第06章 国家的分裂
§1
第06章 国家的分裂
§2
Chap. 6 - The Rending of the Kingdom
§3
“所罗门与他列祖同睡，葬在他父亲大卫的城里；他儿子罗波安接续他作王。”（王上11:43）[1]{PK 87.1}
§4
Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the City of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead. 1 Kings 11:43.{PK 87.1}[1]
§5
罗波安在即位之后不久，就往示剑去，准备在那里由各支派正式承认他作王。“因为以色列人都到了示剑，要立他作王。”（代下10:1）[2]{PK 87.2}
§6
Soon after his accession to the throne, Rehoboam went to Shechem, where he expected to receive formal recognition from all the tribes. To Shechem were all Israel come to make him king. 2 Chronicles 10:1.{PK 87.2}[2]
§7
当时在场的人中也有尼八的儿子耶罗波安——就是所罗门在位时，以“大有才能的人”出名的同一耶罗波安，示罗人先知亚希雅曾传给他一道惊人的信息说：“我必将国从所罗门手里夺回，将十个支派赐给你。”（王上11:28,31）[3]{PK 87.3}
§8
Among those present was Jeroboam the son of Nebat--the same Jeroboam who during Solomons reign had been known as a mighty man of valor, and to whom the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite had delivered the startling message, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee. 1 Kings 11:28, 31.{PK 87.3}[3]
§9
耶和华曾借他的使者向耶罗波安清楚地说明国家分裂的必要。他曾宣称这种分裂必须发生，说：“因为他离弃我，敬拜西顿人的女神亚斯他录，摩押的神基抹，和亚扪人的神米勒公，没有遵从我的道，行我眼中看为正的事，守我的律例典章，像他父亲大卫一样。”（王上11:33）[4]{PK 87.4}
§10
The Lord through His messenger had spoken plainly to Jeroboam regarding the necessity of dividing the kingdom. This division must take place, He had declared, because that they have forsaken Me, and have worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in My ways, to do that which is right in Mine eyes, and to keep My statutes and My judgments, as did David. Verse 33.{PK 87.4}[4]
§11
耶罗波安也得到进一步的指示，说明国家不能在所罗门作王期内分裂。主宣布说：“但我不从他手里将全国夺回，使他终身为君，是因我所拣选的仆人大卫谨守我的诫命律例；我必从他儿子的手里将国夺回，以十个支派赐给你。”（王上11:34-35）[5]{PK 88.1}
§12
Jeroboam had been further instructed that the kingdom was not to be divided before the close of Solomons reign. I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, the Lord had declared; but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David My servants sake, whom I chose, because he kept My commandments and My statutes: but I will take the kingdom out of his sons hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes. Verses 34, 35.{PK 88.1}[5]
§13
所罗门虽然早已设法准备他所拣选的继位者罗波安的心意，去聪明地应付上帝的先知所预言的危机，但他始终未能在他儿子的思想上发挥强烈的感化力，因为他曾大大地忽略了这孩子早期的训练。罗波安从他亚扪人的母亲承受了反复无常的性格。有时他试图侍奉上帝，上帝也使他稍微兴盛；但他没有恒心，终于屈从那自小就包围他的邪恶势力。罗波安生活上的错误和他最后的背道，足以显明与拜偶像的女子通婚的可怕后果。[6]{PK 88.2}
§14
Although Solomon had longed to prepare the mind of Rehoboam, his chosen successor, to meet with wisdom the crisis foretold by the prophet of God, he had never been able to exert a strong molding influence for good over the mind of his son, whose early training had been so grossly neglected. Rehoboam had received from his mother, an Ammonitess, the stamp of a vacillating character. At times he endeavored to serve God and was granted a measure of prosperity; but he was not steadfast, and at last he yielded to the influences for evil that had surrounded him from infancy. In the mistakes of Rehoboams life and in his final apostasy is revealed the fearful result of Solomons union with idolatrous women.{PK 88.2}[6]
§15
各支派在前王的苛政之下，曾受到长期严重的迫害。所罗门王朝背道期间的奢侈浪费，使他不得不加重百姓捐税的负担，并叫他们多服劳役。因此在新王登基之前，各支派的首脑人物要事先确定所罗门的儿子是否有意减轻这些重担。“他（耶罗波安）就和以色列众人来见罗波安，对他说：你父亲使我们负重轭作苦工；现在求你使我们作的苦工负的重轭轻松些，我们就侍奉你。”[7]{PK 88.3}
§16
The tribes had long suffered grievous wrongs under the oppressive measures of their former ruler. The extravagance of Solomons reign during his apostasy had led him to tax the people heavily and to require of them much menial service. Before going forward with the coronation of a new ruler, the leading men from among the tribes determined to ascertain whether or not it was the purpose of Solomons son to lessen these burdens. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee.{PK 88.3}[7]
§17
罗波安想在宣布他的政策之前，先和他的顾问进行商议，所以回答说：“‘第三日再来见我吧。’民就去了。”[8]{PK 89.1}
§18
Desirous of taking counsel with his advisers before outlining his policy, Rehoboam answered, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed.{PK 89.1}[8]
§19
罗波安之父所罗门在世的日子，有侍立在他面前的老年人，罗波安王和他们商议说：“你们给我出个什么主意，我好回复这民？老年人对他说：王若恩待这民，使他们喜悦，用好话回复他们，他们就永远作王的仆人。”（代下10:3-7）[9]{PK 89.2}
§20
And King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants forever. 2 Chronicles 10:3-7.{PK 89.2}[9]
§21
罗波安听了这话，并不满意，便去就教于他在幼年和少年时期结识的一班少年人，问他们说：“这民对我说，你父亲使我们负重轭，求你使我们轻松些；你们给我出个什么主意，我好回复他们？”（王上12:9）这些少年人建议他应该严厉地对待他的臣民，并向他们说明：他一作王就不容许任何人干涉他个人的意愿。[10]{PK 89.3}
§22
Dissatisfied, Rehoboam turned to the younger men with whom he had associated during his youth and early manhood, and inquired of them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? 1 Kings 12:9. The young men suggested that he deal sternly with the subjects of his kingdom and make plain to them that from the very beginning he would brook no interference with his personal wishes.{PK 89.3}[10]
§23
罗波安一想到自己可以擅作威福，就深觉自满，决定不顾国内父老们的劝导，而以少年人为他的顾问。及至约定的日期来到，“耶罗波安和众百姓”来见罗波安，要听他宣布他所打算施行的政策，罗波安“用严厉的话回答百姓，……说：我父亲使你们负重轭，我必使你们负更重的轭；我父亲用鞭子责打你们，我要用蝎子鞭责打你们。”（王上12:12-14）[11]{PK 89.4}
§24
Flattered by the prospect of exercising supreme authority, Rehoboam determined to disregard the counsel of the older men of his realm, and to make the younger men his advisers. Thus it came to pass that on the day appointed, when Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam for a statement concerning the policy he intended to pursue, Rehoboam answered the people roughly, . . . saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. Verses 12-14.{PK 89.4}[11]
§25
如果罗波安和他那些缺少经验的顾问能明白上帝对于以色列所有的旨意，他们就一定会听从百姓改革施政方针的要求。但他们在示剑集会所得到的好机会中，未能推究出问题的因果关系，如此就永远在大部分百姓身上失去感化力了。他们表示决心继续维持并加强所罗门在位时所倡行的苛政，这与上帝为以色列所定的计划完全相反，并使百姓有充分的理由怀疑他们动机的纯正。王和他所拣选的顾问这次不智和无理的作威作福，显明了地位和权柄所生的骄傲。[12]{PK 90.1}
§26
Had Rehoboam and his inexperienced counselors understood the divine will concerning Israel, they would have listened to the request of the people for decided reforms in the administration of the government. But in the hour of opportunity that came to them during the meeting in Shechem, they failed to reason from cause to effect, and thus forever weakened their influence over a large number of the people. Their expressed determination to perpetuate and add to the oppression introduced during Solomons reign was in direct conflict with Gods plan for Israel, and gave the people ample occasion to doubt the sincerity of their motives. In this unwise and unfeeling attempt to exercise power, the king and his chosen counselors revealed the pride of position and authority.{PK 90.1}[12]
§27
主没有让罗波安执行他所宣布的政策。各支派中有成万的人已经因所罗门在位时的苛政而忍无可忍了，所以现在他们认为他们除叛离大卫家外已别无办法了。“以色列众民见王不依从他们，就对王说：我们与大卫有什么份儿呢？与耶西的儿子并没有关涉；以色列人哪，各回各家去吧！大卫家啊，自己顾自己吧！于是以色列人都回自己家里去了。”（王上12:16）[13]{PK 90.2}
§28
The Lord did not allow Rehoboam to carry out the policy he had outlined. Among the tribes were many thousands who had become thoroughly aroused over the oppressive measures of Solomons reign, and these now felt that they could not do otherwise than rebel against the house of David. When all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents. Verse 16.{PK 90.2}[13]
§29
罗波安的卤莽话语所造成的分裂，已是无可补救的了。从此以后，以色列的十二支派分离了——犹大和便雅悯两个支派组成南方的犹大国，受罗波安的统治；而北方的十个支派则另外成立了一个政府，名叫以色列国，由耶罗波安作他们的王。于是先知所说有关国家分裂的预言，就此应验了。“这事乃出于耶和华。”（王上12:15）[14]{PK 91.1}
§30
The breach created by the rash speech of Rehoboam proved irreparable. Thenceforth the twelve tribes of Israel were divided, the tribes of Judah and Benjamin composing the lower or southern kingdom of Judah, under the rulership of Rehoboam; while the ten northern tribes formed and maintained a separate government, known as the kingdom of Israel, with Jeroboam as their ruler. Thus was fulfilled the prediction of the prophet concerning the rending of the kingdom. The cause was from the Lord. Verse 15.{PK 91.1}[14]
§31
罗波安既见十个支派叛离了他，他便立即采取行动。他派遣国内一个有势力的人，就是“掌管服苦之人的亚多兰，”去设法与他们讲和。但这个和平使者所遭受到的待遇证明了众人对于罗波安怀恨之深。“以色列人就用石头打死他。”罗波安见叛变的声势浩大，甚为震惊，便“急忙上车，逃回耶路撒冷去了。”（王上12:18）[15]{PK 91.2}
§32
When Rehoboam saw the ten tribes withdrawing their allegiance from him, he was aroused to action. Through one of the influential men of his kingdom, Adoram, who was over the tribute, he made an effort to conciliate them. But the ambassador of peace received treatment which bore witness to the feeling against Rehoboam. All Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Startled by this evidence of the strength of revolt, King Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. Verse 18.{PK 91.2}[15]
§33
他在耶路撒冷“招聚犹大全家，和便雅悯支派的人，共十八万，都是挑选的战士，要与以色列家争战，好将国夺回，再归所罗门的儿子罗波安。但上帝的话临到神人示玛雅说：你去告诉所罗门的儿子犹大王罗波安，和犹大、便雅悯全家，并其余的民，说：耶和华如此说，你们不可上去，与你们的弟兄以色列人争战；各归各家去吧，因为这事出于我。众人就听从耶和华的话，遵着耶和华的命回去了。”（王上12:21-24）[16]{PK 91.3}
§34
At Jerusalem he assembled all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin, an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam the son of Solomon. But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying, Speak unto Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and unto all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the people, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from Me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the Lord, and returned to depart, according to the word of the Lord. Verses 21-24.{PK 91.3}[16]
§35
罗波安设法从他开始作王时的惨痛经验中学得教训，计有三年之久；结果他的努力竟获得了成功。他“在犹大地修筑城邑”为保障，“又坚固各处的保障，在其中安置军长，又预备下粮食、油、酒。”他留心使这些坚固城邑“极其坚固。”（代下11:5,11-12）其实犹大国在罗波安作王头三年中兴盛的秘诀，并不在于这些措施。那使犹大和便雅悯占优势的，乃是因为他们承认上帝为至高的统治者。当时有许多敬畏上帝的人，从北方的各支派来到他们中间。《圣经》记着说：“以色列各支派中，凡立定心意寻求耶和华以色列上帝的，都随从利未人，来到耶路撒冷祭祀耶和华他们列祖的上帝。这样就坚固犹大国，使所罗门的儿子罗波安强盛三年；因为他们三年遵行大卫和所罗门的道。”（代下11:16-17）[17]{PK 92.1}
§36
For three years Rehoboam tried to profit by his sad experience at the beginning of his reign; and in this effort he was prospered. He built cities for defense in Judah, and fortified the strongholds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine. He was careful to make these fortified cities exceeding strong. 2 Chronicles 11:5, 11, 12. But the secret of Judahs prosperity during the first years of Rehoboams reign lay not in these measures. It was their recognition of God as the Supreme Ruler that placed the tribes of Judah and Benjamin on vantage ground. To their number were added many God-fearing men from the northern tribes. Out of all the tribes of Israel, the record reads, such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the Lord God of their fathers. So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon. Verses 16, 17.{PK 92.1}[17]
§37
罗波安若要尽量挽回他过去的错误，并使民众再信任他为一个贤明的君王，他就应当一直施行这种政策。但《圣经》的记载说明；这个所罗门的继承者未能在效忠耶和华的事上发挥有力的影响。他虽然本性顽固倔强，自以为是，并倾向拜偶像，但如果全心信靠上帝，他就必能培养坚强的品格、稳固的信心，并能顺从神圣的律例。但随着年月的消逝，王就仗恃自己的势力和他所建立的堡垒。他逐渐依从了他先天的弱点，直至完全为拜偶像的事效力了。“罗波安的国坚立，他强盛的时候，就离弃耶和华的律法，以色列人也都随从他。”（代下12:1）[18]{PK 93.1}
§38
In continuing this course lay Rehoboams opportunity to redeem in large measure the mistakes of the past and to restore confidence in his ability to rule with discretion. But the pen of inspiration has traced the sad record of Solomons successor as one who failed to exert a strong influence for loyalty to Jehovah. Naturally headstrong, confident, self-willed, and inclined to idolatry, nevertheless, had he placed his trust wholly in God, he would have developed strength of character, steadfast faith, and submission to the divine requirements. But as time passed, the king put his trust in the power of position and in the strongholds he had fortified. Little by little he gave way to inherited weakness, until he threw his influence wholly on the side of idolatry. It came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him. 2 Chronicles 12:1.{PK 93.1}[18]
§39
“以色列人也都随从他，”这句话是多么悲惨，又是多么饶有意义啊！上帝所拣选作为四围列国之光的子民，这时竟转离了他们力量的来源，而追求与他们周围的列国相同了。所罗门如何，罗波安也如何，错误的榜样导使许多人步入歧途。今日每一任性行恶的人，也必或多或少的发挥像他们所发挥的影响，行恶的影响决不限于行恶者本人。没有一个人是为自己而活的。也没有一个人是单独在罪孽中灭亡的。一个人的生活若不是一盏照耀别人的道路，并使别人快乐的明灯，就是一股使人趋于绝望和败亡的黑暗而悲惨的势力。我们若不领人向上，达到幸福和永生；就必领人向下，落到忧伤和永死。而且如果我们的行为足以加强或发动我们周围的人犯罪作恶的力量，我们就与他们的罪恶有分了。[19]{PK 94.1}
§40
How sad, how filled with significance, the words, And all Israel with him! The people whom God had chosen to stand as a light to the surrounding nations were turning from their Source of strength and seeking to become like the nations about them. As with Solomon, so with Rehoboam--the influence of wrong example led many astray. And as with them, so to a greater or less degree is it today with everyone who gives himself up to work evil--the influence of wrongdoing is not confined to the doer. No man liveth unto himself. None perish alone in their iniquity. Every life is a light that brightens and cheers the pathway of others, or a dark and desolating influence that tends toward despair and ruin. We lead others either upward to happiness and immortal life, or downward to sorrow and eternal death. And if by our deeds we strengthen or force into activity the evil powers of those around us, we share their sin.{PK 94.1}[19]
§41
上帝并没有任凭犹大的王背道而不予以惩罚。“罗波安王第五年，埃及王示撒上来攻打耶路撒冷；因为王和民得罪了耶和华。示撒带战车一千二百辆，马兵六万，并且跟从他出埃及的人，多得不可胜数。他攻取了犹大的坚固城，就来到耶路撒冷。”[20]{PK 94.2}
§42
God did not allow the apostasy of Judahs ruler to remain unpunished. In the fifth year of King Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the Lord, with twelve hundred chariots, and three score thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt. . . . And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.{PK 94.2}[20]
§43
“那时，犹大的首领，因为示撒就聚集在耶路撒冷；有先知示玛雅去见罗波安，和众首领，对他们说：耶和华如此说，你们离弃了我，所以我使你们落在示撒手里。”(代下12:2-5）[21]{PK 94.3}
§44
Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the Lord, Ye have forsaken Me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak. Verses 2-5.{PK 94.3}[21]
§45
这时民众还没有在背道的路上，走到藐视上帝所施刑罚的程度。他们因示撒的进攻所遭受的损失，看出了上帝的作为，于是一时都自卑了。他们承认说：“耶和华是公义的。”[22]{PK 95.1}
§46
The people had not yet gone to such lengths in apostasy that they despised the judgments of God. In the losses sustained by the invasion of Shishak, they recognized the hand of God and for a time humbled themselves. The Lord is righteous, they acknowledged.{PK 95.1}[22]
§47
“耶和华见他们自卑，耶和华的话就临到示玛雅，说：他们既自卑，我必不灭绝他们；必使他们略得拯救，我不借着示撒的手，将我的怒气倒在耶路撒冷。然而他们必作示撒的仆人；好叫他们知道服侍我，与服侍外邦人有何分别。”[23]{PK 95.2}
§48
And when the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and My wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know My service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.{PK 95.2}[23]
§49
“于是埃及王示撒上来攻取耶路撒冷，夺了耶和华殿和王宫里的宝物，尽都带走；又夺去所罗门制造的金盾牌。罗波安王制造铜盾牌代替那金盾牌；交给守王宫门的护卫长看守。……王自卑的时候，耶和华的怒气就转消了，不将他灭尽；并且在犹大中间也有善益的事。”（代下12:6-12）[24]{PK 95.3}
§50
So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the kings house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made. Instead of which King Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the kings house. . . . And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the Lord turned from him, that He would not destroy him altogether: and also in Judah things went well. Verses 6-12.{PK 95.3}[24]
§51
然而及至上帝收回他责罚的手，而国家又再度兴盛之后，许多人就忘记了所惧怕的事，竟又转回去拜偶像了；连罗波安王也在内。他虽曾因所遭受的灾难而自卑，但他并没有让这次经验作为他一生的转折点。他忘记了上帝所力图给予他的教训，所以重犯那些曾使通国遭受刑罚的罪。他过了几年羞耻的生活，在这些年间，他时常“行恶，因他不立定心意寻求耶和华，”“罗波安与他列祖同睡，葬在大卫城里；他儿子亚比雅接续他作王。”（代下12:14,16）[25]{PK 95.4}
§52
But as the hand of affliction was removed, and the nation prospered once more, many forgot their fears and turned again to idolatry. Among these was King Rehoboam himself. Though humbled by the calamity that had befallen him, he failed to make this experience a decisive turning point in his life. Forgetting the lesson that God had endeavored to teach him, he relapsed into the sins that had brought judgments on the nation. After a few inglorious years, during which the king did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord, Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the City of David: and Abijah his son reigned in his stead. Verses 14, 16.{PK 95.4}[25]
§53
国家在罗波安作王初期分裂之后，以色列的光荣就开始褪色，以后再也不能完全恢复了。在后来的各世纪中，大卫的王位有时传给一些品德高尚、眼光远大的人；在这些君王的统治之下，那赐给犹大人的福惠也转而普及四围的列国。有时耶和华的圣名被高举超过一切假神，他的律法也受到尊重。往往有大能的先知兴起，辅助君王并勉励百姓常保忠信。但那在罗波安登位时已经发芽的恶种，始终未能根绝；有时这一度大蒙恩眷的上帝子民竟堕落到极其卑贱的地步，甚至在列邦中作了笑谈。[26]{PK 96.1}
§54
With the rending of the kingdom early in Rehoboams reign the glory of Israel began to depart, never again to be regained in its fullness. At times during the centuries that followed, the throne of David was occupied by men of moral worth and far-seeing judgment, and under the rulership of these sovereigns the blessings resting upon the men of Judah were extended to the surrounding nations. At times the name of Jehovah was exalted above every false god, and His law was held in reverence. From time to time mighty prophets arose to strengthen the hands of the rulers and to encourage the people to continued faithfulness. But the seeds of evil already springing up when Rehoboam ascended the throne were never to be wholly uprooted; and at times the once-favored people of God were to fall so low as to become a byword among the heathen.{PK 96.1}[26]
§55
纵使那些倾向于拜偶像之风的人是如此地邪僻，但上帝仍以怜悯而竭尽他的能力，拯救这分裂的国家免于完全败亡。过了多年之后，当他对以色列所有的旨意，似乎被一些受撒但能力鼓动之人的诡计所完全破坏时，他便借着选民的被掳与复兴，彰显他慈怜的美意。[27]{PK 96.2}
§56
Yet notwithstanding the perversity of those who leaned toward idolatrous practices, God in mercy would do everything in His power to save the divided kingdom from utter ruin. And as the years rolled on and His purpose concerning Israel seemed to be utterly thwarted by the devices of men inspired by satanic agencies, He still manifested His beneficent designs through the captivity and restoration of the chosen nation.{PK 96.2}[27]
§57
国家的分裂不过是一段奇妙历史的开端，其中彰显了上帝的长久忍耐和温柔怜悯。上帝所要加以洁净而特作自己的子民、热心为善的人，都必因先天和后天的邪恶倾向而经过苦难的火炼，最后也必承认：[28]{PK 97.1}
§58
The rending of the kingdom was but the beginning of a wonderful history, wherein are revealed the long-sufferance and tender mercy of God. From the crucible of affliction through which they were to pass because of hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, those whom God was seeking to purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works, were finally to acknowledge:{PK 97.1}[28]
§59
“耶和华啊，没有能比你的；你本为大，有大能大力的名。万国的王啊，谁不敬畏你？……因为在列国的智慧人中，虽有政权的尊荣，也不能比你。”“唯耶和华是真上帝，是活上帝，是永远的王。”（耶10:6-7,10）[29]{PK 97.2}
§60
There is none like unto Thee, O Lord; Thou art great, and Thy name is great in might. Who would not fear Thee, O King of nations? . . . Among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto Thee. The Lord is the true God, He is the living God, and an everlasting King. Jeremiah 10:6, 7, 10.{PK 97.2}[29]
§61
敬拜偶像的人终必学得教训，认明假神并没有造就人或拯救人的能力。凡“不是那创造天地的神，必从地上从天下被除灭。”（耶10:11）人唯有归依那创造万物、统管万有的永生上帝，才能找到安息和平安。[30]{PK 97.3}
§62
And the worshipers of idols were at last to learn the lesson that false gods are powerless to uplift and save. The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. Verse 11. Only in allegiance to the living God, the Creator of all and the Ruler over all, can man find rest and peace.{PK 97.3}[30]
§63
以色列和犹大两国中受过管教并真诚悔改的人，终于要万众一心地与他们列祖的上帝，万军之耶和华重新立约；他们论到他要说：“耶和华用能力创造大地，用智慧建立世界，用聪明铺张穹苍。他一发声，空中便有多水激动，他使云雾从地极上腾；他造电随雨而闪，从他府库中带出风来。各人都成了畜类，毫无知识，各银匠都因他雕刻的偶像羞愧。他所铸的偶像本是虚假的，其中并无气息。都是虚无的，是迷惑人的工作。到追讨的时候，必被除灭。雅各的份不像这些，因他是造作万有的主。以色列也是他产业的支派，万军之耶和华是他的名。”（耶10:12-16）[31]{PK 97.4}
§64
With one accord the chastened and penitent of Israel and Judah were at last to renew their covenant relationship with Jehovah of hosts, the God of their fathers; and of Him they were to declare: He hath made the earth by His power, He hath established the world by His wisdom, And hath stretched out the heavens by His discretion. When He uttereth His voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens. And He causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; He maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of His treasures. Every man is brutish in his knowledge: Every founder is confounded by the graven image: For his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity, and the work of errors: In the time of their visitation they shall perish. The portion of Jacob is not like them: For He is the former of all things; And Israel is the rod of His inheritance: The Lord of hosts is His name. Verses 12-16.{PK 97.4}[31]