第28章 希西家
§1
第28章 希西家Chap. 28 - Hezekiah
§2
亚哈斯当年鲁莽的统治与他的儿子在强盛时期中所施行的改革，适成鲜明的对照。希西家一登基就决意竭尽己力，拯救犹大脱离那正迫临北国的厄运。众先知所发的信息决不赞许半途而废的努力。唯有最切实的改革才能避免那迫近的刑罚。[1]{PK 331.1}
§3
In sharp contrast with the reckless rule of Ahaz was the reformation wrought during the prosperous reign of his son. Hezekiah came to the throne determined to do all in his power to save Judah from the fate that was overtaking the northern kingdom. The messages of the prophets offered no encouragement to halfway measures. Only by most decided reformation could the threatened judgments be averted.{PK 331.1}[1]
§4
希西家在这危急之秋，证明了自己是一个善用机会的人。他一登基作王就开始计划并付诸实施。他最先注意到恢复那久被忽视的圣殿崇事；在这项工作上，他诚恳地请求一班仍忠于其神圣职责之祭司及利未人的合作。他既相信他们的忠诚支持，因此就毫无顾忌地向他们述说他意图进行的迅速而广泛的改革。他承认说：“我们列祖犯了罪，行耶和华我们上帝眼中看为恶的事，离弃他，转脸背向他的居所。”“现在我心中有意与耶和华以色列的上帝立约，好使他的烈怒转离我们。”（代下29:6,10）[2]{PK 331.2}
§5
In the crisis, Hezekiah proved to be a man of opportunity. No sooner had he ascended the throne than he began to plan and to execute. He first turned his attention to the restoration of the temple services, so long neglected; and in this work he earnestly solicited the co-operation of a band of priests and Levites who had remained true to their sacred calling. Confident of their loyal support, he spoke with them freely concerning his desire to institute immediate and far-reaching reforms. Our fathers have trespassed, he confessed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord our God, and have forsaken Him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord. Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that His fierce wrath may turn away from us. 2 Chronicles 29:6, 10.{PK 331.2}[2]
§6
王选用了几句恰当的话重提他们所面临的景况，圣殿的封闭和殿院内一切崇事的停顿；城内街道上以及全国所风行的罪恶昭彰的拜偶像之事；许多人的背道（而犹大的领袖如果树立正当的榜样，这些人原可能仍然效忠上帝）；以及国家的衰弱与在四围列国中声望的丧失。北方的以色列国很快就要土崩瓦解；多人要死于刀下；大批群众已经被掳；以色列不久必将完全落于亚述人手中，全然败亡；而除非上帝借着他所拣选的代表施行大能，则这种厄运也必定照样临到犹大。[3]{PK 332.1}
§7
In a few well-chosen words the king reviewed the situation they were facing--the closed temple and the cessation of all services within its precincts; the flagrant idolatry practiced in the streets of the city and throughout the kingdom; the apostasy of multitudes who might have remained true to God had the leaders in Judah set before them a right example; and the decline of the kingdom and loss of prestige in the estimation of surrounding nations. The northern kingdom was rapidly crumbling to pieces; many were perishing by the sword; a multitude had already been carried away captive; soon Israel would fall completely into the hands of the Assyrians, and be utterly ruined; and this fate would surely befall Judah as well, unless God should work mightily through chosen representatives.{PK 332.1}[3]
§8
希西家直接请求祭司与他联合实施必要的改革。他劝告他们说：“现在不要懈怠；因为耶和华拣选你们站在他面前侍奉他，与他烧香。”“现在你们要洁净自己，又洁净耶和华你们列祖上帝的殿。”（代下29:11,5）[4]{PK 332.2}
§9
Hezekiah appealed directly to the priests to unite with him in bringing about the necessary reforms. Be not now negligent, he exhorted them; for the Lord hath chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that ye should minister unto Him, and burn incense. Sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers. Verses 11, 5.{PK 332.2}[4]
§10
这是采取迅速行动的时候。祭司们立即着手。他们征得其他没有参加这次会议之同人的合作，全心全意从事洁净圣殿并使之成圣的工作。由于多年的亵渎和疏忽，这项工作遭遇到很多困难；但是祭司和利未人不息不倦地工作，因此他们能在很短的时期内奏明他们的任务已经达成了。殿门业已修妥，大大敞开；神圣的器皿都已收集拢来并安置在指定的地方；一切均准备就绪，只等重新举行圣所的崇事了。[5]{PK 332.3}
§11
It was a time for quick action. The priests began at once. Enlisting the co-operation of others of their number who had not been present during this conference, they engaged heartily in the work of cleansing and sanctifying the temple. Because of the years of desecration and neglect, this was attended with many difficulties; but the priests and the Levites labored untiringly, and within a remarkably short time they were able to report their task completed. The temple doors had been repaired and thrown open; the sacred vessels had been assembled and put into place; and all was in readiness for the re-establishment of the sanctuary services.{PK 332.3}[5]
§12
在举行第一次崇事之时，城中的官长与希西家王，以及祭司和利未人都一同祈求上帝赦免通国的罪恶。他们将赎罪祭献在坛上，“为以色列众人赎罪。”“献完了祭，王和一切跟随的人都俯伏敬拜。”圣殿的院内再度响起了颂赞和崇拜的声音。敬拜的人都欢然歌唱大卫和亚萨的诗词，因为他们感悟到自己已从罪恶和背道的奴役中被拯救出来了。“这事办的甚速；希西家和众民都喜乐，是因上帝为众民所预备的。”（代下29:24,29,36）[6]{PK 333.1}
§13
In the first service held, the rulers of the city united with King Hezekiah and with the priests and Levites in seeking forgiveness for the sins of the nation. Upon the altar were placed sin offerings to make an atonement for all Israel. And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshiped. Once more the temple courts resounded with words of praise and adoration. The songs of David and of Asaph were sung with joy, as the worshipers realized that they were being delivered from the bondage of sin and apostasy. Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly. Verses 24, 29, 36.{PK 333.1}[6]
§14
上帝确已预备好犹大主要人物的心，使他们领导推行一项切实的改革运动，以便遏止背道的潮流。他已借着他的先知再三向他选民传出恳劝的信息，这些信息曾被以色列国十个支派所轻视并加以拒绝，故此他们被交在仇敌的手中。但在犹大还有不少善良的“余数”，所以先知继续对这些人发出恳劝。且听以赛亚的劝勉：“以色列人哪，你们深深的悖逆耶和华，现今要归向他。”（赛31:6）再听弥迦充满信心的宣告：“我要仰望耶和华。要等候那救我的上帝；我的上帝必应允我。我的仇敌啊，不要向我夸耀；我虽跌倒，却要起来；我虽坐在黑暗里，耶和华却作我的光。我要忍受耶和华的恼怒，因我得罪了他，直等他为我辨屈，为我伸冤；他必领我到光明中，我必得见他的公义。”（弥7:7-9）[7]{PK 333.2}
§15
God had indeed prepared the hearts of the chief men of Judah to lead out in a decided reformatory movement, that the tide of apostasy might be stayed. Through His prophets He had sent to His chosen people message after message of earnest entreaty--messages that had been despised and rejected by the ten tribes of the kingdom of Israel, now given over to the enemy. But in Judah there remained a goodly remnant, and to these the prophets continued to appeal. Hear Isaiah urging, Turn ye unto Him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted. Isaiah 31:6. Hear Micah declaring with confidence: I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy; when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against Him, until He plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteousness. Micah 7:7-9.{PK 333.2}[7]
§16
这些话语以及其他显明上帝乐于饶恕，并悦纳全心归向他之人的类似信息，曾在殿门一直封闭的黑暗岁月中使许多灰心的人得到希望；如今，当首领们开始进行改革时，许多在罪恶奴役之下感到厌倦的民众都准备响应了。[8]{PK 334.1}
§17
These and other like messages revealing the willingness of God to forgive and accept those who turned to Him with full purpose of heart, had brought hope to many a fainting soul in the dark years when the temple doors remained closed; and now, as the leaders began to institute a reform, a multitude of the people, weary of the thralldom of sin, were ready to respond.{PK 334.1}[8]
§18
那些进入圣殿院宇来祈求赦免并重新立约效忠耶和华的人，从《圣经》的预言部分中得到了莫大的鼓励。从前上帝借摩西当着全以色列民，发出不可敬拜偶像的严肃警告时，也曾随而赐予他乐于垂听并赦免那些在背道期间全心寻求他之人的预言。摩西曾说：你若“归回耶和华你的上帝，听从他的话；耶和华你上帝原是有怜悯的上帝，他总不撇下你，不灭绝你，也不忘记他起誓与你列祖所立的约。”（申4:30-31）[9]{PK 334.2}
§19
Those who entered the temple courts to seek forgiveness and to renew their vows of allegiance to Jehovah, had wonderful encouragement offered them in the prophetic portions of Scripture. The solemn warnings against idolatry, spoken through Moses in the hearing of all Israel, had been accompanied by prophecies of Gods willingness to hear and forgive those who in times of apostasy should seek Him with all the heart. If thou turn to the Lord thy God, Moses had said, and shalt be obedient unto His voice; (for the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He sware unto them. Deuteronomy 4:30, 31. {PK 334.2}[9]
§20
希西家和他的僚属这时所恢复的礼节，原是从前圣殿中所奉行的，当初所罗门在奉献圣殿时，曾发出预言性的祷告说：“你的民以色列若得罪你，败在仇敌面前，又归向你，承认你的名，在这殿里祈求祷告；求你在天上垂听，赦免你民以色列的罪。”（王上8:33-34）这个祷告当时曾得到真神悦纳的印证；因为祈祷完毕时，有火从天上降下来，烧尽了燔祭和别的祭物，并且有主的荣光充满了那殿（见代下7:1）。当夜主向所罗门显现，告诉他说他的祷告已蒙垂听，并说凡在此敬拜的人必蒙施恩怜悯。有慈爱的保证发出说：“这称为我名下的子民，若是自卑、祷告，寻求我的面，转离他们的恶行；我必从天上垂听，赦免他们的罪，医治他们的地。”（代下7:14）[10]{PK 335.1}
§21
And in the prophetic prayer offered at the dedication of the temple whose services Hezekiah and his associates were now restoring, Solomon had prayed, When Thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against Thee, and shall turn again to Thee, and confess Thy name, and pray, and make supplication unto Thee in this house: then hear Thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of Thy people Israel. 1 Kings 8:33, 34. The seal of divine approval had been placed upon this prayer; for at its close fire had come down from heaven to consume the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord had filled the temple. See 2 Chronicles 7:1. And by night the Lord had appeared to Solomon to tell him that his prayer had been heard, and that mercy would be shown those who should worship there. The gracious assurance was given: If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Verse 14.{PK 335.1}[10]
§22
这些应许在希西家从事改革的时候一一应验了。[11]{PK 335.2}
§23
These promises met abundant fulfillment during the reformation under Hezekiah.{PK 335.2}[11]
§24
在洁净圣殿的事上既作了美好的开端，以色列人和犹大人便继而共同进行了更广泛的运动。希西家热切地要使圣殿的崇事真能为民造福，所以决意恢复古时的习尚，聚集以色列人来举行逾越节。[12]{PK 335.3}
§25
The good beginning made at the time of the purification of the temple was followed by a broader movement, in which Israel as well as Judah participated. In his zeal to make the temple services a real blessing to the people, Hezekiah determined to revive the ancient custom of gathering the Israelites together for the celebration of the Passover feast.{PK 335.3}[12]
§26
逾越节已经多年未被遵守为一个全国性的节期了。所罗门王朝结束后国家的分裂，已使这事似乎难以实行了。但那降在十个支派身上的可怕刑罚，已在某些人的心中激起了寻求更美事物的愿望；同时众先知所讲动人的信息已有了相当的效果，那参赴耶路撒冷逾越节的邀请，由王家的驿卒传遍了远近各地，他们“由这城跑到那城，传遍了以法莲、玛拿西，直到西布伦。”这些传达慈爱邀请的人通常是被拒绝了。许多怙恶不悛的人轻蔑地置诸不理；虽然如此，但仍有一些人恳切地寻求上帝，俾更清楚地明白他的旨意，便“自卑，来到耶路撒冷。”（代下30:10-11）[13]{PK 335.4}
§27
For many years the Passover had not been observed as a national festival. The division of the kingdom after the close of Solomons reign had made this seem impracticable. But the terrible judgments befalling the ten tribes were awakening in the hearts of some a desire for better things; and the stirring messages of the prophets were having their effect. By royal couriers the invitation to the Passover at Jerusalem was heralded far and wide, from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun. The bearers of the gracious invitation were usually repulsed. The impenitent turned lightly aside; nevertheless some, eager to seek God for a clearer knowledge of His will, humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 30:10, 11.{PK 335.4}[13]
§28
在犹大地，更引起了普遍的响应；因为“上帝也感动”他们，“使他们一心遵行王与众首领……所发的命令。”（代下30:12）——这命令是与上帝借着众先知所显示的意旨相符的。[14]{PK 337.1}
§29
In the land of Judah the response was very general; for upon them was the hand of God, to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes--a command in accord with the will of God as revealed through His prophets. Verse 12.{PK 337.1}[14]
§30
这节期对于许多前来聚集的人大有裨益。从前亚哈斯作王时在城内街道上所设置的偶像神龛业已清除。逾越节在指定的日期遵守；民众用了一周的时间奉献平安祭，并学习上帝所要他们行的事。利未人每天将“善于侍奉耶和华”的知识教导众人；而那些预备好自己的心以寻求上帝的人，都得了赦免。聚集敬拜的众人大大喜乐；“利未人和祭司，用响亮的乐器，日日颂赞耶和华；”（代下30:22；21）众人都同心一致地赞美那彰显如此慈悲怜悯的主。[15]{PK 337.2}
§31
The occasion was one of the greatest profit to the multitudes assembled. The desecrated streets of the city were cleared of the idolatrous shrines placed there during the reign of Ahaz. On the appointed day the Passover was observed, and the week was spent by the people in offering peace offerings and in learning what God would have them do. Daily the Levites taught the good knowledge of the Lord; and those who had prepared their hearts to seek God, found pardon. A great gladness took possession of the worshiping multitude; the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing with loud instruments; all were united in their desire to praise Him who had proved so gracious and merciful. Verses 21, 22.{PK 337.2}[15]
§32
按照惯例规定遵守逾越节的那七天过的太快了，敬拜的人就决定再守节七天，以便更充分地学习主的道。负责教导的祭司们继续着用律法书施教的工作，民众每天聚集在殿中献上赞美和感恩为祭；当大会将近结束的时候，很明显地可以看出上帝已经神奇地改变了背道的犹大人，遏止了那几乎要扫灭其当前一切的拜偶像潮流。众先知所发严肃的警告并未全归徒然。“在耶路撒冷大有喜乐；自从以色列王大卫儿子所罗门的时候，在耶路撒冷没有这样的喜乐。”（代下30:26）[16]{PK 337.3}
§33
The seven days usually allotted to the Passover feast passed all too quickly, and the worshipers determined to spend another seven days in learning more fully the way of the Lord. The teaching priests continued their work of instruction from the book of the law; daily the people assembled at the temple to offer their tribute of praise and thanksgiving; and as the great meeting drew to a close, it was evident that God had wrought marvelously in the conversion of backsliding Judah and in stemming the tide of idolatry which threatened to sweep all before it. The solemn warnings of the prophets had not been uttered in vain. There was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem. Verse 26.{PK 337.3}[16]
§34
时候已到，敬拜的人要各回各家去了。“祭司利未人起来，为民祝福；他们的声音蒙上帝垂听；他们的祷告达到天上的圣所。”（代下30:27）上帝已经悦纳那些以痛悔的心承认己罪，并以坚决的意志转向他祈求赦免和帮助的人。[17]{PK 338.1}
§35
The time had come for the return of the worshipers to their homes. The priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place, even unto heaven. Verse 27. God had accepted those who with broken hearts had confessed their sins and with resolute purpose had turned to Him for forgiveness and help.{PK 338.1}[17]
§36
这时，还有一项重要的工作，乃是那些回家的人所必须积极从事的；等到这项工作完成，才可以证明他们所作的改革是真诚的。经上记载说：“这事既都完毕，在那里的以色列众人，就都到犹大的城邑，打碎柱像，砍断木偶，又在犹大、便雅悯、以法莲、玛拿西遍地，将邱坛和祭坛拆毁净尽；于是以色列众人各回各城，各归各地。”（代下31:1）[18]{PK 338.2}
§37
There now remained an important work in which those who were returning to their homes must take an active part, and the accomplishment of this work bore evidence to the genuineness of the reformation wrought. The record reads: All Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities. 2 Chronicles 31:1.{PK 338.2}[18]
§38
希西家和他的僚属进行了各样的改革，为要增进举国灵性和物质方面的利益。王“在犹大遍地这样办理，行耶和华他上帝眼中看为善为正为忠的事。凡他所行的，……都是尽心去行，无不亨通。”他“倚靠耶和华以色列的上帝，……他专靠耶和华，总不离开，谨守耶和华所吩咐摩西的诫命。耶和华与他同在；他无论往何处去，尽都亨通。”（代下31:20-21；王下18:5-7）[19]{PK 338.3}
§39
Hezekiah and his associates instituted various reforms for the upbuilding of the spiritual and temporal interests of the kingdom. Throughout all Judah the king wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God. And in every work that he began, . . . he did it with all his heart, and prospered. He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, . . . and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses. And the Lord was with him; and he prospered. Verses 20, 21; 2 Kings 18:5-7.{PK 338.3}[19]
§40
希西家的统治有一连串非常的事迹为特征，向周围的列国显明以色列的上帝确实与他的子民同在。在他作王的初期，亚述人在掳掠撒玛利亚，并将十个支派所剩下的“余数”分散到列国去的事上得手，致使许多人对于希伯来人上帝的能力发生了怀疑。尼尼微人因他们的成功而胆大妄为，久已将约拿的信息置诸脑后，并公然反抗上天的旨意。撒玛利亚倾覆之后不多几年，亚述人的胜利军队又在巴勒斯坦出现，这次他们转锋直迫犹大的坚城，并有了相当的进展；但因他们国内其他区域发生困难，他们就不得不暂时撤退。直等几年以后，接近希西家王朝的末叶，才要在世上的列国面前显明究竟异教的神明是否终于得胜。[20]{PK 339.1}
§41
The reign of Hezekiah was characterized by a series of remarkable providences which revealed to the surrounding nations that the God of Israel was with His people. The success of the Assyrians in capturing Samaria and in scattering the shattered remnant of the ten tribes among the nations, during the earlier portion of his reign, was leading many to question the power of the God of the Hebrews. Emboldened by their successes, the Ninevites had long since set aside the message of Jonah and had become defiant in their opposition to the purposes of Heaven. A few years after the fall of Samaria the victorious armies reappeared in Palestine, this time directing their forces against the fenced cities of Judah, with some measure of success; but they withdrew for a season because of difficulties arising in other portions of their realm. Not until some years later, toward the close of Hezekiahs reign, was it to be demonstrated before the nations of the world whether the gods of the heathen were finally to prevail.{PK 339.1}[20]