第34章 耶利米
§1
第34章 耶利米Chap. 34 - Jeremiah
§2
在那些指望于约西亚领导的改革下产生出持久的属灵奋兴之人中，有一个名叫耶利米的，当他还年轻的时候，就在约西亚王在位第十三年蒙上帝呼召担负先知的任务。耶利米是利未支派中的一个祭司，所以从小就受训从事圣工。在那些作准备的快乐年间，他很少想到自己生来就被命定要作“列国的先知”，所以当神圣的呼召临到时，他深深感到自己的不配。他喊叫说：“主耶和华啊，我不知怎样说；因为我是年幼的。”（耶1:5-6）[1]{PK 407.1}
§3
Among those who had hoped for a permanent spiritual revival as the result of the reformation under Josiah was Jeremiah, called of God to the prophetic office while still a youth, in the thirteenth year of Josiahs reign. A member of the Levitical priesthood, Jeremiah had been trained from childhood for holy service. In those happy years of preparation he little realized that he had been ordained from birth to be a prophet unto the nations; and when the divine call came, he was overwhelmed with a sense of his unworthiness. Ah, Lord God! he exclaimed, behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. Jeremiah 1:5, 6.{PK 407.1}[1]
§4
上帝看出这位年轻的耶利米将是一个忠于他所受的委托，并在强烈的反对之下而依然坚持正义的人。他在幼年时期就已显明是忠实的；这时他将要忍受苦难，作十字架的精兵。故此主吩咐他所拣选的信使说：“你不要说我是年幼的；因为我差遣你到谁那里去，你都要去；我吩咐你说什么话，你都要说。你不要惧怕他们；因为我与你同在，要拯救你。”“所以你当束腰，起来将我所吩咐的一切话告诉他们；不要因他们惊惶，免得我使你在他们面前惊惶。看哪，我今日使你成为圣城、铁柱、铜墙，与全地和犹大的君王、首领、祭司，并地上的众民反对。他们要攻击你，却不能胜你，因为我与你同在，要拯救你。这是耶和华说的。”（耶1:7-8,17-19）[2]{PK 407.2}
§5
In the youthful Jeremiah, God saw one who would be true to his trust and who would stand for the right against great opposition. In childhood he had proved faithful; and now he was to endure hardness, as a good soldier of the cross. Say not, I am a child, the Lord bade His chosen messenger; for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee. Gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. For, behold, I have made thee this day a defensed city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee. Verses 7, 8, 17-19.{PK 407.2}[2]
§6
耶利米要站在国人面前作真理与公义的见证人，历四十年之久。在空前的背道时期中，他要在生活和品格上作敬奉独一真神上帝的示范。当耶路撒冷数次遭受可怕的围攻时，他要作耶和华的代言人。他要预言大卫家的倾覆和所罗门所建壮丽圣殿的被毁灭。及至他因大胆的言论而被监禁时，他仍要率直地斥责那身居高位者的罪恶。他虽被人藐视，憎恨，厌弃，但终必看到自己所发有关那即将来临之厄运的预言逐句应验，并要在这不幸的城邑遭受毁灭之后与其共受忧患。[3]{PK 408.1}
§7
For forty years Jeremiah was to stand before the nation as a witness for truth and righteousness. In a time of unparalleled apostasy he was to exemplify in life and character the worship of the only true God. During the terrible sieges of Jerusalem he was to be the mouthpiece of Jehovah. He was to predict the downfall of the house of David and the destruction of the beautiful temple built by Solomon. And when imprisoned because of his fearless utterances, he was still to speak plainly against sin in high places. Despised, hated, rejected of men, he was finally to witness the literal fulfillment of his own prophecies of impending doom, and share in the sorrow and woe that should follow the destruction of the fated city.{PK 408.1}[3]
§8
然而在全国迅速遭遇的普遍毁灭之中，耶利米也时蒙恩准得以展望到目前可怕景象之后的未来光荣远景，那时上帝的子民将蒙救赎脱离敌人之地，并被重新安置于锡安。他预见到将来主与他们重新立约的时候。“他们的心必像浇灌的园子；他们也不再有一点愁烦。”（耶31:12）[4]{PK 408.2}
§9
Yet amid the general ruin into which the nation was rapidly passing, Jeremiah was often permitted to look beyond the distressing scenes of the present to the glorious prospects of the future, when Gods people should be ransomed from the land of the enemy and planted again in Zion. He foresaw the time when the Lord would renew His covenant relationship with them. Their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all. Jeremiah 31:12.{PK 408.2}[4]
§10
耶利米提到自己蒙召负起先知的使命时，写道：“耶和华伸手按我的口，对我说：我已将当说的话传给你。看哪，我今日立你在列邦列国之上，为要施行拔出、拆毁、毁坏、倾覆，又要建立、栽植。”（耶1:9-10）[5]{PK 409.1}
§11
Of his call to the prophetic mission, Jeremiah himself wrote: The Lord put forth His hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put My words in thy mouth. See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. Jeremiah 1:9, 10.{PK 409.1}[5]
§12
应当为“建立、栽植”这四个字感谢上帝。耶利米在这几个字里得到了保证，知道主的旨意乃是要恢复并要医治。他在以后的年日中所要传的信息是严厉的。那有关迅将来临之刑罚的预言必须无畏地传出。“必有灾祸”从示拿平原发出，“临到这地的一切居民。”主宣称：“至于这民的一切恶，就是离弃我，……我要发出我的判语，攻击他们。”（耶1:14,16）然而在这些信息之外，先知还要附带对一切肯转离恶行的人传出赦免的保证。[6]{PK 409.2}
§13
Thank God for the words, to build, and to plant. By these words Jeremiah was assured of the Lords purpose to restore and to heal. Stern were the messages to be borne in the years that were to follow. Prophecies of swift-coming judgments were to be fearlessly delivered. From the plains of Shinar an evil was to break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land. I will utter My judgments against them, the Lord declared, touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken Me. Verses 14, 16. Yet the prophet was to accompany these messages with assurances of forgiveness to all who should turn from their evil-doing.{PK 409.2}[6]
§14
耶利米是一个聪明的“建筑师”，他在开始从事他的终生工作时，就竭力勉励犹大人要借着彻底的悔改功夫，将自己属灵生活的根基建立得又广又深。他们久已用使徒保罗所比作“草、木、禾秸，”和耶利米所比作“渣滓”的材料进行建造。他论到这个怙恶不悛的国家说：“人必称他们为被弃的银渣；因耶和华已经弃掉他们。”（耶6:30）所以他现在劝他们要为永恒而聪明地动手建造，除掉背道与不信的垃圾，而采用那唯一能在圣洁的上帝眼中得蒙悦纳的精金、净银和宝石——就是信心与顺从以及善行——作为根基的材料。[7]{PK 409.3}
§15
As a wise master builder, Jeremiah at the very beginning of his lifework sought to encourage the men of Judah to lay the foundations of their spiritual life broad and deep, by making thorough work of repentance. Long had they been building with material likened by the apostle Paul to wood, hay, and stubble, and by Jeremiah himself to dross. Refuse silver shall men call them, he declared of the impenitent nation, because the Lord hath rejected them. Jeremiah 6:30, margin. Now they were urged to begin building wisely and for eternity, casting aside the rubbish of apostasy and unbelief, and using as foundation material the pure gold, the refined silver, the precious stones--faith and obedience and good works--which alone are acceptable in the sight of a holy God.{PK 409.3}[7]
§16
主借着耶利米所传给他子民的圣言是：“背道的以色列啊，回来吧。我必不怒目看你们；因为我是慈爱的，我必不永远存怒；这是耶和华说的。只要承认你的罪孽，就是你违背耶和华你的上帝。……耶和华说：背道的儿女啊，回来吧；因为我作你的丈夫。”“你们必称我为父，也不再转去不跟从我。”“你们这背道的儿女啊，回来吧；我要医治你们背道的病。”（耶3:12-14,19,22）[8]{PK 410.1}
§17
Through Jeremiah the word of the Lord to His people was: Return, thou backsliding Israel, . . . and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger forever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God. . . . Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you. Thou shalt call Me, My Father; and shalt not turn away from Me. Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Jeremiah 3:12-14, 19, 22.{PK 410.1}[8]
§18
除了这些美妙的恳劝之外，主还将那借此可以归向他的话赐给他犯罪的子民。他们应说：“看哪，我们来到你这里；因你是耶和华我们的上帝。仰望从小山或从大山的喧嚷中得帮助，真是枉然的；以色列得救，诚然在乎耶和华我们的上帝。……我们在羞耻中躺卧吧，愿惭愧将我们遮盖；因为从立国以来，我们和我们的列祖常常得罪耶和华我们的上帝，没有听从耶和华我们上帝的话。”（耶3:22-25）[9]{PK 410.2}
§19
And in addition to these wonderful pleadings, the Lord gave His erring people the very words with which they might turn to Him. They were to say: Behold, we come unto Thee; for Thou art the Lord our God. Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel. . . . We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God. Verses 22-25.{PK 410.2}[9]
§20
那在约西亚领导之下的改革，虽曾清除了国内拜偶像的神龛，但群众的内心仍未改变。真理的种子虽已发芽生长，并有丰盛收成的希望，但结果却被荆棘所挤死了。如果再有一次这样的背道，那就无可救药了；所以主设法要唤醒全国的人觉悟他们的危险。他们唯有显明是效忠耶和华，才有希望得蒙神的恩宠并得以昌盛。[10]{PK 410.3}
§21
The reformation under Josiah had cleansed the land of the idolatrous shrines, but the hearts of the multitude had not been transformed. The seeds of truth that had sprung up and given promise of an abundant harvest had been choked by thorns. Another such backsliding would be fatal; and the Lord sought to arouse the nation to a realization of their danger. Only as they should prove loyal to Jehovah could they hope for the divine favor and for prosperity.{PK 410.3}[10]
§22
耶利米屡次呼召他们注意申命记中所赐予的训诲。他较比其他任何先知更加强调摩西律法中的教训，并说明这些教训如何使全国以及每一个人的内心得到至上的属灵福分。他恳劝说：“你们当站在路上察看，访问古道，那是善道，便行在其间；这样，你们心里必得安息。”（耶6:16）[11]{PK 411.1}
§23
Jeremiah called their attention repeatedly to the counsels given in Deuteronomy. More than any other of the prophets, he emphasized the teachings of the Mosaic law and showed how these might bring the highest spiritual blessing to the nation and to every individual heart. Ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, he pleaded, and ye shall find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16.{PK 411.1}[11]
§24
有一次先知奉主的命令，站在耶路撒冷城一个主要的门口，在那里向人强调遵守安息日为圣的重要性。城内的居民都有忽略安息日之神圣性的危险，因此他们受到严肃的警告，不可在这日从事俗务。并有以顺从为条件的福分应许了。主宣称：“你们若留意听从我，在安息日不担什么担子进入这城的各门，只以安息日为圣日，在那日无论何工都不作；那时就有坐大卫宝座的君王和首领，他们与犹大人、并耶路撒冷的居民，或坐车、或骑马进入这城的各门；而且这城必存到永远。”（耶17:24-25）[12]{PK 411.2}
§25
On one occasion, by command of the Lord, the prophet took his position at one of the principal entrances to the city and there urged the importance of keeping holy the Sabbath day. The inhabitants of Jerusalem were in danger of losing sight of the sanctity of the Sabbath, and they were solemnly warned against following their secular pursuits on that day. A blessing was promised on condition of obedience. If ye diligently hearken unto Me, the Lord declared, and hallow the Sabbath day, to do no work therein; then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain forever. Jeremiah 17:24, 25.{PK 411.2}[12]
§26
伴随着这个以兴盛作为忠贞之赏赐的应许，另有一个预言提到城内居民若证明不忠于上帝和他的律法，就必有可怕的刑罚降于这城。他们若不听从这劝他们顺从他们列祖的主上帝、并尊他安息日为圣日的劝诫，则城和其中的宫殿就必被火尽行焚毁。[13]{PK 411.3}
§27
This promise of prosperity as the reward of allegiance was accompanied by a prophecy of the terrible judgments that would befall the city should its inhabitants prove disloyal to God and His law. If the admonitions to obey the Lord God of their fathers and to hallow His Sabbath day were not heeded, the city and its palaces would be utterly destroyed by fire.{PK 411.3}[13]
§28
先知就是这样坚持那非常清楚地、列明于律法书中的正当人生的健全原则。但当时犹大遍地所呈现的景况是如此恶劣，唯有借着最坚决的措施才能有所改善；因此他诚恳地为一般怙恶不悛的人操劳。请求说：“要开垦你们的荒地；不要撒种在荆棘中。”“耶路撒冷啊，你当洗去心中的恶，使你可以得救。”（耶4:3,14）[14]{PK 412.1}
§29
Thus the prophet stood firmly for the sound principles of right living so clearly outlined in the book of the law. But the conditions prevailing in the land of Judah were such that only by the most decided measures could a change for the better be brought about; therefore he labored most earnestly in behalf of the impenitent. Break up your fallow ground, he pleaded, and sow not among thorns. O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. Jeremiah 4:3, 14.{PK 412.1}[14]
§30
可惜大多数的人都不肯听从这个悔罪改过的呼召。自从善良的约西亚王逝世以来，那些治理国家的人并未忠于职守，反而引领多人偏离正路。约哈斯因埃及王的干涉而让位之后，就由约西亚的另一个较大的儿子约雅敬继位。从约雅敬一开始作王，耶利米就没有多大希望可以挽救他所爱国土的免于毁灭，与国民的免于被掳了。但当彻底的毁灭正威胁着全国的时候，他并未得蒙准许保持缄默。他必须勉励那些向来效忠上帝的人恒切行义，并尽可能地劝导罪人转离罪孽。[15]{PK 412.2}
§31
But by the great mass of the people the call to repentance and reformation was unheeded. Since the death of good King Josiah, those who ruled the nation had been proving untrue to their trust and had been leading many astray. Jehoahaz, deposed by the interference of the king of Egypt, had been followed by Jehoiakim, an older son of Josiah. From the beginning of Jehoiakims reign, Jeremiah had little hope of saving his beloved land from destruction and the people from captivity. Yet he was not permitted to remain silent while utter ruin threatened the kingdom. Those who had remained loyal to God must be encouraged to persevere in rightdoing, and sinners must, if possible, be induced to turn from iniquity.{PK 412.2}[15]
§32
这项危机需要以公开而广泛的努力来应付。主吩咐耶利米站在圣殿院内，向一切进出的犹大人发言。他不可从所赐给他的信息中减去片言只字，俾使锡安的罪人有最充分的机会可以听见，并转离他们的邪行。[16]{PK 412.3}
§33
The crisis demanded a public and far-reaching effort. Jeremiah was commanded by the Lord to stand in the court of the temple and speak to all the people of Judah who might pass in and out. From the messages given him he must diminish not a word, that sinners in Zion might have the fullest possible opportunity to hearken and to turn from their evil ways.{PK 412.3}[16]
§34
先知便听从了；他站在耶和华殿的门口，扬声宣传警告和劝勉的话。他在全能者的灵感之下宣告说：[17]{PK 413.1}
§35
The prophet obeyed; he stood in the gate of the Lords house and there lifted his voice in warning and entreaty. Under the inspiration of the Almighty he declared:{PK 413.1}[17]
§36
“你们进这些门敬拜耶和华的一切犹大人，当听耶和华的话。万军之耶和华以色列的上帝如此说：你们改正行动作为，我就使你们在这地方仍然居住。你们不要倚靠虚谎的话，说：这些是耶和华的殿，是耶和华的殿，是耶和华的殿。你们若实在改正行动作为，在人和邻舍中间诚然施行公平，不欺压寄居的和孤儿寡妇，在这地方不流无辜人的血，也不随从别神陷害自己；我就使你们在这地方仍然居住，就是我古时所赐给你们列祖的地，直到永远。”（耶7:2-7）[18]{PK 413.2}
§37
Hear the word of the Lord, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, are these. For if ye thoroughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye thoroughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbor; if ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, forever and ever. Jeremiah 7:2-7.{PK 413.2}[18]
§38
主不愿施行惩罚的心意在此生动地显明了。他延缓他的刑罚，以便有机会恳劝怙恶不悛之徒。那位“喜悦在世上施行慈爱公平和公义”的主（耶9:24），眷念他行错的儿女；他以一切可能的方法力图将永生之道教导他们。他曾引领以色列人脱离奴役，使他们可以侍奉他——独一永生的真神。他们虽然久已飘流在拜偶像的罪中，并且忽视他的警告，但他现在还声明自己愿意延缓施罚，仍赐他们再一次悔改的机会。他说明了这项事实：唯有进行最彻底的内心改革，才能避免那迫近眉睫的厄运。他们信靠圣殿及其崇事是徒然的。礼节与仪式不足以赎罪。尽管他们自称是上帝的选民，也唯有实行内心与生活的改革，才能救他们脱离那连续犯罪的必然结果。[19]{PK 413.3}
§39
The unwillingness of the Lord to chastise is here vividly shown. He stays His judgments that He may plead with the impenitent. He who exercises loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth yearns over His erring children; in every way possible He seeks to teach them the way of life everlasting. Jeremiah 9:24. He had brought the Israelites out of bondage that they might serve Him, the only true and living God. Though they had wandered long in idolatry and had slighted His warnings, yet He now declares His willingness to defer chastisement and grant yet another opportunity for repentance. He makes plain the fact that only by the most thorough heart reformation could the impending doom be averted. In vain would be the trust they might place in the temple and its services. Rites and ceremonies could not atone for sin. Notwithstanding their claim to be the chosen people of God, reformation of heart and of the life practice alone could save them from the inevitable result of continued transgression.{PK 413.3}[19]
§40
耶利米就是这样“在犹大城邑中，和耶路撒冷街市上”向犹大传布信息，说：“你们当听从遵行这约的话，”就是《圣经》所记载的耶和华明确的律例（耶11:6），这也就是他在约雅敬登基作王时站在圣殿院子里所宣扬的信息。[20]{PK 414.1}
§41
Thus it was that in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem the message of Jeremiah to Judah was, Hear ye the words of this covenant,--the plain precepts of Jehovah as recorded in the Sacred Scriptures,--and do them. Jeremiah 11:6. And this is the message he proclaimed as he stood in the temple courts in the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim.{PK 414.1}[20]
§42
他概略地重温了以色列自出埃及时期以来的经验。上帝和他们所立的约乃是：“你们当听从我的话，我就作你们的上帝，你们也作我的子民；你们行我所吩咐的一切道，就可以得福。”但这约竟反复无耻地被破坏了。这蒙拣选的国度“竟随从自己的计谋和顽梗的恶心，向后不向前。”（耶7:23-24）[21]{PK 414.2}
§43
Israels experience from the days of the Exodus was briefly reviewed. Gods covenant with them had been, Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be My people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. Shamelessly and repeatedly had this covenant been broken. The chosen nation had walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. Jeremiah 7:23, 24.{PK 414.2}[21]
§44
主问道：“这耶路撒冷的民为何恒久背道呢？”（耶8:5）依照先知的话说，这是因为他们不肯听从耶和华他们的上帝，也不受惩治（见耶5:3）。他哀叹说：“从他们的口中诚实灭绝了。”“空中的鹳鸟知道来去的定期；斑鸠、燕子与白鹤也守候当来的时令；我的百姓却不知道耶和华的法则。”“耶和华说，我岂不因这些事讨他们的罪呢？岂不报复这样的国民呢？”（耶7:28；8:7；9:9）[22]{PK 414.3}
§45
Why, the Lord inquired, is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? Jeremiah 8:5. In the language of the prophet it was because they had obeyed not the voice of the Lord their God and had refused to be corrected. See Jeremiah 5:3. Truth is perished, he mourned, and is cut off from their mouth. The stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but My people know not the judgment of the Lord. Shall I not visit them for these things? saith the Lord: shall not My soul be avenged on such a nation as this? Jeremiah 7:28; 8:7; Jeremiah 9:9.{PK 414.3}[22]
§46
深切省察己心的时候已经到了。当约西亚作他们的王的时候，民众还有一点希望的根据。但现在他再也不能为他们代求；因为他已经死于战场了。通国的罪孽已经达到为之代求也无济于事的程度了。主宣称：“虽有摩西和撒母耳站在我面前代求，我的心也不顾惜这百姓；你将他们从我眼前赶出，叫他们去吧。他们问你说：我们往哪里去呢？你便告诉他们，耶和华如此说：定为死亡的，必至死亡；定为刀杀的，必交刀杀；定为饥荒的，必遭饥荒；定为掳掠的，必被掳掠。”（耶15:1-2）[23]{PK 415.1}
§47
The time had come for deep heart searching. While Josiah had been their ruler, the people had had some ground for hope. But no longer could he intercede in their behalf, for he had fallen in battle. The sins of the nation were such that the time for intercession had all but passed by. Though Moses and Samuel stood before Me, the Lord declared, yet My mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of My sight, and let them go forth. And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them. Thus saith the Lord; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity. Jeremiah 15:1, 2.{PK 415.1}[23]
§48
拒绝接受上帝这时所提出的恩典邀请，则在一百年前降于北方以色列国的刑罚、就必临到这个不肯悔改的国家。这时所传给他们的信息乃是：“你们若不听从我，不遵行我设立在你们面前的律法，不听我从早起来，差遣到你们那里去我仆人众先知的话，(你们还是没有听从；)我就必使这殿如示罗，使这城为地上万国所咒诅的。”(耶26:4-6)[24]{PK 415.2}
§49
A refusal to heed the invitation of mercy that God was now offering would bring upon the impenitent nation the judgments that had befallen the northern kingdom of Israel over a century before. The message to them now was: If ye will not hearken to Me, to walk in My law, which I have set before you, to hearken to the words of My servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending them, but ye have not hearkened; then will I make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth. Jeremiah 26:4-6.{PK 415.2}[24]
§50
那些站在圣殿院子内聆听耶利米说话的人，很明白所提到的有关示罗的事，以及在以利的日子非利士人战胜以色列而将约柜掳去的经过。[25]{PK 415.3}
§51
Those who stood in the temple court listening to Jeremiahs discourse understood clearly this reference to Shiloh, and to the time in the days of Eli when the Philistines had overcome Israel and carried away the ark of the testament.{PK 415.3}[25]
§52
以利的罪乃在于他曾轻易放过他那两个担任圣职的儿子的罪行，以及当时充斥各地的邪恶。他因疏忽纠正这些邪恶，致使以色列遭受可怕的灾祸。他的儿子倒毙于战场，以利自己丧失了性命，上帝的约柜从以色列地被掳去，三万人被杀，这一切都是因为任凭罪恶蔓延而不予责备、不加遏制所致。以色列曾这样妄想：他们虽然犯罪，但约柜既在他们中间，就必保证他们战胜非利士人。照样，在耶利米的日子，犹大的居民也轻易相信只要严格奉行上帝所规定的圣殿仪节，就必保守他们免于遭受自己恶行所应有的刑罚。[26]{PK 416.1}
§53
The sin of Eli had consisted in passing lightly over the iniquity of his sons in sacred office, and over the evils prevailing throughout the land. His neglect to correct these evils had brought upon Israel a fearful calamity. His sons had fallen in battle, Eli himself had lost his life, the ark of God had been taken from the land of Israel, thirty thousand of the people had been slain--and all because sin had been allowed to flourish unrebuked and unchecked. Israel had vainly thought that, notwithstanding their sinful practices, the presence of the ark would ensure them victory over the Philistines. In like manner, during the days of Jeremiah, the inhabitants of Judah were prone to believe that a strict observance of the divinely appointed services of the temple would preserve them from a just punishment for their wicked course.{PK 416.1}[26]
§54
这对于今日在上帝教会中负有重责的人该是何等的教训啊！这是何等严肃的警告，要人忠心处理一切使真理事工受辱的罪恶啊！唯愿一切自称为上帝律法保管者的人不至自欺，以为他们在表面上尊重上帝的诫命，就足以保守他们免受神的公正裁判。唯愿无人拒绝接受对于罪行的谴责，或攻击上帝的仆人，认为他们在努力除净营中罪恶的事上过于热心了。那位恨恶罪恶的上帝呼召凡自称遵守他律法的人远离一切罪行。今日男女若忽视悔改与乐意顺从，就必招致那与古代以色列人所遭受的同样严重后果。超过一定的限度，则耶和华的刑罚就再不能延迟了。耶路撒冷在耶利米的日子所遭受的荒凉，对于现代的以色列乃是一个严肃的警告，表明若蔑视那借着拣选的器皿所传给他们的劝告和训戒，就决不可能不受刑罚。[27]{PK 416.2}
§55
What a lesson is this to men holding positions of responsibility today in the church of God! What a solemn warning to deal faithfully with wrongs that bring dishonor to the cause of truth! Let none who claim to be the depositaries of Gods law flatter themselves that the regard they may outwardly show toward the commandments will preserve them from the exercise of divine justice. Let none refuse to be reproved for evil, nor charge the servants of God with being too zealous in endeavoring to cleanse the camp from evil-doing. A sin-hating God calls upon those who claim to keep His law to depart from all iniquity. A neglect to repent and to render willing obedience will bring upon men and women today as serious consequences as came upon ancient Israel. There is a limit beyond which the judgments of Jehovah can no longer be delayed. The desolation of Jerusalem in the days of Jeremiah is a solemn warning to modern Israel, that the counsels and admonitions given them through chosen instrumentalities cannot be disregarded with impunity.{PK 416.2}[27]
§56
耶利米传给祭司和民众的信息引起了许多人的反对。他们喊叫着狂妄地斥责他说：“你为何托耶和华的名预言，说：这殿必如示罗，这城必变为荒场无人居住呢？于是众民都在耶和华的殿中，聚集到耶利米那里。”（耶26:9）祭司、假先知和民众都对这个不肯向他们“说柔和的话，言虚幻的事”的人泄愤。上帝的信息就这样被轻视，他的仆人就这样受到死亡的威胁。[28]{PK 417.1}
§57
Jeremiahs message to priests and people aroused the antagonism of many. With boisterous denunciation they cried out, Why hast thou prophesied in the name of the Lord, saying, This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate without an inhabitant? And all the people were gathered against Jeremiah in the house of the Lord. Jeremiah 26:9. Priests, false prophets, and people turned in wrath upon him who would not speak to them smooth things or prophesy deceit. Thus was the message of God despised, and His servant threatened with death.{PK 417.1}[28]
§58
耶利米所讲的话的消息传到了犹大诸首领的耳中，他们就急忙从王的宫廷赶到圣殿来，要亲自查明这事的真相。“祭司、先知对首领和众民说：这人是该死的；因为他说预言攻击这城，正如你们亲耳所听见的。”（耶26:11）但耶利米勇敢地站在首领和众民面前声言：“耶和华差遣我预言，攻击这殿和这城，说你们所听见的这一切话。现在要改正你们的行动作为，听从耶和华你们上帝的话；他就必后悔，不将所说的灾祸降与你们。至于我，我在你们手中；你们眼看何为善，何为正，就那样待我吧。但你们要确实的知道：若把我治死，就使无辜人的血归到你们和这城，并其中的居民了；因为耶和华实在差遣我到你们这里来，将这一切话传与你们耳中。”（耶26:12-15）[29]{PK 417.2}
§59
Tidings of the words of Jeremiah were carried to the princes of Judah, and they hastened from the palace of the king to the temple, to learn for themselves the truth of the matter. Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears. Verse 11. But Jeremiah stood boldly before the princes and the people, declaring: The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard. Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God; and the Lord will repent Him of the evil that He hath pronounced against you. As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you. But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the Lord hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears. Verses 12-15.{PK 417.2}[29]
§60
先知若被那些位高权重之人的威胁态度所吓倒，他的信息就一定毫无功效，而他就必丧失性命；但他在发出严肃警告时所表现的勇敢却博得了民众的尊敬，并使以色列的首领转而帮助他了。他们与祭司和假先知辩论，向他们指出他们所主张的极端措施是何等不智，结果他们的话语在民众的心中产生了反应。上帝就如此兴起了一班为他仆人辩护的人。[30]{PK 418.1}
§61
Had the prophet been intimidated by the threatening attitude of those high in authority, his message would have been without effect, and he would have lost his life; but the courage with which he delivered the solemn warning commanded the respect of the people and turned the princes of Israel in his favor. They reasoned with the priests and false prophets, showing them how unwise would be the extreme measures they advocated, and their words produced a reaction in the minds of the people. Thus God raised up defenders for His servant.{PK 418.1}[30]
§62
长老们也一致反对祭司们对于耶利米的命运所作的决定。他们提出弥迦的例子，因弥迦曾预言耶路撒冷遭受刑罚的事，说：“锡安必被耕种像一块田，耶路撒冷必变为乱堆，这殿的山必像丛林的高处。”他们又问道：“犹大王希西家和犹大众人，岂是把他治死呢？希西家岂不是敬畏耶和华，恳求他的恩吗？耶和华就后悔，不把自己所说的灾祸降于他们；若治死这人，我们就作了大恶，自害己命。”（耶26:18-19）[31]{PK 418.2}
§63
The elders also united in protesting against the decision of the priests regarding the fate of Jeremiah. They cited the case of Micah, who had prophesied judgments upon Jerusalem, saying, Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest. And they asked: Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the Lord, and besought the Lord, and the Lord repented Him of the evil which He had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls. Verses 18, 19.{PK 418.2}[31]
§64
由于这些有权势之人的恳劝，先知的生命才得保全，虽然还有许多祭司和假先知因不能忍受他所讲的谴责的实话，乐愿见他以谋叛的借口而被置于死地。[32]{PK 418.3}
§65
Through the pleading of these men of influence the prophets life was spared, although many of the priests and false prophets, unable to endure the condemning truths he uttered, would gladly have seen him put to death on the plea of sedition.{PK 418.3}[32]
§66
自从耶利米蒙召的日子起，一直到他工作结束为止，他总站在犹大面前“为高台，为保障，”是人的愤怒所无法胜过的。主曾预先警告他的仆人说：“他们必攻击你，却不能胜你；因我与你同在，要拯救你，搭救你；这是耶和华说的。我必搭救你脱离恶人的手，救赎你脱离强暴人的手。”（耶6:27；15:20-21）[33]{PK 419.1}
§67
From the day of his call to the close of his ministry, Jeremiah stood before Judah as a tower and a fortress against which the wrath of man could not prevail. They shall fight against thee, the Lord had forewarned His servant, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the Lord. And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible. Jeremiah 6:27; 15:20, 21.{PK 419.1}[33]
§68
耶利米的本性原是怯懦而畏缩不前的，因此他渴望度安静的退修生活，毋需目睹他所爱的国家那种执迷不悟的行为。他的心因罪恶所造成的败坏而深为伤痛。他哀哭说：“但愿我的头为水，我的眼为泪的泉源，我好为我百姓中被杀的人昼夜哭泣。唯愿我在旷野有行路人住宿之处，使我可以离开我的民出去。”（耶9:1-2）[34]{PK 419.2}
§69
Naturally of a timid and shrinking disposition, Jeremiah longed for the peace and quiet of a life of retirement, where he need not witness the continued impenitence of his beloved nation. His heart was wrung with anguish over the ruin wrought by sin. O that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, he mourned, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people! O that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them. Jeremiah 9:1, 2.{PK 419.2}[34]
§70
他蒙召所要忍受的侮辱是残酷的。他那敏感的心灵，常被那些藐视他信息并忽略他为他们悔改而操心之人对他所发讥嘲的箭重重刺透。他说：“我成了众民的笑话；他们终日以我为歌曲。”“我终日成为笑话，人人都戏弄我。”“就是我知己的朋友也都窥探我，愿我跌倒，说：告他吧，我们也要告他，或者他被引诱，我们就能胜他，在他身上报仇。”（哀3:14；耶20:7,10）[35]{PK 420.1}
§71
Cruel were the mockings he was called upon to endure. His sensitive soul was pierced through and through by the arrows of derision hurled at him by those who despised his messages and made light of his burden for their conversion. I was a derision to all my people, he declared, and their song all the day. I am in derision daily, everyone mocketh me. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him. Lamentations 3:14; Jeremiah 20:7, 10.{PK 420.1}[35]
§72
但是这位忠心的先知却天天得以增强力量而忍受一切。他凭着信心说：“耶和华与我同在，好像甚可怕的勇士；因此，逼迫我的必都绊跌，不能得胜，他们必大大蒙羞，就是受永不忘记的羞辱；因为他们行事没有智慧。”“你们要向耶和华唱歌，赞美耶和华，因他救了穷人的性命脱离恶人的手。”（耶20:11,13）[36]{PK 420.2}
§73
But the faithful prophet was daily strengthened to endure. The Lord is with me as a mighty terrible One, he declared in faith; therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be really ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten. Sing unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord: for He hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers. Jeremiah 20:11, 13.{PK 420.2}[36]
§74
耶利米在青年时期以及传道工作的晚年所得的经验，给予他这番教训：“人的道路不由自己；行路的人也不能定自己的脚步。”他也学会祷告说：“耶和华啊，求你从宽惩治我；不要在你的怒中惩治我，恐怕使我归于无有。”（耶10:23-24）[37]{PK 420.3}
§75
The experiences through which Jeremiah passed in the days of his youth and also in the later years of his ministry, taught him the lesson that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. He learned to pray, O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in Thine anger, lest Thou bring me to nothing. Jeremiah 10:23, 24.{PK 420.3}[37]
§76
当他蒙召喝那苦难与忧伤之杯的时候，当他在不幸中想说“我的力量衰败，我在耶和华那里毫无指望”的时候，他却想起上帝为他所施的种种天恩，便胜利地赞叹道：“我们不至消灭，是出于耶和华诸般的慈爱，是因他的怜悯，不至断绝。每早晨这都是新的；你的诚实，极其广大。我心里说，耶和华是我的分；因此，我要仰望他。心等候耶和华，心里寻求他的，耶和华必施恩给他。人仰望耶和华，静默等候他的救恩，这原是好的。”（哀3:18,22-26）[38]{PK 421.1}
§77
When called to drink of the cup of tribulation and sorrow, and when tempted in his misery to say, My strength and my hope is perished from the Lord, he recalled the providences of God in his behalf and triumphantly exclaimed, It is of the Lords mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:18, 22-26.{PK 421.1}[38]