要惧怕，也不要惊惶；因为耶和华上帝，就是我的上帝，与你同在，他必不撇下你，也不丢弃你。”[15]{PP 751.1}
§32
David gave Solomon minute directions for building the temple, with patterns of every part, and of all its instruments of service, as had been revealed to him by divine inspiration. Solomon was still young, and shrank from the weighty responsibilities that would devolve upon him in the erection of the temple and in the government of Gods people. David said to his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.{PP 751.1}[15]
§33
大卫又对会众说：“我儿子所罗门是上帝特选的，还年幼娇嫩，这工程甚大；因这殿不是为人，乃是为耶和华上帝建造的。”他说：“我为我上帝的殿已经尽力预备。”于是他列举他所收集的各种材料。此外，他又说：“且因我心中爱慕我上帝的殿，就在预备建造圣殿的材料之外，又将我自己积蓄的金银献上，建造我上帝的殿；就是俄斐金三千他连得，精炼的银子七千他连得，以贴殿墙。”于是他问那些已经带来丰厚礼物的会众说：“今日有谁乐意将自己献给耶和华呢？”[16]{PP 751.2}
§34
Again David appealed to the congregation: Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord God. He said, I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God, and he went on to enumerate the materials he had gathered. More than this, he said, I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal. Who then, he asked of the assembled multitude that had brought their liberal gifts--who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?{PP 751.2}[16]
§35
会众乐意响应他的号召。“众族长和以色列各支派的首领、千夫长、百夫长并监管王工的官长，都乐意献上。他们为上帝殿的使用，献上金子五千他连得零一万达利克，银子一万他连得，铜一万八千他连得，铁十万他连得。凡有宝石的……都送入耶和华殿的府库。因这些人诚心乐意献给耶和华，百姓就欢喜，大卫王也大大欢喜。[17]{PP 751.3}
§36
There was a ready response from the assembly. The chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the kings work, offered willingly, and gave, for the service of the house of God, of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron. And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the Lord. . . . Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.{PP 751.3}[17]
§37
“所以大卫在会众面前称颂耶和华说：耶和华我们的父，以色列的上帝，是应当称颂，直到永永远远的。耶和华啊！尊大、能力、荣耀、强盛、威严，都是你的；凡天上地下的，都是你的，国度，也是你的；并且你为至高，为万有之首。丰富尊荣都从你而来，你也治理万物；在你手里有大能大力；使人尊大强盛都出于你。我们的上帝啊！现在我们称谢你，赞美你荣耀之名。我算什么，我的民算什么，竟能如此乐意奉献！因为万物都从你而来；我们把从你而得的献给你。我们在你面前是客旅、是寄居的，与我们列祖一样；我们在世的日子如影儿，不能长存。耶和华我们的上帝啊，我们预备这许多材料，要为你的圣名建造殿宇，都是从你而来，都是属你的。我的上帝啊，我知道你察验人心，喜悦正直。[18]{PP 752.1}
§38
Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be Thou, Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come of Thee, and Thou reignest over all; and in Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee. For we are strangers before Thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build Thee an house for Thine holy name cometh of Thine hand, and is all Thine own. I know also, my God, that Thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness.{PP 752.1}[18]
§39
“我以正直的心乐意献上这一切物；现在我喜欢见你的民，在这里都乐意奉献于你。耶和华我们列祖亚伯拉罕以撒以色列的上帝啊，求你使你的民，常存这样的心思意念，坚定他们的心归向你；又求你赐我儿子所罗门诚实的心，遵守你的命令、法度、律例，成就这一切的事，用我所预备的建造殿宇。大卫对全会众说：你们应当称颂耶和华你们的上帝。于是会众称颂耶和华他们列祖的上帝，低头拜耶和华。”[19]{PP 752.2}
§40
As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy Thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto Thee. O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and of Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of Thy people, and prepare their heart unto Thee: and give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep Thy commandments, Thy testimonies, and Thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision. And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshiped the Lord.{PP 752.2}[19]
§41
王曾以最深切的兴趣，为建造圣殿并装饰圣殿收集了许多的材料。他赋了许多绝妙的圣诗，以备日后在圣殿的院宇中歌唱。如今当以色列的族长和首领们，那么慷慨地响应他的号召，奉献自己从事当前重要的工作时，他的心就因上帝而欢乐了。而且当他们奉献礼物时，他们还想多献。于是他们把自己的财物送入府库，礼物堆积如山。大卫深觉自己不配为上帝的殿收集材料，所以当他国内的贵胄响应他的号召，乐意奉献他们的宝物给耶和华，并献身为他服务，借以表示他们的忠心时，他心中就充满了喜乐。但唯有上帝能赐给百姓这样的心意。所以应当得荣耀的不是人，乃是上帝。使百姓得到地里丰富出产的乃是上帝；而且他的圣灵使他们乐意为圣殿献上他们的宝物。一切都是出于耶和华的；如果他的爱没有感动百姓的心，则王的努力必至徒劳无功，圣殿也必不能建立起来了。[20]{PP 752.3}
§42
With deepest interest the king had gathered the rich material for building and beautifying the temple. He had composed the glorious anthems that in afteryears should echo through its courts. Now his heart was made glad in God, as the chief of the fathers and the princes of Israel so nobly responded to his appeal, and offered themselves to the important work before them. And as they gave their service, they were disposed to do more. They swelled the offerings, giving of their own possessions into the treasury. David had felt deeply his own unworthiness in gathering the material for the house of God, and the expression of loyalty in the ready response of the nobles of his kingdom, as with willing hearts they dedicated their treasures to Jehovah and devoted themselves to His service, filled him with joy. But it was God alone who had imparted this disposition to His people. He, not man, must be glorified. It was He who had provided the people with the riches of earth, and His Spirit had made them willing to bring their precious things for the temple. It was all of the Lord; if His love had not moved upon the hearts of the people, the kings efforts would have been vain, and the temple would never have been erected.{PP 752.3}[20]
§43
人从上帝那里所领受的一切丰盛福惠，仍是属于上帝的。上帝所放在人手中的任何地上的贵重可爱之物，乃是为要试验他们，测量他们爱他和感激他所赐之福惠的程度。无论是他们的财物或智能，都应当作为乐意奉献的礼物，放在耶稣脚前；同时，奉献的人也应与大卫同声说：“万物都从你而来，我们把从你而得的献给你。”[21]{PP 753.1}
§44
All that man receives of Gods bounty still belongs to God. Whatever God has bestowed in the valuable and beautiful things of earth is placed in the hands of men to test them--to sound the depths of their love for Him and their appreciation of His favors. Whether it be the treasures of wealth or of intellect, they are to be laid, a willing offering, at the feet of Jesus; the giver saying, meanwhile, with David, All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.{PP 753.1}[21]
§45
大卫觉得自己的死期临近了，但他心中的重累仍是所罗门和以色列国，因为以色列国的兴盛，完全在乎国王对上帝的忠顺。所以他便“嘱咐他儿子所罗门说：我现在要走世人必走的路，所以你当刚强作大丈夫，遵守耶和华你上帝所吩咐的，……谨守他的律例、诫命、典章、法度，这样，你无论作什么事，不拘往何处去，尽都亨通。耶和华必成就向我所应许的话说，你的子孙若谨慎自己的行为，尽心尽意诚诚实实的行在我面前，就不断人坐以色列的国位。”（王上2:1-4）[22]{PP 753.2}
§46
When he felt that death was approaching, the burden of Davids heart was still for Solomon and for the kingdom of Israel, whose prosperity must so largely depend upon the fidelity of her king. And he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man; and keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, and His commandments, and His judgments, and His testimonies, . . . that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: that the Lord may continue His word which He spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said He) a man on the throne of Israel. 1 Kings 2:1-4. {PP 753.2}[22]
§47
大卫“末了的话”是以长歌体裁写的一首诗，是一首依靠上帝，有崇高的原则与不朽之信心的诗歌：“耶西的儿子大卫，得居高位，是雅各上帝所膏的；作以色列的美歌者说：耶和华的灵借着我说，……那以公义治理人民的，敬畏上帝执掌权柄，他必像日出的晨光，如无云的清晨，雨后的晴光，使地发生嫩草。我家在上帝面前并非如此，上帝却与我立永远的约。这约凡事坚稳，关乎我的一切救恩，和我一切所想望的。”（撒下23:1-5）[23]{PP 754.1}
§48
Davids last words, as recorded, are a song--a song of trust, of loftiest principle, and undying faith: David the son of Jesse saith, And the man who was raised on high saith, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel: The Spirit of Jehovah spake by me: . . . One that ruleth over men righteously, That ruleth in the fear of God, He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, A morning without clouds; When the tender grass springeth out of the earth, Through clear shining after rain. Verily my house is not so with God; Yet He hath made me an everlasting covenant, Ordered in all things, and sure: For it is all my salvation, and all my desire. 2 Samuel 23:1-5, R.V.{PP 754.1}[23]
§49
大卫所犯的罪是很严重的，但他的悔改也很切实；他的爱心是热烈的，他的信心是坚强的。他所蒙的赦免多，所以他的爱也多。（路7:47）[24]{PP 754.2}
§50
Great had been Davids fall, but deep was his repentance, ardent was his love, and strong his faith. He had been forgiven much, and therefore he loved much. Luke 7:47.{PP 754.2}[24]
§51
大卫的诗篇描写了属灵经历的全部过程；从良心自愧自责的深处，直到最崇高的信心和与上帝交往的最崇高境域。他一生的历史，说明了罪只能带来羞辱和灾祸，然而上帝的慈爱和怜悯，能达到罪渊的极深之处；信心能使悔改的人，得享作上帝儿女的福分。在上帝圣言所包含的一切应许之中，这是一个最有力的凭据，足以证明上帝的信实、公义和立约的慈爱。[25]{PP 754.3}
§52
The psalms of David pass through the whole range of experience, from the depths of conscious guilt and self-condemnation to the loftiest faith and the most exalted communing with God. His life record declares that sin can bring only shame and woe, but that Gods love and mercy can reach to the deepest depths, that faith will lift up the repenting soul to share the adoption of the sons of God. Of all the assurances which His word contains, it is one of the strongest testimonies to the faithfulness, the justice, and the covenant mercy of God.{PP 754.3}[25]
§53
世人“飞去如影，不能存留；”“唯有我们上帝的话，必永远立定。”“但耶和华的慈爱归于敬畏他的人，从亘古到永远；他的公义也归于子子孙孙，就是那些遵守他的约，记念他的训词而遵行的人。”（伯14:2；赛40:8；诗103:17-18）[26]{PP 754.4}
§54
Man fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not, but the word of our God shall stand forever. The mercy of Jehovah is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto childrens children; to such as keep His covenant, and to those that remember His commandments to do them. Job 14:2; Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 103:17, 18.{PP 754.4}[26]
§55
“上帝一切所作的，都必永存。”（传3:14）[27]{PP 754.5}
§56
Whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever. Ecclesiastes 3:14.{PP 754.5}[27]
§57
那赐给大卫和他家的应许是光荣的，这些应许都展望到永恒的将来，完全应验在基督身上。耶和华说：[28]{PP 754.6}
§58
Glorious are the promises made to David and his house, promises that look forward to the eternal ages, and find their complete fulfillment in Christ. The Lord declared: {PP 754.6}[28]
§59
“我……向我的仆人大卫起了誓；……我的手必使他坚立，我的膀臂也必坚固他。……我的信实和我的慈爱要与他同在，因我的名，他的角必被高举。我要使他的左手伸到海上，右手伸到河上。他要称呼我说：‘你是我的父，是我的上帝，是拯救我的磐石。’我也要立他为长子，为世上最高的君王。我要为他存留我的慈爱，直到永远，我与他立的约必要坚定。”（诗89:3,21,24-28）“我也要使他的后裔存到永远，使他的宝座如天之久。”（诗89:29）“他必为民中的困苦人伸冤，拯救穷乏之辈，压碎那欺压人的。太阳还存，月亮还在。人要敬畏你，直到万代。……在他的日子义人要发旺，大有平安，好像月亮长存。他要执掌权柄，从这海直到那海。从大河直到地极。”“他的名要存到永远要留传如日之久。人要因他蒙福，万国要称他有福。”（诗72:4-8,17）[29]{PP 755.1}
§60
I have sworn unto David My servant . . . with whom My hand shall be established: Mine arm also shall strengthen him. . . . My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him: and in My name shall his horn be exalted. I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers. He shall cry unto Me, Thou art my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation. Also I will make him My first-born, higher than the kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for him forevermore, and My covenant shall stand fast with him. Psalm 89:3-28. His seed also will I make to endure forever, And his throne as the days of heaven. Psalm 89:29. He shall judge the poor of the people, He shall save the children of the needy, And shall break in pieces the oppressor. They shall fear thee while the sun endureth, And so long as the moon, throughout all generations. . . . In his days shall the righteous flourish; And abundance of peace, till the moon be no more. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, And from the river unto the ends of the earth. His name shall endure forever: His name shall be continued as long as the sun: And men shall be blessed in him: All nations shall call him blessed. Psalm 72:4-8, R.V., 17.{PP 755.1}[29]
§61
“因有一婴孩为我们而生，有一子赐给我们，政权必担在他的肩头上。他名称为奇妙、策士、全能的神、永在的父、和平的君。”“他要为大，称为至高者的儿子，主上帝要把他祖大卫的位给他。他要作雅各家的王，直到永远，他的国也没有穷尽。”（赛9:6；路1:32-33）[30]{PP 755.2}
§62
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end. Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:32, 33. {PP 755.2}[30]