第29章 来自巴比伦的使节
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第29章 来自巴比伦的使节
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Chap. 29 - The Ambassadors From Babylon
§3
希西家王在兴盛的统治中期，忽然患了不治之症。他“病得要死，”已非人力所能救助。及至先知以赛亚带着以下的信息去见他时，他最后的一线希望也似乎消灭了：“耶和华如此说：你当留遗命与你的家；因为你必死不能活了。”（赛38:1）[1]{PK 340.1}
§4
In the midst of his prosperous reign King Hezekiah was suddenly stricken with a fatal malady. Sick unto death, his case was beyond the power of man to help. And the last vestige of hope seemed removed when the prophet Isaiah appeared before him with the message, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Isaiah 38:1.{PK 340.1}[1]
§5
当时的情况似乎是全然黑暗的；然而王仍能向那位素来作他“避难所”、“力量”和“患难中随时的帮助”的主祈祷。（诗46:1）因此他“转脸朝墙，祷告耶和华，说：耶和华啊，求你记念我在你面前怎样存完全的心，按诚实行事，又作你眼中所看为善的。希西家就痛哭了。”（王下20:2-3）[2]{PK 340.2}
§6
The outlook seemed utterly dark; yet the king could still pray to the One who had hitherto been his refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1. And so he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying, I beseech Thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before Thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in Thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. 2 Kings 20:2, 3.{PK 340.2}[2]
§7
自从大卫的日子以来，没有一个王像希西家那样，在背道与灰心的时期中为建立上帝的国而励精图治。这个垂死的君王曾经忠心地侍奉他的上帝，并曾加强民众视耶和华为他们的至高统治者。所以他现在能像大卫一样的恳求：“愿我的祷告达到你面前，求你侧耳听我的呼求。因为我心里满了患难，我的性命临近阴间。”（诗88:2-3）“主耶和华啊，你是我所盼望的，从我年幼，你是我所倚靠的。我从出母胎被你扶持。”“我力气衰弱的时候，求你不要离弃我。”“上帝啊，求你不要远离我；我的上帝啊，求你速速帮助我。”“上帝啊，……求你不要离弃我；等我将你的能力指示下代，将你的大能指示后世的人。”（诗71:5-6,9,12,18）[3]{PK 340.3}
§8
Since the days of David there had reigned no king who had wrought so mightily for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God in a time of apostasy and discouragement as had Hezekiah. The dying ruler had served his God faithfully, and had strengthened the confidence of the people in Jehovah as their Supreme Ruler. And, like David, he could now plead: Let my prayer come before Thee: Incline Thine ear unto my cry; For my soul is full of troubles: And my life draweth nigh unto the grave. Psalm 88:2, 3. Thou art my hope, O Lord God: Thou art my trust from my youth. By Thee have I been holden up. Forsake me not when my strength faileth. O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help. O God, forsake me not; Until I have showed Thy strength unto this generation, And Thy power to everyone that is to come. Psalm 71:5, 6, 9, 12, 18.{PK 340.3}[3]
§9
那位“怜悯不致断绝”的主垂听了他仆人的祈祷（哀3:22）。“以赛亚出来，还没有到中院，耶和华的话就临到他，说：你回去，告诉我民的君希西家，说：你祖大卫的上帝，如此说：我听见了你的祷告，看见了你的眼泪；我必医治你；到第三日，你必上到耶和华的殿。我必加增你十五年的寿数；并且我要救你和这城脱离亚述王的手；我为自己和我仆人大卫的缘故，必保护这城。”（王下20:4-6）[4]{PK 341.1}
§10
He whose compassions fail not, heard the prayer of His servant. Lamentations 3:22. It came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of My people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for Mine own sake, and for My servant Davids sake. 2 Kings 20:4-6. {PK 341.1}[4]
§11
先知欣然带着这些含有保证和希望的话再回来。以赛亚一面吩咐取一块无花果饼贴在患处，一面将上帝怜悯和眷顾的信息传达给王。[5]{PK 342.1}
§12
Gladly the prophet returned with the words of assurance and hope. Directing that a lump of figs be laid upon the diseased part, Isaiah delivered to the king the message of Gods mercy and protecting care.{PK 342.1}[5]
§13
希西家像摩西在米甸地，像基甸在天使面前，也像以利沙在他夫子升天之前一样，要求看到一个兆头，证明这信息是从天上来的。他问先知说：“耶和华必医治我，到第三日，我能上耶和华的殿，有什么兆头呢？”[6]{PK 342.2}
§14
Like Moses in the land of Midian, like Gideon in the presence of the heavenly messenger, like Elisha just before the ascension of his master, Hezekiah pleaded for some sign that the message was from heaven. What shall be the sign, he inquired of the prophet, that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the Lord the third day?{PK 342.2}[6]
§15
先知回答说：“耶和华必成就他所说的，这是他给你的兆头；你要日影向前进十度呢？是要往后退十度呢？”希西家回答说：“日影向前进十度容易；我要日影往后退十度。”[7]{PK 342.3}
§16
This sign shalt thou have of the Lord, the prophet answered, that the Lord will do the thing that He hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees? It is a light thing, Hezekiah replied, for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.{PK 342.3}[7]
§17
唯有在上帝的直接干预之下，日晷上的影子才能往后退十度；这就是给希西家的兆头，表明主已垂听他的祈祷。于是“先知以赛亚求告耶和华；耶和华就使亚哈斯的日晷向前进的日影，往后退了十度。”（王下20:8-11）[8]{PK 342.4}
§18
Only by the direct interposition of God could the shadow on the sundial be made to turn back ten degrees; and this was to be the sign to Hezekiah that the Lord had heard his prayer. Accordingly, the prophet cried unto the Lord: and He brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz. Verses 8-11.{PK 342.4}[8]
§19
犹大王既然恢复了原有的体力，于是就用诗歌来承认耶和华的怜悯，并许愿要在余下的岁月中甘心侍奉万王之王。他承认上帝恩待他而说的感恩的话，足以鼓舞一切愿意奉献一生来荣耀他们创造主的人：“我说：正在我中年之日，必进入阴间的门，我余剩的年岁不得享受。我说：我必不得见耶和华，就是在活人之地不见耶和华；我与世上的居民不再见面。我的住处被迁去离开我，好像牧人的帐棚一样；将性命卷起，像织布的卷布一样。耶和华必将我从机头剪断，从早到晚，他要使我完结。我使自己安静，直到天亮；他像狮子折断我一切的骨头，早到晚，他要使我完结。我像燕子呢喃，像白鹤鸣叫，又像鸽子哀鸣；我因仰观，眼睛困倦。耶和华啊，我受欺压，求你为我作保。我可说什么呢？他应许我的，也给我成就了；我因心里的苦楚，在一生的年日必悄悄而行。主啊，人得存活，乃在乎此，我灵存活，也全在此；所以求你使我痊愈，仍然存活。看哪，我受大苦，本为使我得平安，你因爱我的灵魂，便救我脱离败坏的坑，因为你将我一切的罪扔在你的背后。原来阴间不能称谢你，死亡不能颂扬你，下坑的人不能盼望你的诚实；只有活人，活人必称谢你，像我今日称谢你一样。为父的，必使儿女知道你的诚实。耶和华肯救我，所以我们要一生一世，在耶和华殿中，用丝弦的乐器唱我的诗歌。”（赛38:10-20）[9]{PK 342.5}
§20
Restored to his wonted strength, the king of Judah acknowledged in words of song the mercies of Jehovah, and vowed to spend his remaining days in willing service to the King of kings. His grateful recognition of Gods compassionate dealing with him is an inspiration to all who desire to spend their years to the glory of their Maker. I said In the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years. I said, I shall not see the Lord, even the Lord, in the land of the living; I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world. Mine age is departed, And is removed from me as a shepherds tent: I have cut off like a weaver my life: He will cut me off with pining sickness: From day even to night wilt Thou make an end of me. I reckoned till morning, that, As a lion, so will He break all my bones: From day even to night wilt Thou make an end of me. Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: Mine eyes fail with looking upward: O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me. What shall I say? He hath both spoken unto me, And Himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul. O Lord, by these things men live, And in all these things is the life of my spirit: So wilt Thou recover me, and make me to live. Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: But Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: For Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back. For the grave cannot praise Thee, Death cannot celebrate Thee: They that go down into the pit cannot hope for Thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise Thee, As I do this day: The father to the children shall make known Thy truth. The Lord was ready to save me: Therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments All the days of our life in the house of the Lord. Isaiah 38:10-20.{PK 342.5}[9]
§21
在底格里斯和幼发拉底河的肥沃流域住有一个古老的民族，虽然当时隶属于亚述，但后来却要治理天下。在这一族人当中有些专心研究天文的哲士；当他们看到日晷上的影子退后十度时，就大为惊奇。他们的王米罗达巴拉旦既听说这个神迹是因天上的上帝延长了犹大王的寿命，而赐给他的一个兆头，就差遣使节去祝贺希西家获得痊愈，并想在可能范围内，多知道一些有关那位能施行如此伟大奇迹之上帝的事。[10]{PK 344.1}
§22
In the fertile valleys of the Tigris and the Euphrates there dwelt an ancient race which, though at that time subject to Assyria, was destined to rule the world. Among its people were wise men who gave much attention to the study of astronomy; and when they noticed that the shadow on the sundial had been turned back ten degrees, they marveled greatly. Their king, Merodachbaladan, upon learning that this miracle had been wrought as a sign to the king of Judah that the God of heaven had granted him a new lease of life, sent ambassadors to Hezekiah to congratulate him on his recovery and to learn, if possible, more of the God who was able to perform so great a wonder.{PK 344.1}[10]
§23
这自远方君王所差来之使节的访问，给予希西家一个高举永生上帝的好机会。他若趁此向他们述说那托住万有，并在一切其他希望都告断绝之时施恩延长他寿命的上帝，该是多么容易的事啊！如果这些来自迦勒底平原的寻找真理的人，被引领而承认了永生上帝的至高统治权，则所能产生的变化该是多么重大啊！[11]{PK 344.2}
§24
The visit of these messengers from the ruler of a far-away land gave Hezekiah an opportunity to extol the living God. How easy it would have been for him to tell them of God, the upholder of all created things, through whose favor his own life had been spared when all other hope had fled! What momentous transformations might have taken place had these seekers after truth from the plains of Chaldea been led to acknowledge the supreme sovereignty of the living God!{PK 344.2}[11]
§25
但这时骄傲与虚荣占据了希西家的心，以致他在自夸之余，竟将上帝为使他子民富足的财宝，都展露于那些贪婪的眼目之下。王将“自己宝库的金子、银子、香料、贵重的膏油，和他武库的一切军器，并所有的财宝都给他们看；他家中和全国之内，希西家没有一样不给他们看的。”（赛39:2）他这样行，并不是为荣耀上帝，而是要在外国的使臣眼前夸耀自己。他没有考虑到这些人乃是一个强国的代表，他们的心中对于上帝既不畏惧，更不敬爱，所以他将他们当作知己，而暴露国家物质方面的财富，乃是轻率鲁莽之举。[12]{PK 344.3}
§26
But pride and vanity took possession of Hezekiahs heart, and in self-exaltation he laid open to covetous eyes the treasures with which God had enriched His people. The king showed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah showed them not. Isaiah 39:2. Not to glorify God did he do this, but to exalt himself in the eyes of the foreign princes. He did not stop to consider that these men were representatives of a powerful nation that had not the fear nor the love of God in their hearts, and that it was imprudent to make them his confidants concerning the temporal riches of the nation.{PK 344.3}[12]
§27
使臣这一次访问希西家，乃是他感恩与忠诚的考验。《圣经》记着说：“唯有一件事，就是巴比伦王差遣使者来见希西家，访问国中所见的奇事，这件事上帝离开他，要试验他，好知道他心内如何。”（代下32:31）希西家倘若利用这次所赐给他的机会，为以色列上帝的能力、良善和慈悲作见证，那么使臣带回去的报告就必像穿透黑暗的光辉。但他却显扬自己过于万军之耶和华。他“没有照他所蒙的恩报答耶和华；因他心里骄傲。”（代下32:25）[13]{PK 346.1}
§28
The visit of the ambassadors to Hezekiah was a test of his gratitude and devotion. The record says, Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that He might know all that was in his heart. 2 Chronicles 32:31. Had Hezekiah improved the opportunity given him to bear witness to the power, the goodness, the compassion, of the God of Israel, the report of the ambassadors would have been as light piercing darkness. But he magnified himself above the Lord of hosts. He rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up. Verse 25.{PK 346.1}[13]
§29
那随之而来的后果该是多么悲惨啊！以赛亚得蒙启示：那些返回其本国的使臣要将他们所见之财富带回去，而巴比伦的王和他的谋士必图谋以耶路撒冷的珍宝来增进他们本国的财富。希西家犯了相当严重的罪；“所以忿怒要临到他和犹大并耶路撒冷。”（代下32:25）[14]{PK 346.2}
§30
How disastrous the results which were to follow! To Isaiah it was revealed that the returning ambassadors were carrying with them a report of the riches they had seen, and that the king of Babylon and his counselors would plan to enrich their own country with the treasures of Jerusalem. Hezekiah had grievously sinned; therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem. Verse 25.{PK 346.2}[14]
§31
“于是先知以赛亚来见希西家王，问他说：这些人说什么？他们从哪里来见你？希西家说：他们从远方的巴比伦来见我。以赛亚说：他们在你家里看见了什么？希西家说：凡我家中所有的，他们都看见了；我财宝中没有一样不给他们看的。”[15]{PK 346.3}
§32
Then came Isaiah the prophet unto King Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon. Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not showed them.{PK 346.3}[15]
§33
“以赛亚对希西家说：你要听万军之耶和华的话：日子必到，凡你家里所有的，并你列祖积蓄到如今的，都要被掳到巴比伦去，不留下一样，这是耶和华说的。并且从你本身所生的众子，其中必有被掳去，在巴比伦王宫里当太监的。”[16]{PK 346.4}
§34
Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.{PK 346.4}[16]
§35
“希西家对以赛亚说：你所说耶和华的话甚好。”（赛39:3-8）[17]{PK 347.1}
§36
Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. Isaiah 39:3-8.{PK 347.1}[17]
§37
希西家满心懊丧；“他和耶路撒冷的居民觉得心里骄傲，就一同自卑，以致耶和华的忿怒在希西家的日子，没有临到他们。”（代下32:26）但恶种已经撒出去了，时候一到，就必发芽生长，结出蹂躏与祸患的果子来。犹大王在他余下的年月中还可以因定意弥补过去，并将尊荣归于他所侍奉之上帝的圣名，而大得兴盛；然而他的信心必须经受严格的考验，而且他必须学习唯有完全倚靠耶和华，才有希望战胜那正在图谋毁灭他和他臣民的黑暗权势。[18]{PK 347.2}
§38
Filled with remorse, Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah. 2 Chronicles 32:26. But the evil seed had been sown and in time was to spring up and yield a harvest of desolation and woe. During his remaining years the king of Judah was to have much prosperity because of his steadfast purpose to redeem the past and to bring honor to the name of the God whom he served; yet his faith was to be severely tried, and he was to learn that only by putting his trust fully in Jehovah could he hope to triumph over the powers of darkness that were plotting his ruin and the utter destruction of his people.{PK 347.2}[18]
§39
希西家在使臣来访时未能克尽厥职的故事，对于各人都充满了重要的教训。我们需要比较现在更多讲述我们经验中宝贵的事项，上帝的怜悯与恩慈，以及救主深切无比的大爱。一旦思想和心灵中充满了上帝的爱，就不难将属灵生活中的经验传给别人了。伟大的思想、高尚的抱负、对于真理的清楚认识、无私的宗旨、以及对于敬虔和圣洁的渴慕，都必在言语中表露出来，借以显明心中怀藏之财宝的特质。[19]{PK 347.3}
§40
The story of Hezekiahs failure to prove true to his trust at the time of the visit of the ambassadors is fraught with an important lesson for all. Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience, of the mercy and loving-kindness of God, of the matchless depths of the Saviours love. When mind and heart are filled with the love of God, it will not be difficult to impart that which enters into the spiritual life. Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, unselfish purposes, yearnings for piety and holiness, will find expression in words that reveal the character of the heart treasure.{PK 347.3}[19]
§41
我们每日所交往的人都需要我们的帮助和辅导。他们可能具有这样的心境，就是一句话说得合时，便“像钉子钉在坚固处”了。其中某些人明天或许就在我们再不能与之接近的地方了。试问我们在这些同路的旅客身上所发挥的是什么影响呢？[20]{PK 348.1}
§42
Those with whom we associate day by day need our help, our guidance. They may be in such a condition of mind that a word spoken in season will be as a nail in a sure place. Tomorrow some of these souls may be where we can never reach them again. What is our influence over these fellow travelers?{PK 348.1}[20]
§43
每日的生活都满载着我们必须担负的责任。我们的言行每日都在我们所交往之人的心中留下印象。我们需要何等严守自己的口，并谨慎自己的脚啊！一项轻率的举动，一个冒昧的步骤，就可能使试探的狂涛将一个生灵冲到堕落的路上去了。我们无法将那已经种在别人意识中的思想收集回来。如果这些思想原是邪恶的，那么我们可能就此发动一连串的意外事件，一股邪恶的潮流，而是我们所无法阻遏的。[21]{PK 348.2}
§44
Every day of life is freighted with responsibilities which we must bear. Every day, our words and acts are making impressions upon those with whom we associate. How great the need that we set a watch upon our lips and guard carefully our steps! One reckless movement, one imprudent step, and the surging waves of some strong temptation may sweep a soul into the downward path. We cannot gather up the thoughts we have planted in human minds. If they have been evil, we may have set in motion a train of circumstances, a tide of evil, which we are powerless to stay.{PK 348.2}[21]
§45
反之，我们若借着自己的榜样帮助别人培养良好的原则，就是将行善的力量赋予他们。然后他们更转而在别人身上发挥这同样有益的影响。如此，成千上万的人就必因我们无意之间的影响而得到帮助。一个真正跟随基督的人可增强他一切接触之人的善良意志。他要在一个不信而喜爱罪恶的世界面前，彰显上帝恩典的能力和他圣德的完美。[22]{PK 348.3}
§46
On the other hand, if by our example we aid others in the development of good principles, we give them power to do good. In their turn they exert the same beneficial influence over others. Thus hundreds and thousands are helped by our unconscious influence. The true follower of Christ strengthens the good purposes of all with whom he comes in contact. Before an unbelieving, sin-loving world he reveals the power of Gods grace and the perfection of His character.{PK 348.3}[22]