第30章 脱离亚述人的手
§1
第30章 脱离亚述人的手
§2
Chap. 30 - Deliverance From Assyria
§3
当亚述军兵入侵犹大地，国家处于危急之秋，并且看来似乎没有什么能救耶路撒冷脱离彻底毁灭时，希西家动员了国内所有的力量，而以无穷的勇气抵抗异邦的压迫者，并倚靠耶和华的能力施行拯救。希西家鼓励犹大人说：“你们当刚强壮胆，不要因亚述王和跟随他的大军恐惧、惊慌；因为与我们同在的，比与他们同在的更大；与他们同在的是肉臂；与我们同在的是耶和华我们的上帝，他必帮助我们，为我们争战。”（代下32:7-8）[1]{PK 349.1}
§4
In a time of grave national peril, when the hosts of Assyria were invading the land of Judah and it seemed as if nothing could save Jerusalem from utter destruction, Hezekiah rallied the forces of his realm to resist with unfailing courage their heathen oppressors and to trust in the power of Jehovah to deliver. Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him, Hezekiah exhorted the men of Judah; for there be more with us than with him: with him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. 2 Chronicles 32:7, 8.{PK 349.1}[1]
§5
希西家敢于断言战争的结局，并不是没有理由的。这个狂傲自大的亚述国，虽曾被上帝一时用为他怒气的棍来惩罚列国，（见赛10:5）却并不是永远能得胜的。若干年前，主曾借着以赛亚传信给锡安的居民，说：“亚述王虽然用棍击打你，……你却不要怕他；因为还有一点点时候，……万军之耶和华要兴起鞭来攻击他，好像在俄立磐石那里杀戮米甸人一样；耶和华的杖要向海伸出，把杖举起，像在埃及一样。到那日，亚述王的重担必离开你的肩头，他的轭必离开你的颈项；那轭也必因膏油的缘故毁坏。”（赛10:24-27）[2]{PK 349.2}
§6
It was not without reason that Hezekiah could speak with certainty of the outcome. The boastful Assyrian, while used by God for a season as the rod of His anger for the punishment of the nations, was not always to prevail. See Isaiah 10:5. Be not afraid of the Assyrian, had been the message of the Lord through Isaiah some years before to those that dwelt in Zion; for yet a very little while, . . . and the Lord of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and as His rod was upon the sea, so shall He lift it up after the manner of Egypt. And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. Verses 24-27.{PK 349.2}[2]
§7
在“亚哈斯王崩的那年，”曾有另一项预言性的信息赐下，先知如此宣称：“万军之耶和华起誓，说：我怎样思想，必照样成就；我怎样定意，必照样成立：就是在我地上打折亚述人，在我山上将他践踏；他加的轭必离开以色列人；他加的重担必离开他们的肩头。这是向全地所定的旨意；这是向万国所伸出的手。万军之耶和华既然定意，谁能废弃呢？他的手已经伸出，谁能转回呢？”（赛14:28,24-27）[3]{PK 350.1}
§8
In another prophetic message, given in the year that King Ahaz died, the prophet had declared: The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand: that I will break the Assyrian in My land, and upon My mountains tread him underfoot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders. This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and His hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? Isaiah 14:28, 24-27.{PK 350.1}[3]
§9
压迫者的势力是一定要崩溃的。然而希西家在他作王的初期，仍须按照亚哈斯与亚述王所立的盟约继续纳贡。同时希西家王也曾“与首领和勇士商议，”尽力从事巩固国防。他曾设法使耶路撒冷城内有充分的水源，而使城外缺水。“希西家力图自强，就修筑所有拆毁的城墙，高与城楼相齐，在城外又筑一城，坚固大卫城的米罗，制造了许多军器、盾牌，设立军长管理百姓。”（代下32:3,5-6）凡有助于预防敌人围攻的准备工作，没有一样留下不作的。[4]{PK 350.2}
§10
The power of the oppressor was to be broken. Yet Hezekiah, in the earlier years of his reign, had continued to pay tribute to Assyria, in harmony with the agreement entered into by Ahaz. Meanwhile the king had taken counsel with his princes and his mighty men, and had done everything possible for the defense of his kingdom. He had made sure of a bountiful supply of water within the walls of Jerusalem, while without the city there should be a scarcity. Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance. And he set captains of war over the people. 2 Chronicles 32:3, 5, 6. Nothing had been left undone that could be done in preparation for a siege.{PK 350.2}[4]
§11
在希西家登基作犹大王的时候，亚述人已经从北国中掳去了很多的以色列人；他作王数年之后，当他还在巩固耶路撒冷的防御工程时，亚述人攻掠了撒玛利亚，将十个支派分散到亚述国的各省去。犹大国的边境距离撒玛利亚只有数哩之遥，而耶路撒冷相去也不过五十哩；何况圣殿中还有可资掠夺的丰富宝藏会引诱敌人卷土重来呢。[5]{PK 351.1}
§12
At the time of Hezekiahs accession to the throne of Judah, the Assyrians had already carried captive a large number of the children of Israel from the northern kingdom; and a few years after he had begun to reign, and while he was still strengthening the defenses of Jerusalem, the Assyrians besieged and captured Samaria and scattered the ten tribes among the many provinces of the Assyrian realm. The borders of Judah were only a few miles distant, with Jerusalem less than fifty miles away; and the rich spoils to be found within the temple would tempt the enemy to return.{PK 351.1}[5]
§13
但犹大王决意尽其所能地准备抗敌；于是他在作了世人的才智与能力所能成就的一切之后，就召集他的军队，鼓励他们奋勇作战。先知以赛亚所传给犹大的信息是：“在你们中间的以色列圣者，乃为至大。”（赛12:6）而现在希西家王更凭着坚定的信心说：“与我们同在的是耶和华我们的上帝，他必帮助我们，为我们争战。”（代下32:8）[6]{PK 351.2}
§14
But the king of Judah had determined to do his part in preparing to resist the enemy; and, having accomplished all that human ingenuity and energy could do, he had assembled his forces and had exhorted them to be of good courage. Great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee had been the message of the prophet Isaiah to Judah; and the king with unwavering faith now declared, With us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. Isaiah 12:6; 2 Chronicles 32:8.{PK 351.2}[6]
§15
没有什么较比运用信心更迅速激发信心。犹大王已经为那未来的风暴作了准备；而这时他既笃信那论到亚述人的预言必然应验，所以就坚心依赖上帝。“百姓就靠犹大王希西家的话，安然无惧了。”（代下32:8）纵使那新近征服了世上最强大的国家、在以色列的撒玛利亚夸胜的亚述大军，现在要转锋攻打犹大，这又算得什么呢？纵使他们夸口说：“我手已经够到有偶像的国，这些国雕刻的偶像过于耶路撒冷和撒玛利亚的偶像。我怎样待撒玛利亚和其中的偶像，岂不照样待耶路撒冷和其中的偶像吗？”(赛10:10-11)这又算得什么呢？犹大已一无所惧；因为他们的倚靠乃在乎耶和华。[7]{PK 351.3}
§16
Nothing more quickly inspires faith than the exercise of faith. The king of Judah had prepared for the coming storm; and now, confident that the prophecy against the Assyrians would be fulfilled, he stayed his soul upon God. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah. 2 Chronicles 32:8. What though the armies of Assyria, fresh from the conquest of the greatest nations of earth, and triumphant over Samaria in Israel, should now turn their forces against Judah? What though they should boast, As my hand hath found the kingdoms of the idols, and whose graven images did excel them of Jerusalem and of Samaria; shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols? Isaiah 10:10, 11. Judah had nothing to fear; for their trust was in Jehovah.{PK 351.3}[7]
§17
那久已料到的危机终于来临了。亚述百战百胜的大军出现在犹大境内了。他们的首领自信必胜，便将兵力分为两队，一队去迎击那来自南方的埃及军，另一队则去围攻耶路撒冷。[8]{PK 352.1}
§18
The long-expected crisis finally came. The forces of Assyria, advancing from triumph to triumph, appeared in Judea. Confident of victory, the leaders divided their forces into two armies, one of which was to meet the Egyptian army to the southward, while the other was to besiege Jerusalem.{PK 352.1}[8]
§19
犹大现在的唯一希望乃在乎上帝。从埃及所能得到的一切支援都已断绝，此外再没有其它邻国伸手支援了。[9]{PK 352.2}
§20
Judahs only hope was now in God. All possible help from Egypt had been cut off, and no other nations were near to lend a friendly hand.{PK 352.2}[9]
§21
亚述的官员仗赖自己纪律严明的兵力，派人去和犹大的首长们进行谈判，在谈判中傲慢地吩咐耶路撒冷投降。而在提出这个通牒的同时，他们还对希伯来人的上帝加以亵渎辱骂。由于以色列和犹大的软弱与背道，上帝的圣名不再为列国所敬畏，却“整天受亵渎。”（赛52:5）[10]{PK 352.3}
§22
The Assyrian officers, sure of the strength of their disciplined forces, arranged for a conference with the chief men of Judah, during which they insolently demanded the surrender of the city. This demand was accompanied by blasphemous revilings against the God of the Hebrews. Because of the weakness and apostasy of Israel and Judah, the name of God was no longer feared among the nations, but had become a subject for continual reproach. See Isaiah 52:5.{PK 352.3}[10]
§23
亚述国王西拿基立的一个大臣拉伯沙基说：“你们去告诉希西家说：亚述大王如此说：你所倚靠的，有什么可仗赖的呢？你说有打仗的计谋和能力；我看不过是虚话。你到底倚靠谁，才背叛我呢？”（王下18:19-20）[11]{PK 352.4}
§24
Speak ye now to Hezekiah, said Rabshakeh, one of Sennacheribs chief officers, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest? Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? 2 Kings 18:19, 20.{PK 352.4}[11]
§25
当时双方官员虽在城外举行谈判，但是城墙上的哨兵都能听见；所以当亚述王的代表大声向犹大的首长们提出通牒时，犹大人就要求他们不要用犹大言语，却要用亚兰言语说话，俾使城墙上的人听不懂谈判的进行。拉伯沙基轻蔑地拒绝了这个要求，反而更加提高声音用犹大言语说：[12]{PK 353.1}
§26
The officers were conferring outside the gates of the city, but within the hearing of the sentries on the wall; and as the representatives of the Assyrian king loudly urged their proposals upon the chief men of Judah, they were requested to speak in the Syrian rather than the Jewish language, in order that those upon the wall might not have knowledge of the proceedings of the conference. Rabshakeh, scorning this suggestion, lifted his voice still higher, and, continuing to speak in the Jewish language, said:{PK 353.1}[12]
§27
“你们当听亚述大王的话。王如此说：你们不要被希西家欺哄了；因他不能拯救你们。也不要听希西家使你们倚靠耶和华，说：耶和华必要拯救我们；这城必不交在亚述王的手中。[13]{PK 353.2}
§28
Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria. Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you. Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord, saying, The Lord will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.{PK 353.2}[13]
§29
“不要听希西家的话；因亚述王如此说：你们要与我和好，出来投降我，各人就可以吃自己葡萄树和无花果树的果子，喝自己井里的水；等我来领你们到一个地方，与你们本地一样，就是有五谷和新酒之地，有粮食和葡萄园之地。[14]{PK 353.3}
§30
Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me: and eat ye everyone of his vine, and everyone of his fig tree, and drink ye everyone the waters of his own cistern; until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards.{PK 353.3}[14]
§31
“你们要谨防，恐怕希西家劝导你们说：耶和华必拯救我们。列国的神有哪一个救他本国脱离亚述王的手呢？哈马和亚珥拔的神在哪里呢？西法瓦音的神在哪里呢？他们曾救撒玛利亚脱离我的手吗？这些国的神，有谁曾救自己的国脱离我的手呢？难道耶和华能救耶路撒冷脱离我的手吗？”（赛36:13-20）[15]{PK 353.4}
§32
Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, The Lord will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand? Isaiah 36:13-20.{PK 353.4}[15]
§33
犹大人对于这些侮辱的话“并不回答一句。”谈判就此结束。犹大人的代表“都撕裂衣服，来到希西家那里，将拉伯沙基的话告诉了他。”（赛36:21-22）王既听到这亵慢的挑战，“就撕裂衣服，披上麻布，进了耶和华的殿。”（王下19:1）[16]{PK 354.1}
§34
To these taunts the children of Judah answered him not a word. The conference was at an end. The Jewish representatives returned to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh. Verses 21, 22. The king, upon learning of the blasphemous challenge, rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the Lord. 2 Kings 19:1.{PK 354.1}[16]
§35
有一个使者奉差遣去将会议的结果通知以赛亚。王传话给他说：“今日是急难、责罚、凌辱的日子；……或者耶和华你的上帝听见拉伯沙基的一切话，就是他主人亚述王打发他来辱骂永生上帝的话；耶和华你的上帝听见这话，就发斥责；故此，求你为余剩的民扬声祷告。”（王下19:3-4）[17]{PK 354.2}
§36
A messenger was dispatched to Isaiah to inform him of the outcome of the conference. This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy, was the word the king sent. It may be the Lord thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the Lord thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left. Verses 3, 4.{PK 354.2}[17]
§37
“希西家王和亚摩斯的儿子先知以赛亚因此祷告，向天呼求。”（代下32:20）[18]{PK 354.3}
§38
For this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to Heaven. 2 Chronicles 32:20.{PK 354.3}[18]
§39
上帝应允了他仆人们的祈祷。他借着以赛亚传信给希西家说：“耶和华如此说：你听见亚述王的仆人亵渎我的话，不要惧怕。我必惊动他的心；他要听见风声，就归回本地；我必使他在那里倒在刀下。”（王下19:6-7）[19]{PK 354.4}
§40
God answered the prayers of His servants. To Isaiah was given the message for Hezekiah: Thus saith the Lord, Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumor, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land. 2 Kings 19:6, 7.{PK 354.4}[19]
§41
亚述人的代表在犹大的首长离去之后，便直接与他们的王通信，这时他正同他那支防守埃及进路的军队在一起。西拿基立听到报告，便“写信毁谤耶和华以色列的上帝，说：列邦的神既不能救他的民脱离我手，希西家的神也不能救他的民脱离我手了。”（代下32:17）[20]{PK 354.5}
§42
The Assyrian representatives, after taking leave of the chief men of Judah, communicated direct with their king, who was with the division of his army guarding the approach from Egypt. Upon hearing the report, Sennacherib wrote letters to rail on the Lord God of Israel, and to speak against Him, saying, As the gods of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver His people out of mine hand. 2 Chronicles 32:17.{PK 354.5}[20]
§43
在这狂傲的恫吓之外，还加上了以下的话语：“你们对犹大王希西家如此说：不要听你所倚靠的上帝欺哄你说，耶路撒冷必不交在亚述王的手中。你总听说亚述诸王向列国所行的，乃是尽行灭绝；难道你还能得救吗？我列祖所毁灭的，就是歌散、哈兰、利色和属提拉撒的伊甸人；这些国的神何曾拯救这些国呢？哈马的王、亚珥拔的王、西法瓦音城的王、希拿和以瓦的王，都在哪里呢？”（王下19:10-13）[21]{PK 355.1}
§44
The boastful threat was accompanied by the message: Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them utterly: and shalt thou be delivered? Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Thelasar? Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah? 2 Kings 19:10-13.{PK 355.1}[21]
§45
犹大王接到这侮辱的书信，便把它带进圣殿，“将书信在耶和华面前展开，”（王下19:14）并以坚强的信心祈求上天的帮助，使地上的列国可以知道希伯来人的上帝仍然活着，仍然掌权。这事与耶和华的尊荣有关；唯有他才能施行拯救。[22]{PK 355.2}
§46
When the king of Judah received the taunting letter, he took it into the temple and spread it before the Lord and prayed with strong faith for help from heaven, that the nations of earth might know that the God of the Hebrews still lived and reigned. Verse 14. The honor of Jehovah was at stake; He alone could bring deliverance.{PK 355.2}[22]
§47
希西家恳求说：“坐在二基路伯上耶和华以色列的上帝啊，你是天下万国的上帝；你曾创造天地。耶和华啊，求你侧耳而听；耶和华啊，求你睁眼而看；要听西拿基立打发使者来辱骂永生上帝的话。耶和华啊，亚述诸王果然使列国和列国之地变为荒凉，将各国的神像都扔在火里；因为他本不是神，乃是人手所造的，是木头石头的；所以灭绝他。耶和华我们的上帝啊，现在求你救我们脱离亚述王的手，使天下万国都知道唯独你耶和华是上帝。”（王下19:15-19）“领约瑟如领羊群之以色列的牧者啊，求你留心听！坐在二基路伯上的啊，求你发出光来！在以法莲、便雅悯、玛拿西前面，施展你的大能，来救我们。上帝啊，求你使我们回转，使你的脸发光，我们便要得救。耶和华万军之上帝啊，你向你百姓的祷告发怒，要到几时呢？你以眼泪当食物给他们吃，又多量出眼泪给他们喝。你使邻邦因我们纷争，我们的仇敌彼此戏笑。万军之上帝啊，求你使我们回转，使你的脸发光，我们便要得救。你从埃及挪出一棵葡萄树，赶出外邦人，把这树栽上。你在这树跟前预备了地方，它就深深扎根，爬满了地。它的影子遮满了山，枝子好像佳美的香柏树。它发出枝子，长到大海；发出蔓子，延到大河。你为何拆毁这树的篱笆，任凭一切过路的人摘取？林中出来的野猪把它糟蹋；野地的走兽拿它当食物。万军之上帝啊，求你回转，从天上垂看，眷顾这葡萄树，保护你右手所栽的和你为自己所坚固的枝子。……求你救活我们，我们就要求告你的名。耶和华万军之上帝啊，求你使我们回转，使你的脸发光，我们便要得救。”（诗80:）[23]{PK 355.3}
§48
O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, Hezekiah pleaded, Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; Thou hast made heaven and earth. Lord, bow down Thine ear, and hear: open, Lord, Thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God. Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of mens hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O Lord our God, I beseech Thee, save Thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou art the Lord God, even Thou only. 2 Kings 19:15-19. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; Thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up Thy strength, And come and save us. Turn us again, O God, And cause Thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. O Lord God of hosts, How long wilt Thou be angry against the prayer of Thy people? Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; And givest them tears to drink in great measure. Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbors: And our enemies laugh among themselves. Turn us again, O God of hosts, And cause Thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: Thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it. Thou preparedst room before it, And didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land. The hills were covered with the shadow of it, And the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars. She sent out her boughs unto the sea, And her branches unto the river. Why hast Thou then broken down her hedges, So that all they which pass by the way do pluck her? The boar out of the wood doth waste it, And the wild beast of the field doth devour it. Return, we beseech Thee, O God of hosts: Look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine; And the vineyard which Thy right hand hath planted, And the branch that Thou madest strong for Thyself. . . . Quicken us, and we will call upon Thy name. Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, Cause Thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. Psalm 80.{PK 355.3}[23]
§49
希西家为犹大并为他们至高统治者的尊荣所献的祈祷，是合乎上帝心意的。所罗门王在奉献圣殿的祝祷中，也曾祈求耶和华“每日为他仆人与他民以色列伸冤；使地上的万民都知道唯独耶和华是上帝，并无别神。”（王上8:59-60）他特别要求主在战争或被仇敌压迫、当以色列的首长们进入祷告的殿中求救时施恩眷佑（见王上8:33-34）。[24]{PK 359.1}
§50
Hezekiahs pleadings in behalf of Judah and of the honor of their Supreme Ruler were in harmony with the mind of God. Solomon, in his benediction at the dedication of the temple, had prayed the Lord to maintain the cause of His people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: that all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and that there is none else. 1 Kings 8:59, 60. Especially was the Lord to show favor when, in times of war or of oppression by an army, the chief men of Israel should enter the house of prayer and plead for deliverance. Verses 33, 34.{PK 359.1}[24]
§51
希西家并没有被撇弃而绝望。以赛亚打发人到他那里，说：“耶和华以色列的上帝如此说：你既然求我攻击亚述王西拿基立，我已听见了。耶和华论他这样说：[25]{PK 359.2}
§52
Hezekiah was not left without hope. Isaiah sent to him, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning him:{PK 359.2}[25]
§53
“锡安的处女藐视你、嗤笑你，耶路撒冷的女子向你摇头。[26]{PK 359.3}
§54
The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.{PK 359.3}[26]
§55
你辱骂谁？亵渎谁？扬起声来，高举眼目，攻击谁呢？乃是攻击以色列的圣者！你借你的使者辱骂主，并说：我率领许多战车上山顶，到黎巴嫩极深之处；我要砍伐其中高大的香柏树和佳美的松树；我必上极高之处，进入肥田的树林。我已经在外邦挖井喝水，我必用脚掌踏干埃及的一切河。[27]{PK 359.4}
§56
Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel. By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel. I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.{PK 359.4}[27]
§57
耶和华说：我早先所作的、古时所立的，就是现在借你使坚固城荒废，变为乱堆，这事你岂没有听见吗？所以其中的居民力量甚小，惊惶羞愧。他们像野草，像青菜，如房顶上的草，又如未长成而枯干的禾稼。[28]{PK 360.1}
§58
Hast thou not heard long ago how I have done it, and of ancient times that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste fenced cities into ruinous heaps. Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.{PK 360.1}[28]
§59
你坐下，你出去，你进来，你向我发烈怒，我都知道。因你向我发烈怒，又因你狂傲的话达到我耳中，我就要用钩子钩上你的鼻子，把嚼环放在你口里，使你从你来的路转回去。”（王下19:20-28）[29]{PK 360.2}
§60
But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against Me. Because thy rage against Me and thy tumult is come up into Mine ears, therefore I will put My hook in thy nose, and My bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest. 2 Kings 19:20-28.{PK 360.2}[29]
§61
这时犹大全地虽已因敌军的占领而被洗劫一空；但上帝却已应许以神奇的方式供给民众的需要。有信息传给希西家说：“以色列人哪，我赐你们一个证据；你们今年要吃自生的，明年也要吃自长的；至于后年，你们要耕种收割，栽植葡萄园，吃其中的果子。犹大家所逃脱余剩的，仍要往下扎根，向上结果。必有余剩的民从耶路撒冷而出，必有逃脱的人从锡安山而来；耶和华的热心必成就这事。[30]{PK 360.3}
§62
The land of Judah had been laid waste by the army of occupation, but God had promised to provide miraculously for the needs of the people. To Hezekiah came the message: This shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such things as grow of themselves, and in the second year that which springeth of the same; and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruits thereof. And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of Mount Zion: the zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this.{PK 360.3}[30]
§63
所以耶和华论亚述王如此说：‘他必不得来到这城，也不在这里射箭，不得拿盾牌到城前，也不筑垒攻城。他从哪条路来，必从那条路回去，必不得来到这城：这是耶和华说的。因我为自己的缘故，又为我仆人大卫的缘故，必保护拯救这城。’”（王下19:29-34）[31]{PK 361.1}
§64
Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the Lord. For I will defend this city, to save it, for Mine own sake, and for My servant Davids sake. Verses 29-34.{PK 361.1}[31]
§65
当夜救助就来了。“耶和华的使者出去，在亚述营中杀了十八万五千人；”“把所有大能的勇士和官长、将帅，尽都灭了。”（王下19:35；代下32:21）[32]{PK 361.2}
§66
That very night deliverance came. The angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand. Verse 35. All the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria, were slain. 2 Chronicles 32:21.{PK 361.2}[32]
§67
派遣攻取耶路撒冷的军队遭受这次可怕刑罚的消息，很快就传到西拿基立耳中，那时他还在防守埃及军进入犹大的通路。亚述王因而大为恐惧，赶紧离开，“满面含羞的回到本国。”（代下32:21）但他并未长久作王。正如那论到他突然死亡的预言所说的，他竟被自己本家的人所弑，“他儿子以撒哈顿接续他作王。”（赛37:38）[33]{PK 361.3}
§68
Tidings of this terrible judgment upon the army that had been sent to take Jerusalem, soon reached Sennacherib, who was still guarding the approach to Judea from Egypt. Stricken with fear, the Assyrian king hasted to depart and returned with shame of face to his own land. Verse 21. But he had not long to reign. In harmony with the prophecy that had been uttered concerning his sudden end, he was assassinated by those of his own home, and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead. Isaiah 37:38.{PK 361.3}[33]
§69
希伯来人的上帝已经胜过了狂傲的亚述人。耶和华的尊荣在周围列国之民的眼前证实了。耶路撒冷居民的心中充满了圣洁的喜乐。他们恳求解救的祈祷中搀合着认罪与许多的眼泪。他们在极大的需要中曾完全倚靠上帝施行拯救的大能，而他也没有令他们失望。这时圣殿的院宇中洋溢着严肃的赞美歌声：“在犹大，上帝为人所认识；在以色列，他的名为大。在撒冷有他的帐幕；在锡安有他的居所。他在那里折断弓上的火箭，并盾牌、刀剑和战争的兵器。你从有野食之山而来，有光华和荣美。心中勇敢的人都被抢夺；他们睡了长觉，没有一个英雄能措手。雅各的上帝啊，你的斥责一发，坐车的、骑马的都沉睡了。唯独你是可畏的！你怒气一发，谁能在你面前站得住呢？你从天上使人听判断。上帝起来施行审判，要救地上一切谦卑的人；那时地就惧怕而静默。人的忿怒要成全你的荣美；人的余怒，你要禁止。你们许愿，当向耶和华你们的上帝还愿；在他四面的人都当拿贡物献给可畏的主。他要挫折王子的骄；他向地上的君王显威可畏。”（诗76:）[34]{PK 361.4}
§70
The God of the Hebrews had prevailed over the proud Assyrian. The honor of Jehovah was vindicated in the eyes of the surrounding nations. In Jerusalem the hearts of the people were filled with holy joy. Their earnest entreaties for deliverance had been mingled with confession of sin and with many tears. In their great need they had trusted wholly in the power of God to save, and He had not failed them. Now the temple courts resounded with songs of solemn praise. In Judah is God known: His name is great in Israel. In Salem also is His tabernacle, And His dwelling place in Zion. There brake He the arrows of the bow, The shield, and the sword, and the battle. Thou art more glorious and excellent Than the mountains of prey. The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: And none of the men of might have found their hands. At Thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, Both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep. Thou, even Thou, art to be feared: And who may stand in Thy sight when once Thou art angry? Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; The earth feared, and was still, When God arose to judgment, To save all the meek of the earth. Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee: The remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain. Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God: Let all that be round about Him bring presents unto Him that ought to be feared. He shall cut off the spirit of princes: He is terrible to the kings of the earth. Psalm 76.{PK 361.4}[34]
§71
亚述帝国的兴衰，对于今日世界各国具有丰富的教训。《圣经》将亚述最强盛时期的光荣，比作上帝园中一棵高贵的树，它高过四围一切的树木。[35]{PK 362.1}
§72
The rise and fall of the Assyrian Empire is rich in lessons for the nations of earth today. Inspiration has likened the glory of Assyria at the height of her prosperity to a noble tree in the garden of God, towering above the surrounding trees.{PK 362.1}[35]
§73
“亚述王曾如黎巴嫩中的香柏树枝条荣美，影密如林，极其高大；树尖插入云中。所有大国的人民，都在他荫下居住。树大条长，成为荣美；因为根在众水之旁。上帝园中的香柏树不能遮蔽他；松树不及他的枝子。枫树不及他的枝条；上帝园中的树都没有他荣美。……上帝伊甸园中的树都嫉妒他。”（结31:3-9）[36]{PK 363.1}
§74
The Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs. . . . Under his shadow dwelt all great nations. Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters. The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chestnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty. . . . All the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him. Ezekiel 31:3-9.{PK 363.1}[36]
§75
但亚述的君王不但没有利用他们所领受的殊恩来造福人群，反而成了许多国家的灾害。他们残酷无情，毫不顾及上帝或同胞，只知执行一个种定的政策，就是要使各国都承认他们所高举为超过至高者的尼尼微诸神的无上威权。上帝曾差遣约拿到他们那里去传扬警告的信息，他们也有一段时期在万军之耶和华面前自卑，并祈求赦罪。但不久他们又转而去敬拜偶像，并妄想征服世界。先知那鸿谴责尼尼微城行恶之人时，呼叫说：[37]{PK 363.2}
§76
But the rulers of Assyria, instead of using their unusual blessings for the benefit of mankind, became the scourge of many lands. Merciless, with no thought of God or their fellow men, they pursued the fixed policy of causing all nations to acknowledge the supremacy of the gods of Nineveh, whom they exalted above the Most High. God had sent Jonah to them with a message of warning, and for a season they humbled themselves before the Lord of hosts and sought forgiveness. But soon they turned again to idol worship and to the conquest of the world.{PK 363.2}[37]
§77
“祸哉！这流人血的城，充满谎诈和强暴，抢夺的事总不止息。鞭声响亮，车轮轰轰，马匹踢跳，车辆奔腾，马兵争先，刀剑发光，枪矛闪烁，被杀的甚多。……万军之耶和华说：我与你为敌。”（鸿3:1-5）[38]{PK 363.3}
§78
The prophet Nahum, in his arraignment of the evildoers in Nineveh, exclaimed: Woe to the bloody city! It is all full of lies and robbery; The prey departeth not; The noise of a whip, and the noise of the rattling of the wheels, And of the prancing horses, and of the jumping chariots. The horseman lifteth up both the bright sword and the glittering spear: And there is a multitude of slain. . . . Behold, I am against thee, Saith the Lord of hosts. Nahum 3:1-5.{PK 363.3}[38]
§79
无穷之主仍以无误的准确性为列国保留着帐目，当他提供恩典并呼召人悔改时，这帐目还没有结算；但每当帐上的数目达到上帝所规定的限额时，他的忿怒就要开始发作了。帐目结算了。上帝的忍耐到了尽头。恩典也不再为他们代求了。[39]{PK 364.1}
§80
With unerring accuracy the Infinite One still keeps account with the nations. While His mercy is tendered, with calls to repentance, this account remains open; but when the figures reach a certain amount which God has fixed, the ministry of His wrath begins. The account is closed. Divine patience ceases. Mercy no longer pleads in their behalf.{PK 364.1}[39]
§81
“耶和华不轻易发怒，大有能力，万不以有罪的为无罪；他乘旋风和暴风而来，云彩为他脚下的尘土。他斥责海，使海干了，使一切江河干涸；巴珊和迦密的树林衰残，黎巴嫩的花草也衰残了。大山因他震动，小山也都消化；大地在他面前突起，世界和住在其间的也都如此。他发忿恨，谁能立得住呢？他发烈怒，谁能当得起呢？他的忿怒如火倾倒，磐石因他崩裂。”（鸿1:3-6）[40]{PK 364.2}
§82
The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at Him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at His presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before His indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by Him. Nahum 1:3-6.{PK 364.2}[40]
§83
尼尼微“是素来欢乐安然居住的城，心里说：唯有我，除我以外再没有别的，”它就是这样成了“空虚荒凉”的废墟，成了“狮子的洞和少壮狮子喂养之处，……公狮、母狮、小狮游行无人惊吓之地。”（番2:15；鸿2:10-11）[41]{PK 364.3}
§84
It was thus that Nineveh, the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me, became a desolation, empty, and void, and waste, the dwelling of the lions, and the feeding place of the young lions, where the lion, even the old lion, walked, and the lions whelp, and none made them afraid. Zephaniah 2:15; Nahum 2:10, 11. {PK 364.3}[41]
§85
西番雅展望到亚述的骄傲必降为卑的时候，便有预言论到尼尼微说：“群畜，就是各国的走兽，必卧在其中；鹈鹕和箭猪要宿在柱顶上；在窗户内有鸣叫的声音；门槛都必毁坏；香柏木已经露出。”（番2:14）[42]{PK 365.1}
§86
Looking forward to the time when the pride of Assyria should be brought low, Zephaniah prophesied of Nineveh: Flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the thresholds: for He shall uncover the cedar work. Zephaniah 2:14.{PK 365.1}[42]
§87
亚述国的光荣是巨大的；而它的倾覆也是可怕的。先知以西结更进一步发挥那高大香柏树的比喻，清楚地预言到亚述因其骄傲与残酷而灭亡的事。他说：[43]{PK 365.2}
§88
Great was the glory of the Assyrian realm; great was its downfall. The prophet Ezekiel, carrying farther the figure of a noble cedar tree, plainly foretold the fall of Assyria because of its pride and cruelty. He declared:{PK 365.2}[43]
§89
“主耶和华如此说：因他高大，树尖插入云中，心骄气傲；我就必将他交给列国中大有威势的人；他必定办他；我因他的罪恶已经驱逐他。外邦人，就是列邦中强暴的，将他砍断弃掉；他的枝条落在山间和一切谷中，他的枝子折断，落在地的一切河旁；地上的众民已经走去，离开他的荫下。空中的飞鸟都要宿在这败落的树上。田野的走兽都要卧在他的枝条下；好使水旁的诸树不因高大而自尊。……[44]{PK 365.3}
§90
Thus saith the Lord God; . . . He hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height; I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness. And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him. Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain, and all the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches: to the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height. . . .{PK 365.3}[44]
§91
主耶和华如此说：他下阴间的那日，我便使人悲哀；……田野的诸树，都因他发昏。……那时，列国听见他堕落的响声就都震动。”（结31:10-16）[45]{PK 365.4}
§92
Thus saith the Lord God; In the day when he went down to the grave I caused a mourning: . . . and all the trees of the field fainted for him. I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall. Ezekiel 31:10-16. {PK 365.4}[45]
§93
亚述的骄傲与灭亡要作为一项实例教训，直到末时。上帝问今日世上一切狂傲自大而敌对他的国家说：“在这样荣耀威势上，在伊甸园诸树中，谁能与你相比呢？然而你要与伊甸的诸树一同下到阴府。”（结31:18）[46]{PK 366.1}
§94
The pride of Assyria and its fall are to serve as an object lesson to the end of time. Of the nations of earth today who in arrogance and pride array themselves against Him, God inquires, To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth. Verse 18.{PK 366.1}[46]
§95
“耶和华本为善，在患难的日子为人的保障；并且认得那些投靠他的人。但他必以涨溢的洪水淹没一切妄图高抬自己过于至高者的人。”（鸿1:7-8）[47]{PK 366.2}
§96
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him. But with an overrunning flood He will make an utter end of all who endeavor to exalt themselves above the Most High. Nahum 1:7, 8.{PK 366.2}[47]
§97
“亚述的骄傲，必至卑微；埃及的权柄，必然灭没。”（亚10:11）这话不单对于那些在古时与上帝敌对的国家是可信的，即对今日那些不遵行神旨的国家而言，也是如此。在最后报应的日子，当审判全地的公义之主“筛净列国，”（赛30:28）而那些持守真理的人蒙准进入上帝圣城的时候，穹苍必要响应赎民的胜利诗歌。先知宣称：“你们必唱歌，像守圣节的夜间一样；并且心中喜乐，像人吹笛，上耶和华的山，到以色列的磐石那里。耶和华必使人听他威严的声音。……亚述人必因耶和华的声音惊惶；耶和华必用杖击打他。耶和华必将命定的杖，加在他身上，每打一下，人必击鼓弹琴。”（赛30:29-32）[48]{PK 366.3}
§98
The pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt shall depart away. Zechariah 10:11. This is true not only of the nations that arrayed themselves against God in ancient times, but also of nations today who fail of fulfilling the divine purpose. In the day of final awards, when the righteous Judge of all the earth shall sift the nations (Isaiah 30:28), and those that have kept the truth shall be permitted to enter the City of God, heavens arches will ring with the triumphant songs of the redeemed. Ye shall have a song, the prophet declares, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the Mighty One of Israel. And the Lord shall cause His glorious voice to be heard. . . . Through the voice of the Lord shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod. And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the Lord shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps. Verses 29-32.{PK 366.3}[48]