第21章 以利沙晚年的服务
§1
第21章 以利沙晚年的服务
§2
Chap. 21 - Elishas Closing Ministry
§3
以利沙蒙召作先知，乃是当亚哈还在位的时候，所以他一生得以亲眼见到以色列国中所发生的许多变故。在哈薛受膏作亚兰王，成为刑罚那背道的以色列国之杖的期间，惩罚接二连三地降在以色列人身上。而耶户所进行的严厉改革政策，结果使亚哈全家被杀。接续耶户作王的约哈斯，曾与亚兰人不断地作战，结果失去了约旦河东岸的一些城邑。有一个时期，亚兰人似乎要征服全以色列国了。但那由以利亚所倡导而由以利沙所推行的改革工作，已经引领多人寻求上帝。巴力的祭坛渐渐被人废弃，上帝的旨意便缓慢而稳当地在那些决定全心全意侍奉他的人身上实现了。[1]{PK 254.1}
§4
Called to the prophetic office while Ahab was still reigning, Elisha had lived to see many changes take place in the kingdom of Israel. Judgment upon judgment had befallen the Israelites during the reign of Hazael the Syrian, who had been anointed to be the scourge of the apostate nation. The stern measures of reform instituted by Jehu had resulted in the slaying of all the house of Ahab. In continued wars with the Syrians, Jehoahaz, Jehus successor, had lost some of the cities lying east of the Jordan. For a time it had seemed as if the Syrians might gain control of the entire kingdom. But the reformation begun by Elijah and carried forward by Elisha had led many to inquire after God. The altars of Baal were being forsaken, and slowly yet surely Gods purpose was being fulfilled in the lives of those who chose to serve Him with all the heart.{PK 254.1}[1]
§5
上帝让亚兰人来惩罚犯罪的以色列人，乃是出于他对他们所存的爱。他兴起耶户来杀戮邪恶的耶洗别和亚哈全家，也是因为他怜爱那些道德力薄弱的子民。于是本乎慈悲的神意，巴力和亚斯他录的祭司们又被废除，而其异教的祭坛也再度被拆毁了。上帝凭着他的智慧预先看出：如能消除这些试探，就必有人离弃邪教而转向天国；这便是他容许灾祸接踵而来临到他们的原因。但他却恩威并用；及至他的旨意成全之后，他就使形势改观，而对于凡学习寻求他的人有利了。[2]{PK 254.2}
§6
It was because of His love for erring Israel that God permitted the Syrians to scourge them. It was because of His compassion for those whose moral power was weak that He raised up Jehu to slay wicked Jezebel and all the house of Ahab. Once more, through a merciful providence, the priests of Baal and of Ashtoreth were set aside and their heathen altars thrown down. God in His wisdom foresaw that if temptation were removed, some would forsake heathenism and turn their faces heavenward, and this is why He permitted calamity after calamity to befall them. His judgments were tempered with mercy; and when His purpose was accomplished, He turned the tide in favor of those who had learned to inquire after Him.{PK 254.2}[2]
§7
正当善与恶的影响互争上风，而撒但也竭力造成他在亚哈和耶洗别掌权时所进行的破坏时，以利沙则继续负起作见证的使命。他虽曾遭遇反对，但没有人能否定他所说的话。他在全国各地都受到尊崇与敬重。许多人来向他求教。当耶洗别还活着的时候，以色列王约兰曾来求他指教；还有一次，当他在大马士革的时候，亚兰王便哈达曾派人前来访问，王极欲知道他当时所患的病是否足以致命。正当真理在各方面被人曲解，而大多数的人也都公然背叛上苍的时候，这位先知却向众人作了忠实的见证。[3]{PK 255.1}
§8
While influences for good and for evil were striving for the ascendancy, and Satan was doing all in his power to complete the ruin he had wrought during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel, Elisha continued to bear his testimony. He met with opposition, yet none could gainsay his words. Throughout the kingdom he was honored and venerated. Many came to him for counsel. While Jezebel was still living, Joram, the king of Israel, sought his advice; and once, when in Damascus, he was visited by messengers from Benhadad, king of Syria, who desired to learn whether a sickness then upon him would result in death. To all the prophet bore faithful witness in a time when, on every hand, truth was being perverted and the great majority of the people were in open rebellion against Heaven.{PK 255.1}[3]
§9
然而上帝也始终没有撇弃他所拣选的信使。有一次，当亚兰人犯境时，亚兰王曾“企图毁灭以利沙，因为他常将敌方的计划通知以色列王。亚兰王曾和他的臣仆商议说：我要在某处某处安营。”主便将这计划启示以利沙，他就“打发人去见以色列王，说：你要谨慎，不要从某处经过；因为亚兰人从那里下来了。以色列王差人去窥探神人所告诉所警戒他去的地方，就防备未受其害，不止一两次。”[4]{PK 255.2}
§10
And God never forsook His chosen messenger. On one occasion, during a Syrian invasion, the king of Syria sought to destroy Elisha because of his activity in apprising the king of Israel of the plans of the enemy. The Syrian king had taken counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. This plan was revealed by the Lord to Elisha, who sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.{PK 255.2}[4]
§11
“亚兰王因这事心里惊疑，召了臣仆来，对他们说：我们这里有谁帮助以色列王，你们不指给我吗？有一个臣仆说：我主，我王，无人帮助他；只有以色列中的先知以利沙，将王在卧房所说的话，告诉以色列王了。”[5]{PK 256.1}
§12
Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not show me which of us is for the king of Israel? And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.{PK 256.1}[5]
§13
亚兰王坚决要除灭这个先知，便下令说：“你们去探他在那里，我好打发人去捉拿他。”当时先知正在多坍城；王既探知这消息，“就打发车马和大军，往那里去；夜间到了，围困那城。神人的仆人清早起来出去，看见车马军兵围困了城。”[6]{PK 256.2}
§14
Determined to make away with the prophet, the Syrian king commanded, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. The prophet was in Dothan; and, learning this, the king sent thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots.{PK 256.2}[6]
§15
以利沙的仆人大为惊慌，便带着这消息来找他，说：“哀哉，我主啊！我们怎样行才好呢？”[7]{PK 256.3}
§16
In terror Elishas servant sought him with the tidings. Alas, my master! he said, how shall we do?{PK 256.3}[7]
§17
先知的回答是：“不要惧怕；与我们同在的，比与他们同在的更多。”于是为要使仆人亲自明白这事起见，“以利沙祷告说：耶和华啊，求你开这少年人的眼目；使他能看见。”“耶和华开他的眼目；他就看见满山有火车火马围绕以利沙。”在上帝的仆人与敌军之间有大队天使环绕着。他们在大能中降临，不是要来毁灭，也不是要来强迫人敬拜，乃是要在主的软弱无助的儿女四围安营，为他们效力。[8]{PK 256.4}
§18
Fear not, was the answer of the prophet; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And then, that the servant might know this for himself, Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray Thee, open his eyes, that he may see. The Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. Between the servant of God and the hosts of armed foemen was an encircling band of heavenly angels. They had come down in mighty power, not to destroy, not to exact homage, but to encamp round about and minister to the Lords weak and helpless ones.{PK 256.4}[8]
§19
每当上帝的子民陷于困境，并显然毫无出路之时，他们必须以耶和华为他们唯一的倚靠。[9]{PK 257.1}
§20
When the people of God are brought into strait places, and apparently there is no escape for them, the Lord alone must be their dependence.{PK 257.1}[9]
§21
那班亚兰的军兵既不知有天上不可见的大军在场，便肆无忌惮地前来进袭，“以利沙祷告耶和华，说：求你使这些人的眼目昏迷。耶和华就照以利沙的话，使他们眼目昏迷。以利沙对他们说：这不是那道，也不是那城；你们跟我去，我必领你们到所寻找的人那里。于是领他们到了撒玛利亚。”[10]{PK 257.2}
§22
As the company of Syrian soldiers boldly advanced, ignorant of the unseen hosts of heaven, Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray Thee, with blindness. And He smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.{PK 257.2}[10]
§23
“他们进了撒玛利亚，以利沙祷告说：耶和华啊，求你开这些人的眼目，使他们能看见。耶和华开他们的眼目，他们就看见了；不料，是在撒玛利亚的城中。以色列王见了他们，就问以利沙说：我父啊，我可以击杀他们吗？回答说：不可击杀他们，就是你用刀用弓掳来的，岂可击杀他们吗？当在他们面前设摆饮食，使他们吃喝回到他们的主人那里。王就为他们预备了许多食物；他们吃喝完了，打发他们回到他们主人那里。”（见王下6:）[11]{PK 257.3}
§24
And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them? And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. See 2 Kings 6.{PK 257.3}[11]
§25
此后，以色列有一段时期没有再受亚兰人的侵犯。但后来在一个意志坚强的王哈薛有力的领导之下，亚兰的军队又来围困撒玛利亚了。在这次围困中，以色列国从来没有落到过如此窘迫的地步。这时，祖先的罪孽真的报应在子孙的身上了。正当长期饥荒的恐怖驱使以色列王准备采取非常的手段时，以利沙却预言他们在一日之内必蒙解救。[12]{PK 258.1}
§26
For a time after this, Israel was free from the attacks of the Syrians. But later, under the energetic direction of a determined king, Hazael, the Syrian hosts surrounded Samaria and besieged it. Never had Israel been brought into so great a strait as during this siege. The sins of the fathers were indeed being visited upon the children and the childrens children. The horrors of prolonged famine were driving the king of Israel to desperate measures, when Elisha predicted deliverance the following day.{PK 258.1}[12]
§27
次日清晨天将破晓之际，“主使亚兰人的军队听见车马的声音，是大军的声音；”于是大为惊慌，“在黄昏的时候他们起来逃跑，撇下帐棚、马、驴、营盘照旧，”还存有许多食物。他们“只顾逃命，”不敢稍停，直到渡过约旦河为止。[13]{PK 258.2}
§28
As the next morning was about to dawn, the Lord made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host; and they, seized with fear, arose and fled in the twilight, leaving their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, with rich stores of food. They fled for their life, not tarrying until after the Jordan had been crossed.{PK 258.2}[13]
§29
在他们逃亡的那一夜，撒玛利亚城门口有四个长大麻风的人，因饥饿难忍而不顾一切，打算到亚兰人的营盘去向这班围攻者投降，希望借此引起同情而得到食物。及至他们到了敌营，却“不见一人在那里，”便大为惊异。既没有人拦阻或禁止他们，他们就“进了帐棚，吃了，喝了，且从其中拿出金银和衣服来，去收藏了；回来，又进了一座帐棚，从其中拿出财物来，去收藏了。那时他们彼此说：我们所作的不好；今日是有好信息的日子，我们竟不作声。”于是他们迅即带着好信息回城里去了。[14]{PK 258.3}
§30
During the night of the flight, four leprous men at the gate of the city, made desperate by hunger, had proposed to visit the Syrian camp and throw themselves upon the mercy of the besiegers, hoping thereby to arouse sympathy and obtain food. What was their astonishment when, entering the camp, they found no man there. With none to molest or forbid, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it. Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace. Quickly they returned to the city with the glad news.{PK 258.3}[14]
§31
那天的掠夺品很多；所获得的物资非常丰富，甚至“一细亚细面卖银一舍客勒，二细亚大麦也卖银一舍客勒，”正如以利沙前一天所预言的。上帝的名又一次在外邦人面前被高举，正如主借着他在以色列中的先知所说的。（见王下7:5-16）[15]{PK 259.1}
§32
Great was the spoil; so abundant were the supplies that on that day a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, as had been foretold by Elisha the day before. Once more the name of God was exalted before the heathen according to the word of the Lord through His prophet in Israel. See 2 Kings 7:5-16.{PK 259.1}[15]
§33
“神人”就是这样一年一年的继续工作下去，借着忠心的服务与民众接近，而在危急之秋更站在国王的身旁作贤明的顾问。君王与人民多年来崇拜偶像而冷淡退后的罪已经发挥了毒害的影响；背道的阴影依然处处可见，然而到处也有一些坚决不肯向巴力屈膝的人。当以利沙继续他改革的工作时，许多人得从邪教中被拯救出来，并因明白侍奉真神上帝而欢喜快乐。先知见到这些神恩所施行的奇迹就不胜欣慰，而且大受感动，渴望能接近每一个心地诚实的人。他无论在什么地方，总是竭力要在那里作公义的教师。[16]{PK 259.2}
§34
Thus the man of God continued to labor from year to year, drawing close to the people in faithful ministry, and in times of crisis standing by the side of kings as a wise counselor. The long years of idolatrous backsliding on the part of rulers and people had wrought their baleful work; the dark shadow of apostasy was still everywhere apparent, yet here and there were those who had steadfastly refused to bow the knee to Baal. As Elisha continued his work of reform, many were reclaimed from heathenism, and these learned to rejoice in the service of the true God. The prophet was cheered by these miracles of divine grace, and he was inspired with a great longing to reach all who were honest in heart. Wherever he was he endeavored to be a teacher of righteousness.{PK 259.2}[16]
§35
就世人的观点而言，当时以色列国的属灵复兴，与现代上帝的仆人在世界各黑暗地区工作的前途，同样是没有多大希望的。但基督的教会乃是上帝用来宣扬真理的机构；教会已蒙他赋予能力从事特殊的工作；只要教会效忠上帝，并顺从他的诫命，就必有超卓的神能住在其中。只要教会忠于职守，就没有任何势力能与之抗衡。敌人的势力若想倾覆她，还不如糠秕想抗拒旋风呢！[17]{PK 259.3}
§36
From a human point of view the outlook for the spiritual regeneration of the nation was as hopeless as is the outlook today before Gods servants who are laboring in the dark places of the earth. But the church of Christ is Gods agency for the proclamation of truth; she is empowered by Him to do a special work; and if she is loyal to God, obedient to His commandments, there will dwell within her the excellency of divine power. If she will be true to her allegiance, there is no power that can stand against her. The forces of the enemy will be no more able to overwhelm her than is the chaff to resist the whirlwind.{PK 259.3}[17]
§37
如果教会肯穿上基督的义袍，完全放弃世俗，那么在她面前就必出现光明荣耀之日的曙光。[18]{PK 260.1}
§38
There is before the church the dawn of a bright, glorious day, if she will put on the robe of Christs righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance to the world.{PK 260.1}[18]
§39
上帝呼召凡信仰他的忠实分子，向那些不信和绝望的人讲说勇敢的话。你们被囚而有指望的人都要转向耶和华。要从上帝——就是永生的上帝那里寻求力量。要对他的能力和他的乐愿拯救表示坚定而谦虚的信心。当我们凭着信心握住他的能力时，他就必改变——奇妙地改变那最没有希望、最使人灰心的前途。他必为他圣名的荣耀而这样行。[19]{PK 260.2}
§40
God calls upon His faithful ones, who believe in Him, to talk courage to those who are unbelieving and hopeless. Turn to the Lord, ye prisoners of hope. Seek strength from God, the living God. Show an unwavering, humble faith in His power and His willingness to save. When in faith we take hold of His strength, He will change, wonderfully change, the most hopeless, discouraging outlook. He will do this for the glory of His name.{PK 260.2}[19]
§41
以利沙只要还能在以色列全国各地往来奔走，他就继续积极地致力于先知学校的建立。他无论在什么地方，上帝都与他同在，赐给他当说的话和行神迹的能力。有一次“先知门徒对以利沙说：看哪，我们同你所住的地方过于窄小。求你容我们往约旦河去，各人从那里取一根木料，建造房屋居住。”（王下6:1-2）于是以利沙就和他们一起到了约旦河，借着亲自与他们同在以鼓励他们，指导他们，甚至行了一个神迹来协助他们的工作。“有一人砍树的时候，斧头掉在水里；他就呼叫说：哀哉，我主啊！这斧子是借的。神人问说：掉在哪里了？他将那地方指给以利沙看。以利沙砍了一根木头，抛在水里，斧头就漂上来了。以利沙说：拿起来吧。那人就伸手拿起来了。”（王下6:5-7）[20]{PK 260.3}
§42
So long as Elisha was able to journey from place to place throughout the kingdom of Israel, he continued to take an active interest in the upbuilding of the schools of the prophets. Wherever he was, God was with him, giving him words to speak and power to work miracles. On one occasion the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us. Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. 2 Kings 6:1, 2. Elisha went with them to Jordan, encouraging them by his presence, giving them instruction, and even performing a miracle to aid them in their work. As one was felling a beam, the axhead fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it. Verses 5-7.{PK 260.3}[20]
§43
他的工作卓著成效，他的影响也无远弗届，甚至当他卧病在床而濒于死亡的时候，那位年轻的王约阿施虽然是敬拜偶像不很敬重上帝的人，也承认这位先知为以色列的父老，并且承认只要有他同在，在遇见患难的时候要比许多马兵和战车更有帮助。《圣经》记着说：“以利沙得了必死的病。以色列王约阿施下来看他，伏在他脸上哭泣，说：我父啊！我父啊！以色列的战车马兵啊！”（王下13:14）[21]{PK 261.1}
§44
So effectual had been his ministry and so widespread his influence that, as he lay upon his deathbed, even the youthful King Joash, an idolater with but little respect for God, recognized in the prophet a father in Israel, and acknowledged that his presence among them was of more value in time of trouble than the possession of an army of horses and chariots. The record reads: Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. 2 Kings 13:14.{PK 261.1}[21]
§45
对于许多处在困难中而需要帮助的人，先知常作一个有智慧而富于同情的父亲。所以这次他也没有撇弃这个在他面前的不敬虔的青年，而这个青年虽然十分不配居于他现有的重要地位，但他却非常地需要指导。这时上帝本其美意正在赐给王一个机会，可以挽回他过去的失败，借以使他的国家处于优越的地位。那当时占据约旦河东岸的仇敌亚兰人必须予以击退。上帝的能力将为这经常犯错的以色列再度彰显。[22]{PK 261.2}
§46
To many a troubled soul in need of help the prophet had acted the part of a wise, sympathetic father. And in this instance he turned not from the godless youth before him, so unworthy of the position of trust he was occupying, and yet so greatly in need of counsel. God in His providence was bringing to the king an opportunity to redeem the failures of the past and to place his kingdom on vantage ground. The Syrian foe, now occupying the territory east of the Jordan, was to be repulsed. Once more the power of God was to be manifested in behalf of erring Israel.{PK 261.2}[22]
§47
垂死的先知吩咐王说：“你取弓箭来。”约阿施就遵命取了来。于是先知说：“你用手拿弓。”约阿施“就用手拿弓；以利沙按手在王的手上，说：你开朝东的窗户，朝向约旦河彼岸亚兰人所占据的城邑。王既把窗户打开，以利沙就吩咐他射箭。当箭射出去的时候，先知受圣灵感动说：“这是耶和华的得胜箭，就是战胜亚兰人的箭；因为你必在亚弗攻打亚兰人，直到灭尽他们。”[23]{PK 261.3}
§48
The dying prophet bade the king, Take bow and arrows. Joash obeyed. Then the prophet said, Put thine hand upon the bow. Joash put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the kings hands. And he said, Open the window eastward--toward the cities beyond the Jordan in possession of the Syrians. The king having opened the latticed window, Elisha bade him shoot. As the arrow sped on its way, the prophet was inspired to say, The arrow of the Lords deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.{PK 261.3}[23]
§49
这时先知考验了王的信心。他吩咐约阿施拿起几枝箭来，并说：“打地吧。”王打地三次便住手了。以利沙失望地叹息说：“应当击打五六次，就能攻打亚兰人，直到灭尽；现在只能打败亚兰人三次。”（王下13:15-19）[24]{PK 262.1}
§50
And now the prophet tested the faith of the king. Bidding Joash take up the arrows, he said, Smite upon the ground. Thrice the king smote the ground, and then he stayed his hand. Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times, Elisha exclaimed in dismay; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice. 2 Kings 13:15-19.{PK 262.1}[24]
§51
这个教训是赐予一切身居要职之人的。每当上帝为完成某项工作而开辟门路并保证成功时，那蒙拣选的器皿就必须尽其所能地来促使应许的结果实现。所赐予的成功，必与推进工作的热诚和恒心成正比。上帝只在他的子民不息不倦地努力克尽本分以后，才能为他们施行神迹。他呼召献身的人，就是那些见义勇为，赤诚爱人，并具有永不减退之热忱的人来参加他的工作。这样的工作者必不以任何工作为过于艰辛，必不以任何形势为过于绝望；他们必再接再厉，勇往直前，直到显然的失败变成光荣的胜利为止。纵有监牢的墙壁或殉道的火柱，也不能使他们偏离那为建立上帝的国而与他同工的目标。[25]{PK 263.1}
§52
The lesson is for all in positions of trust. When God opens the way for the accomplishment of a certain work and gives assurance of success, the chosen instrumentality must do all in his power to bring about the promised result. In proportion to the enthusiasm and perseverance with which the work is carried forward will be the success given. God can work miracles for His people only as they act their part with untiring energy. He calls for men of devotion to His work, men of moral courage, with ardent love for souls, and with a zeal that never flags. Such workers will find no task too arduous, no prospect too hopeless; they will labor on, undaunted, until apparent defeat is turned into glorious victory. Not even prison walls nor the martyrs stake beyond, will cause them to swerve from their purpose of laboring together with God for the upbuilding of His kingdom.{PK 263.1}[25]
§53
以利沙给予约阿施训言和勉励之后，他的工作就结束了。这位曾蒙充分赐予那原在以利亚身上之圣灵的先知，已显明他一直忠心到底。他从未动摇过。他也从未丧失过他对于全能者之力量的信心。每当他的前途似乎完全被阻塞时，他仍凭着信心向前迈进，而上帝也器重他的信心，为他打开了前面的出路。[26]{PK 263.2}
§54
With the counsel and encouragement given Joash, the work of Elisha closed. He upon whom had fallen in full measure the spirit resting upon Elijah, had proved faithful to the end. Never had he wavered. Never had he lost his trust in the power of Omnipotence. Always, when the way before him seemed utterly closed, he had still advanced by faith, and God had honored his confidence and opened the way before him.{PK 263.2}[26]
§55
以利沙未能像他的夫子一般得蒙赐予火车火马。主任凭一场缠绵的疾病临到他。在那肉体软弱与痛苦的漫长时日中，他的信心坚定地握住了上帝的应许，他也经常见到有安慰与平安的天庭使者在他的周围。从前他怎样在多坍的高原上看见天军，就是以色列的火车马兵环护着，现在他照样确知有同情的天使同在；因此他得到了扶持。他已在一生之中操练了坚强的信心；所以当他在认识上帝的美意和慈怜的恩眷上有所长进时，信心就日臻完全而恒切依赖他的上帝；及致死亡来临，他已经准备妥当放下工作安息了。[27]{PK 263.3}
§56
It was not given Elisha to follow his master in a fiery chariot. Upon him the Lord permitted to come a lingering illness. During the long hours of human weakness and suffering his faith laid fast hold on the promises of God, and he beheld ever about him heavenly messengers of comfort and peace. As on the heights of Dothan he had seen the encircling hosts of heaven, the fiery chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof, so now he was conscious of the presence of sympathizing angels, and he was sustained. Throughout his life he had exercised strong faith, and as he had advanced in a knowledge of Gods providences and of His merciful kindness, faith had ripened into an abiding trust in his God, and when death called him he was ready to rest from his labors.{PK 263.3}[27]
§57
“在耶和华眼中看圣民之死，极为宝贵。”“义人临死，有所投靠。”（诗116:15；箴14:32）以利沙能和诗人一同凭完全的信心说：“上帝必救赎我的灵魂，脱离阴间的权柄；因他必收纳我。”（诗49:15）他也能欢然地见证说：“我知道我的救赎主活着，末了必站立在地上。”“至于我，我必在义中见你的面；我醒了的时候，得见你的形象，就心满意足了。”（伯19:25；诗17:15）[28]{PK 264.1}
§58
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15. The righteous hath hope in his death. Proverbs 14:32. With the psalmist, Elisha could say in all confidence, God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me. Psalm 49:15. And with rejoicing he could testify, I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. Job 19:25. As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness. Psalm 17:15.{PK 264.1}[28]