第15章 约沙法
§1
第15章 约沙法
§2
Chap. 15 - Jehoshaphat
§3
约沙法在三十五岁登基之前，已有善王亚撒的榜样摆在面前，亚撒几乎在每一次危机中都“行耶和华眼中看为正的事。”（王上15:11）所以约沙法在作王的二十五年强盛时期中，致力于“行他父亲亚撒所行的道，不偏离左右。”（王上22:43）[1]{PK 190.1}
§4
Until called to the throne at the age of thirty-five, Jehoshaphat had before him the example of good King Asa, who in nearly every crisis had done that which was right in the eyes of the Lord. 1 Kings 15:11. During a prosperous reign of twenty-five years, Jehoshaphat sought to walk in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside.{PK 190.1}[1]
§5
约沙法竭力要凭智慧治理国家，设法劝导他的臣民坚决反对拜偶像的恶习。“那时邱坛还没有废去，百姓仍在那里献祭烧香。”（王上22:43）王没有立时毁坏这些邱坛；但从开始他就设法保护犹大，脱离那已成为亚哈统治的北国之特征的罪，因为他和亚哈曾同时作王多年。约沙法效忠上帝。他“不寻求巴力，只寻求他父亲的上帝，遵行他的诫命，不效法以色列人的行为。”由于他行为正直，主就与他同在，并“坚定他的国。”（代下17:3-5）[2]{PK 190.2}
§6
In his efforts to rule wisely, Jehoshaphat endeavored to persuade his subjects to take a firm stand against idolatrous practices. Many of the people in his realm offered and burnt incense yet in the high places. 1 Kings 22:43. The king did not at once destroy these shrines; but from the beginning he tried to safeguard Judah from the sins characterizing the northern kingdom under the rule of Ahab, of whom he was a contemporary for many years. Jehoshaphat himself was loyal to God. He sought not unto Baalim; but sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in His commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Because of his integrity, the Lord was with him, and stablished the kingdom in his hand. 2 Chronicles 17:3-5.{PK 190.2}[2]
§7
“犹大众人给他进贡；约沙法大有尊荣资财。他高兴遵行耶和华的道。”（代下17:5-6）过了一段时期，当各项改革工作完成之后，王就“从犹大除掉一切邱坛和木偶。”“约沙法将他父亲亚撒在世所剩下的娈童，都从国中除去了。”（代下17:6；王上22:46）这样，犹大的居民就渐渐脱离了许多实足以严重地阻碍他们灵性长进的危害。[3]{PK 191.1}
§8
All Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honor in abundance. And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord. As time passed and reformations were wrought, the king took away the high places and groves out of Judah. Verses 5, 6. And the remnant of the Sodomites, which remained in the days of his father Asa, he took out of the land. 1 Kings 22:46. Thus gradually the inhabitants of Judah were freed from many of the perils that had been threatening to retard seriously their spiritual development.{PK 191.1}[3]
§9
这时全国百姓都很需要领受有关上帝律法的教训。他们的安全乃在乎明了这律法；他们若在生活上符合律法的要求，他们就能同时忠于上帝也忠于同胞了。约沙法有鉴及此，便采取必要的措施，使他的百姓借着《圣经》中的教训得到保障。他指示那些治理国内各区的“臣子”，要安排一些善于教导的祭司从事忠心的服务。这些教师既接受王的指派，便在各臣子的督促之下，“往犹大各城去教训百姓。”（代下17:7-9）许多人既竭力想明白上帝的要求并除掉罪恶，于是就产生了一次奋兴。[4]{PK 191.2}
§10
Throughout the kingdom the people were in need of instruction in the law of God. In an understanding of this law lay their safety; by conforming their lives to its requirements they would become loyal both to God and to man. Knowing this, Jehoshaphat took steps to ensure to his people thorough instruction in the Holy Scriptures. The princes in charge of the different portions of his realm were directed to arrange for the faithful ministry of teaching priests. By royal appointment these instructors, working under the direct supervision of the princes, went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people. 2 Chronicles 17:7-9. And as many endeavored to understand Gods requirements and to put away sin, a revival was effected. {PK 191.2}[4]
§11
约沙法作王时的兴盛，多半得自他如此为民众的属灵需要所作贤明的安排。顺从上帝的律法便是大利。由于符合神圣的要求，就有一种改变人心的能力将平安与善意导入人间。如果上帝的圣言能成为控制每一个男女之人生的感化力，如果心灵与意志都置于其约束的能力之下，则现今存在国家和社会之中的罪恶就没有立足之地了。每个家庭就必发挥一种足以使男男女女都有坚强的属灵见识和道德力的影响，这样，不论是国家或个人都必处于有利的地位上了。[5]{PK 192.1}
§12
To this wise provision for the spiritual needs of his subjects, Jehoshaphat owed much of his prosperity as a ruler. In obedience to Gods law there is great gain. In conformity to the divine requirements there is a transforming power that brings peace and good will among men. If the teachings of Gods word were made the controlling influence in the life of every man and woman, if mind and heart were brought under its restraining power, the evils that now exist in national and in social life would find no place. From every home would go forth an influence that would make men and women strong in spiritual insight and in moral power, and thus nations and individuals would be placed on vantage ground.{PK 192.1}[5]
§13
约沙法安享多年的和平，不受邻国的侵犯。“耶和华使犹大四围的列国都甚恐惧，不敢与约沙法争战。”（代下17:10）他从非利士人手中收受贡银和礼物；并从亚拉伯人收受大群的绵羊和山羊。“约沙法日渐强大；在犹大建造营寨和积货城。……有战士，就是大能的勇士，……这都是伺候王的，还有王在犹大全地坚固城所安置的不在其内。”（代下17:12-19）他既因厚蒙赐福而“大有尊荣资财，”（代下18:1）所以能为真理和公义发挥强大的感化力。[6]{PK 192.2}
§14
For many years Jehoshaphat lived in peace, unmolested by surrounding nations. The fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah. Verse 10. From Philistia he received tribute money and presents; from Arabia, large flocks of sheep and goats. Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of stores. . . . Men of war, mighty men of valor, . . . waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah. Verses 12-19. Blessed abundantly with riches and honor, he was enabled to wield a mighty influence for truth and righteousness. 2 Chronicles 18:1.{PK 192.2}[6]
§15
约沙法登基数年之后，正在他最兴盛的时候，竟让他的儿子约兰与亚哈和耶洗别的女儿亚他利雅结婚。由于这个结合，犹大国和以色列国之间就成立了一个联盟，这是不合乎上帝命令的，并在危机临到时使王和他的许多臣民遭受祸患。[7]{PK 192.3}
§16
Some years after coming to the throne, Jehoshaphat, now in the height of his prosperity, consented to the marriage of his son, Jehoram, to Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. By this union there was formed between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel an alliance which was not in the order of God and which in a time of crisis brought disaster to the king and to many of his subjects.{PK 192.3}[7]
§17
有一次，约沙法到撒玛利亚去拜访以色列王。这位来自耶路撒冷的贵宾备受特殊的尊敬；在他结束访问之前，被说服与以色列王联合而和亚兰人作战。亚哈希望能借与犹大军力的联合，可夺回古时作为逃城的拉末，因他认为这座城照理是属于以色列人的。[8]{PK 195.1}
§18
On one occasion Jehoshaphat visited the king of Israel at Samaria. Special honor was shown the royal guest from Jerusalem, and before the close of his visit he was persuaded to unite with the king of Israel in war against the Syrians. Ahab hoped that by joining his forces with those of Judah he might regain Ramoth, one of the old cities of refuge, which, he contended, rightfully belonged to the Israelites.{PK 195.1}[8]
§19
约沙法虽因一时的软弱，而贸然答应和以色列王同去攻打亚兰人，但他经过深思熟虑之后，就想要知道上帝对于这一举动有何旨意。他向亚哈建议说：“请你先求问耶和华。”亚哈应其所请，就招聚了撒玛利亚的四百个假先知来，问他们说：“我们上去攻取基列的拉末，可以不可以？”他们回答说：“可以上去；因为上帝必将那城交在王的手里。”（代下18:4-5）[9]{PK 195.2}
§20
Although Jehoshaphat in a moment of weakness had rashly promised to join the king of Israel in his war against the Syrians, yet his better judgment led him to seek to learn the will of God concerning the undertaking. Inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord today, he suggested to Ahab. In response, Ahab called together four hundred of the false prophets of Samaria, and asked of them, Shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they answered, Go up; for God will deliver it into the kingss hand. Verses 4, 5.{PK 195.2}[9]
§21
约沙法还不满意，力图确知上帝的旨意。他问道：“这里不是还有耶和华的先知，我们可以求问他吗？”（代下18:6）亚哈回答说：“还有一个人，是音拉的儿子米该雅，我们可以托他求问耶和华；只是我恨他；因为他指着我所说的预言，不说吉语，单说凶言。”（王上22:8）约沙法坚持要求把这位上帝的仆人叫来；米该雅既来到他们面前，因亚哈王严嘱他“奉耶和华的名……说实话，”便说：“我看见以色列众民散在山上，如同没有牧人的羊群一般；耶和华说：这民没有主人，他们可以平平安安的各归各家去。”（王上22:16-17）[10]{PK 195.3}
§22
Unsatisfied, Jehoshaphat sought to learn for a certainty the will of God. Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, he asked, that we might inquire of him? Verse 6. There is yet one man, Micaiah to son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Ahab answered; but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. 1 Kings 22:8. Jehoshaphat was firm in his request that the man of God be called; and upon appearing before them and being adjured by Ahab to tell nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord, Micaiah said: I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace. Verses 16, 17.{PK 195.3}[10]
§23
先知的话本来足以向这两个王显明他们的计划不蒙上天的赞许；但这两个统治者谁都不愿听从警告。亚哈已经拟定自己的方针，也决心要实行它。约沙法已有约言在先，说：我们“必与你同去争战；”（代下18:30）他既作了这样的诺言，就不愿再撤回他的军队。于是“以色列王和犹大王约沙法上基列的拉末去了。”（王上22:29）[11]{PK 196.1}
§24
The words of the prophet should have been enough to show the kings that their project was not favored by Heaven, but neither ruler felt inclined to heed the warning. Ahab had marked out his course, and he was determined to follow it. Jehoshaphat had given his word of honor, We will be with thee in the war; and after making such a promise, he was reluctant to withdraw his forces. 2 Chronicles 18:3. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead. 1 Kings 22:29.{PK 196.1}[11]
§25
在随后发生的战争中，亚哈被箭射中，到晚上就死了。“约在日落的时候，有号令传遍军中说：各归本城，各归本地吧！”（王上22:36）这样先知的话就应验了。[12]{PK 196.2}
§26
During the battle that followed, Ahab was shot by an arrow, and at eventide he died. About the going down of the sun, there went a proclamation throughout the host, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country. Verse 36. Thus was fulfilled the word of the prophet.{PK 196.2}[12]
§27
约沙法经过这次损失惨重的战事回到耶路撒冷。当他临近城门时，先知耶户以责备的话迎见他，说：“你岂当帮助恶人，爱那恨恶耶和华的人呢？因此，耶和华的忿怒临到你。然而你还有善行，因你从国中除掉木偶，立定心意寻求上帝。”（代下19:2-3）[13]{PK 196.3}
§28
From this disastrous battle Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem. As he approached the city, the prophet Jehu met him with the reproof: Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord. Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God. 2 Chronicles 19:2,3.{PK 196.3}[13]
§29
约沙法作王的晚年，多半用在巩固犹大国防和属灵方面的防御上。他“出巡民间，从别是巴直到以法莲山地，引导民归向耶和华他们列祖的上帝。”（代下19:4）[14]{PK 196.4}
§30
The later years of Jehoshaphats reign were largely spent in strengthening the national and spiritual defenses of Judah. He went out again through the people from Beersheba to Mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the Lord God of their fathers. Verse 4.{PK 196.4}[14]
§31
王所作的另一项重要措施，乃是在各处设立并维持卓著成效的法庭。他“在犹大国中遍地的坚固城里，设立审判官；”他在委任他们时嘱咐说：“你们办事应当谨慎；因为你们判断，不是为人，乃是为耶和华；判断的时候，他必与你们同在。现在你们应当敬畏耶和华，谨慎办事；因为耶和华我们的上帝没有不义，不偏待人，也不受贿赂。”（代下19:5-7）[15]{PK 197.1}
§32
One of the important steps taken by the king was the establishment and maintenance of efficient courts of justice. He set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city; and in the charge given them he urged: Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment. Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts. Verses 5-7.{PK 197.1}[15]
§33
这种司法制度由于在耶路撒冷设立一个最高法院而更臻完善，约沙法在那里“从利未人和祭司，并以色列族长中派定人，在耶路撒冷为耶和华判断，听民间的争讼。”（代下19:8）[16]{PK 197.2}
§34
The judicial system was perfected by the founding of a court of appeal at Jerusalem, where Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the Lord, and for controversies. Verse 8.{PK 197.2}[16]
§35
王劝谕这些法官务须守正不阿。他嘱咐他们说：“你们当敬畏耶和华，忠心诚实办事。住在各城里你们的弟兄，若有争讼的事，来到你们这里，或为流血，或犯律法、诫命、律例、典章，你们要警戒他们，免得他们得罪耶和华，以致他的忿怒临到你们和你们的弟兄；这样行，你们就没有罪了。”[17]{PK 197.3}
§36
The king exhorted these judges to be faithful. Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully, and with a perfect heart, he charged them. And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the Lord, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.{PK 197.3}[17]
§37
“凡属耶和华的事，有大祭司亚玛利雅管理你们；凡属王的事，有犹大支派的族长以实玛利的儿子西巴第雅管理你们；在你们面前有利未人作官长。”[18]{PK 197.4}
§38
And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the kings matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you.{PK 197.4}[18]
§39
“你们应当壮胆办事，愿耶和华与善人同在。”（代下19:9-11）[19]{PK 198.1}
§40
Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good. Verses 9-11.{PK 198.1}[19]
§41
约沙法在细心保障他臣民的权利和自由的事上，强调了每一个人从统治万有、公义无私的上帝那里所蒙受的眷顾。“上帝站在有权力者的会中；在诸神中行审判。”所以凡被指派在他之下作审判官的人，“当为贫寒的人和孤儿伸冤；当为困苦和穷乏的人施行公义，”并“救他们脱离恶人的手。”（诗82:1,3-4）[20]{PK 198.2}
§42
In his careful safeguarding of the rights and liberties of his subjects, Jehoshaphat emphasized the consideration that every member of the human family receives from the God of justice, who rules over all. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; He judgeth among the gods. And those who are appointed to act as judges under Him, are to defend the poor and fatherless; they are to do justice to the afflicted and needy, and rid them out of the hand of the wicked. Psalm 82:1, 3, 4.{PK 198.2}[20]
§43
在约沙法作王的末期，犹大国被敌军侵犯，而这支军队的临到实足以使当地居民为之战栗。“摩押人和亚扪人，又有米乌尼人，一同来攻击约沙法。”有报信的人把这次敌军侵犯的消息传给王说：“从海外亚兰那边，有大军来攻击你；如今他们在哈洗逊他玛，就是隐基底。”（代下20:1-2）[21]{PK 198.3}
§44
Toward the close of Jehoshaphats reign the kingdom of Judah was invaded by an army before whose approach the inhabitants of the land had reason to tremble. The children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle. Tidings of this invasion reached the king through a messenger, who appeared with the startling word, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria: and, behold, they be in Hazazon-tamar, which is Engedi. 2 Chronicles 20:1, 2.{PK 198.3}[21]
§45
约沙法是一个勇敢刚毅的人。他已多年增强他的兵力，巩固他的要塞防城。他已有很好的准备可以应付任何仇敌了；然而他在这次危机中并没有倚靠血肉的膀臂，他不靠有纪律的军队和已设防的城邑，却希望借着对以色列的上帝所存活泼的信心，能战胜这些矜夸自己有力量在列国面前屈辱犹大的异邦人。[22]{PK 198.4}
§46
Jehoshaphat was a man of courage and valor. For years he had been strengthening his armies and his fortified cities. He was well prepared to meet almost any foe; yet in this crisis he put not his trust in the arm of flesh. Not by disciplined armies and fenced cities, but by a living faith in the God of Israel, could he hope to gain the victory over these heathen who boasted of their power to humble Judah in the eyes of the nations.{PK 198.4}[22]
§47
“约沙法便惧怕，定意寻求耶和华，在犹大全地宣告禁食。于是犹大人聚会，求耶和华帮助；犹大各城都有人出来寻求耶和华。”（代下20:3-4）[23]{PK 199.1}
§48
Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the Lord: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.{PK 199.1}[23]
§49
约沙法当着众民站在圣殿院内倾心祈祷，恳求上帝履行他的应许，同时也承认以色列的软弱无力。他呼吁说：“耶和华我们列祖的上帝啊，你不是天上的上帝吗？你不是万邦万国的主宰吗？在你手中有大能力，无人能抵挡你。我们的上帝啊，你不是曾在你民以色列人面前驱逐这地的居民，将这地赐给你朋友亚伯拉罕的后裔永远为业吗？他们住在这地，又为你的名建造圣所，说，倘若有祸患临到我们，或刀兵灾殃，或瘟疫饥荒，我们在急难的时候，站在这殿前向你呼求，你必垂听而拯救；因为你的名在这殿里。[24]{PK 199.2}
§50
Standing in the temple court before his people, Jehoshaphat poured out his soul in prayer, pleading Gods promises, with confession of Israels helplessness. O Lord God of our fathers he petitioned, art not Thou God in heaven? and rulest not Thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in Thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand Thee? Art not Thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before Thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham Thy friend forever? And they dwelt therein, and have built Thee a sanctuary therein for Thy name, saying, If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in Thy presence, (for Thy name is in this house,) and cry unto Thee in our affliction, then Thou wilt hear and help.{PK 199.2}[24]
§51
从前以色列要出埃及地的时候，你不容以色列人侵犯亚扪人、摩押人和西珥山人，以色列人就离开他们，不灭绝他们；看哪，他们怎样报复我们，要来驱逐我们出离你的地，就是你赐给我们为业之地。我们的上帝啊，你不惩罚他们吗？因为我们无力抵挡这来攻击我们的大军；我们也不知道怎样行；我们的眼目单仰望你。”（代下20:6-12）[25]{PK 199.3}
§52
And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom Thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of Thy possession, which Thou hast given us to inherit. O our God, wilt Thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee. Verses 3-12.{PK 199.3}[25]
§53
约沙法很有把握地向主说：“我们的眼目单仰望你。”多年以来，他常教训民众倚靠那位在过去各世代中时常伸手拯救他选民免于完全毁灭的主；所以现在，当国势垂危的时候，约沙法并非孤独地站在那里；“犹大众人和他们的婴孩、妻子、儿女、都站在耶和华面前。”（代下20:13）他们同心合意地禁食祈祷；同心合意地求主使仇敌溃败，使耶和华的圣名得到荣耀。“上帝啊，求你不要静默；上帝啊，求你不要闭口，也不要不作声。因为你的仇敌喧嚷，恨你的抬起头来。他们同谋奸诈，要害你的百性，彼此商议，要害你所隐藏的人。他们说:‘来吧！我们将他们剪灭，使他们不再成国，使以色列的名不再被人记念。’他们同心商议，彼此结盟要抵挡你。就是住帐棚的以东人和以实玛利人，摩押和夏甲人，迦巴勒、亚扪和亚玛力，……求你待他们如待米甸，如在基顺河待西西拉和耶宾一样。……愿他们永远羞愧惊惶，愿他们惭愧灭亡。使他们知道唯独你名为耶和华的，是全地以上的至高者。”（诗83:）[26]{PK 200.1}
§54
With confidence Jehoshaphat could say to the Lord, Our eyes are upon thee. For years he had taught the people to trust in the One who in past ages had so often interposed to save His chosen ones from utter destruction; and now, when the kingdom was in peril, Jehoshaphat did not stand alone; all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. Verse 13. Unitedly they fasted and prayed; unitedly they besought the Lord to put their enemies to confusion, that the name of Jehovah might be glorified. Keep not Thou silence, O God: Hold not Thy peace, and be not still, O God. For, lo, Thine enemies make a tumult: And they that hate Thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against Thy people, And consulted against Thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; That the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: They are confederate against Thee: The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; Of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek. . . . Do unto them as unto the Midianites; As to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison: . . . Let them be confounded and troubled forever; Yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: That men may know that Thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, Art the Most High over all the earth. Psalm 83. {PK 200.1}[26]
§55
当民众与他们的王一同在上帝面前自卑，恳求他帮助的时候，耶和华的灵临到利未人亚萨的后裔雅哈悉的身上，他说：[27]{PK 201.1}
§56
As the people joined with their king in humbling themselves before God, and asking Him for help, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, and he said:{PK 201.1}[27]
§57
“犹大众人、耶路撒冷的居民和约沙法王，你们请听：耶和华对你们如此说：不要因这大军恐惧、惊惶；因为胜败不在乎你们，乃在乎上帝。明日你们要下去迎敌；他们是从洗斯坡上来；你们必在耶鲁伊勒旷野前的谷口遇见他们。犹大和耶路撒冷人哪，这次你们不要争战，要摆阵站着，看耶和华为你们施行拯救；不要恐惧，也不要惊惶；明日当出去迎敌；因为耶和华与你们同在。”[28]{PK 201.2}
§58
Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou King Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but Gods. Tomorrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you.{PK 201.2}[28]
§59
“约沙法就面伏于地；犹大众人和耶路撒冷的居民，也俯伏在耶和华面前，叩拜耶和华。哥辖族和可拉族的利未人，都起来，用极大的声音赞美耶和华以色列的上帝。”[29]{PK 201.3}
§60
Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with a loud voice on high.{PK 201.3}[29]
§61
次日清早众人起来，往提哥亚的旷野去。当他们向战场行进之时，约沙法说：“犹大人和耶路撒冷的居民哪，要听我说：信耶和华你们的上帝，就必立稳；信他的先知，就必亨通。”“约沙法既与民商议了，就设立歌唱的人颂赞耶和华，使他们穿上圣洁的礼服。”（代下20:14-21）这些歌唱的人走在军队前头，因胜利的应许而高声赞美上帝。[30]{PK 201.4}
§62
Early in the morning they rose and went into the wilderness of Tekoa. As they advanced to the battle, Jehoshaphat said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established: believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness. 2 Chronicles 20:14-21. These singers went before the army, lifting their voices in praise to God for the promise of victory. {PK 201.4}[30]
§63
这真是一种很特殊的抵御敌军的作战方法——以歌唱赞美耶和华，称颂以色列的上帝。这是他们的战歌。他们实在具有圣洁的美。如果现今能从事于更多赞美上帝，那么希望、勇敢和信心就必不住地增加。这样岂不也使今日捍卫真理的勇士之手臂更为坚强有力吗？[31]{PK 202.1}
§64
It was a singular way of going to battle against the enemys army--praising the Lord with singing, and exalting the God of Israel. This was their battle song. They possessed the beauty of holiness. If more praising of God were engaged in now, hope and courage and faith would steadily increase. And would not this strengthen the hands of the valiant soldiers who today are standing in defense of truth?{PK 202.1}[31]
§65
“耶和华就派伏兵击杀那来攻击犹大人的亚扪人、摩押人和西珥山人；他们就被打败了。因为亚扪人和摩押人起来，击杀住西珥山的人，将他们灭尽；灭尽住西珥山的人之后，他们又彼此自相击杀。”[32]{PK 202.2}
§66
The Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, everyone helped to destroy another.{PK 202.2}[32]
§67
“犹大人来到旷野的望楼，向那大军观看，见尸横遍地，没有一个逃脱的。”（代下20:22-24）[33]{PK 202.3}
§68
And when Judah came toward the watchtower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. Verses 22-24.{PK 202.3}[33]
§69
这次危机之中，上帝乃是犹大的力量，今日他依然是他子民的力量。我们不可倚靠君王，也不可拿人来代替上帝。我们必须记住：人类都是有错误有过失的，而那位有一切能力的主乃是保护我们的“坚固台”。在每次急难之中，我们必须认为“胜败……乃在乎上帝。”他所有的资源是没有穷尽的，而且那些看上去似乎不可能的事也只能使胜利更显伟大而已。“拯救我们的上帝啊，求你救我们，聚集我们，使我们脱离外邦，我们好称赞你的圣名，以赞美你为夸胜。”（代上16:35）[34]{PK 202.4}
§70
God was the strength of Judah in this crisis, and He is the strength of His people today. We are not to trust in princes, or to set men in the place of God. We are to remember that human beings are fallible and erring, and that He who has all power is our strong tower of defense. In every emergency we are to feel that the battle is His. His resources are limitless, and apparent impossibilities will make the victory all the greater. Save us, O God of our salvation, And gather us together, And deliver us from the heathen, That we may give thanks to Thy holy name, And glory in Thy praise. 1 Chronicles 16:35. {PK 202.4}[34]
§71
犹大的军队带着大批掠物，“欢欢喜喜地回耶路撒冷；……因为耶和华使他们战胜仇敌，就欢喜快乐。他们弹琴，鼓瑟，吹号，来到耶路撒冷，进了耶和华的殿。”（代下20:17-28）他们喜乐是大有理由的。在顺从“你们……要……站着，看耶和华为你们施行拯救；不要恐惧，也不要惊慌”的这个命令上（代下20:17），他们全心倚靠上帝，他也显明是他们的保障和拯救者。现在他们能以用悟性唱出大卫在圣灵感动之下所写的诗歌：“上帝是我们的避难所，是我们的力量，是我们在患难中随时的帮助。……他折弓、断枪，把战车焚烧在火中。你们要休息，要知道我是上帝！我必在外邦中被尊崇，在遍地上也被尊崇。万军之耶和华与我们同在；雅各的上帝是我们的避难所。”（诗46:）“上帝啊，你受的赞美正与你的名相称，直到地极，你的右手满了公义。因你的判断，锡安山应当欢喜，犹大的城邑应当快乐。……因为这上帝永永远远为我们的上帝，他必作我们引路的，直到死时。”（诗48:10-11,14）[35]{PK 203.1}
§72
Laden with spoil, the armies of Judah returned with joy; for the Lord had made them to rejoice over their enemies. And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:27, 28. Great was their cause for rejoicing. In obedience to the command, Stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord: . . . fear not, nor be dismayed, they had put their trust wholly in God, and He had proved to be their fortress and their deliverer. Verse 17. Now they could sing with understanding the inspired hymns of David: God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. . . . He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Psalm 46. According to Thy name, O God, So is Thy praise unto the ends of the earth: Thy right hand is full of righteousness. Let Mount Zion rejoice, Let the daughters of Judah be glad, Because of Thy judgments. . . . This God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:10-14.{PK 203.1}[35]
§73
由于犹大国王和他军队的信心，“列邦诸国听见耶和华战败以色列的仇敌，就甚惧怕。这样，约沙法的国得享太平；因为上帝赐他四境平安。”（代下20:29-30）[36]{PK 203.2}
§74
Through the faith of Judahs ruler and of his armies the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the Lord fought against the enemies of Israel. So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest. 2 Chronicles 20:29, 30.{PK 203.2}[36]