第35章 迫临的厄运
§1
第35章 迫临的厄运
§2
Chap. 35 - Approaching Doom
§3
在约雅敬作王的最先几年中，充满了迫近厄运的重重警告。主借着众先知所说的话即将应验了。在北方，那久占优势的亚述国不再辖制列国了。在南方，犹大王所妄想倚靠的埃及国不久将遭受到明显的阻遏。一个新兴的强国——巴比伦帝国，全然出乎意料地正从东方兴起，并迅速地凌驾列国之上。[1]{PK 422.1}
§4
The first years of Jehoiakims reign were filled with warnings of approaching doom. The word of the Lord spoken by the prophets was about to be fulfilled. The Assyrian power to the northward, long supreme, was no longer to rule the nations. Egypt on the south, in whose power the king of Judah was vainly placing his trust, was soon to receive a decided check. All unexpectedly a new world power, the Babylonian Empire, was rising to the eastward and swiftly overshadowing all other nations.{PK 422.1}[1]
§5
在短短几年之内，巴比伦王要被上帝用作降怒于不知悔悟的犹大的工具。耶路撒冷要一再被尼布甲尼撒围攻的军队所包围并攻入。一群一群的人——起初只是少数，但后来却成千上万——要被掳到示拿地，被迫流亡而居留该处。约雅敬、约雅斤、西底家，这三个犹大王都要相继成为巴比伦王臣仆，而他们也都要图谋背叛。于是那临到这背叛之国的惩罚将越来越厉害，直到最后全地荒凉，耶路撒冷被火焚烧成为废墟，所罗门建造的圣殿要被毁坏，犹大国要倾覆，永不能在世上列国中占有原先的地位。[2]{PK 422.2}
§6
Within a few short years the king of Babylon was to be used as the instrument of Gods wrath upon impenitent Judah. Again and again Jerusalem was to be invested and entered by the besieging armies of Nebuchadnezzar. Company after company--at first a few only, but later on thousands and tens of thousands--were to be taken captive to the land of Shinar, there to dwell in enforced exile. Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah--all these Jewish kings were in turn to become vassals of the Babylonian ruler, and all in turn were to rebel. Severer and yet more severe chastisements were to be inflicted upon the rebellious nation, until at last the entire land was to become a desolation, Jerusalem was to be laid waste and burned with fire, the temple that Solomon had built was to be destroyed, and the kingdom of Judah was to fall, never again to occupy its former position among the nations of earth.{PK 422.2}[2]
§7
以色列国所经历的那些充满危险的变动时期，都有上天借着耶利米传出的许多信息为证。主这样赐给犹大人充分的机会，使他们可以解除与埃及所订的纠缠不清的盟约，并避免与巴比伦的统治者发生冲突。当迫切的危机越来越近之时，他就采用一连串生动的比喻来教训民众，希望借此使他们体认自己对于上帝所应尽的本分，并鼓励他们与巴比伦的政权保持友善的关系。[3]{PK 423.1}
§8
Those times of change, so fraught with peril to the Israelitish nation, were marked with many messages from Heaven through Jeremiah. Thus the Lord gave the children of Judah ample opportunity of freeing themselves from entangling alliances with Egypt, and of avoiding controversy with the rulers of Babylon. As the threatened danger came closer, he taught the people by means of a series of acted parables, hoping thus to arouse them to a sense of their obligation to God, and also to encourage them to maintain friendly relations with the Babylonian government.{PK 423.1}[3]
§9
为要说明绝对顺从上帝的要求之重要性起见，耶利米招集了一些利甲族的人到圣殿的一间屋子内，在他们面前摆上酒请他们喝。正如他所预期的，他遇到了反对和坚拒。利甲族人坚决地说：“我们不喝酒；因为我们先祖利甲的儿子约拿达曾吩咐我们说，你们和你们的子孙，永不可喝酒。”[4]{PK 423.2}
§10
To illustrate the importance of yielding implicit obedience to the requirements of God, Jeremiah gathered some Rechabites into one of the chambers of the temple and set wine before them, inviting them to drink. As was to have been expected, he met with remonstrance and absolute refusal. We will drink no wine, the Rechabites firmly declared, for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons forever.{PK 423.2}[4]
§11
“耶和华的话临到耶利米说：万军之耶和华以色列的上帝如此说：你去对犹大人和耶路撒冷的居民说，耶和华说，你们不受教训，不听从我的话吗？利甲的儿子约拿达所吩咐他子孙不可喝酒的话，他们已经遵守；直到今日也不喝酒，因为他们听从先祖的吩咐。”（耶35:6,12-14）[5]{PK 423.3}
§12
Then came the word of the Lord unto Jeremiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to My words? saith the Lord. The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their fathers commandment. Jeremiah 35:6, 12-14.{PK 423.3}[5]
§13
上帝这样设法将利甲族人的顺从，和他子民的悖逆作了一个鲜明的对照。利甲族人已经顺从他们先祖的吩咐，这时就拒绝受引诱违犯律法。但犹大人却不肯听从主的话，结果即将遭受他最严厉的刑罚。[6]{PK 424.1}
§14
God sought thus to bring into sharp contrast the obedience of the Rechabites with the disobedience and rebellion of His people. The Rechabites had obeyed the command of their father and now refused to be enticed into transgression. But the men of Judah had hearkened not to the words of the Lord, and were in consequence about to suffer His severest judgments.{PK 424.1}[6]
§15
主说：“我从早起来警戒你们，你们却不听从我。我从早起来差遣我的仆人众先知去，说：你们各人当回头，离开恶道，改正行为，不随从侍奉别神，就必住在我所赐给你们和你们列祖的地上。只是你们没有听从我，也没有侧耳而听。利甲的儿子约拿达的子孙，能遵守先人所吩咐他们的命，这百姓却没有听从我。因此，耶和华万军之上帝，以色列的上帝如此说：我要使我所说的一切灾祸临到犹大人，和耶路撒冷的一切居民；因为我对他们说话，他们没有听从；我呼唤他们，他们没有答应。”（耶35:14-17）[7]{PK 424.2}
§16
I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking, the Lord declared, but ye hearkened not unto Me. I have sent also unto you all My servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto Me. Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them; but this people hath not hearkened unto Me: therefore thus saith the Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them: because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered. Verses 14-17. {PK 424.2}[7]
§17
当世人的心志因圣灵具有抑制作用的影响而软化并顺服之时，他们就必听取劝告；但当他们转离训诫以致心志变为刚硬之时，主就任凭他们受其他影响的引诱。他们拒绝真理，接受虚谎，这就成了他们的网罗，使他们自取败亡。[8]{PK 425.1}
§18
When mens hearts are softened and subdued by the constraining influence of the Holy Spirit, they will give heed to counsel; but when they turn from admonition until their hearts become hardened, the Lord permits them to be led by other influences. Refusing the truth, they accept falsehood, which becomes a snare to their own destruction.{PK 425.1}[8]
§19
上帝曾恳劝犹大不要触犯他动怒，但他们并未听从。终于有刑罚的判决向他们宣布。他们要被掳到巴比伦去。迦勒底人要被上帝用作工具，管教他悖逆之民。犹大人所受的痛苦，要与他们已有的亮光，以及他们所轻视所拒绝的警告成正比例。上帝已经长久延迟他的刑罚；但是现在他却要倾降他的忿怒在他们身上，作为遏制他们恶行的最后方法了。[9]{PK 425.2}
§20
God had pleaded with Judah not to provoke Him to anger, but they had hearkened not. Finally sentence was pronounced against them. They were to be led away captive to Babylon. The Chaldeans were to be used as the instrument by which God would chastise His disobedient people. The sufferings of the men of Judah were to be in proportion to the light they had had and to the warnings they had despised and rejected. Long had God delayed His judgments, but now He would visit His displeasure upon them as a last effort to check them in their evil course.{PK 425.2}[9]
§21
那向利甲族人所宣布的乃是继续得蒙赐福。先知说：“因你们听从你们先祖约拿达的吩咐，谨守他的一切诫命，照他所吩咐你们的去行；所以万军之耶和华以色列的上帝如此说：利甲的儿子约拿达必永不缺人侍立在我面前。”（耶35:18-19）上帝就借此教训他的子民：忠心和顺从必可使犹大因而蒙福，正如利甲族人因顺从他们祖先的命令而蒙福一样。[10]{PK 425.3}
§22
Upon the house of the Rechabites was pronounced a continued blessing. The prophet declared, Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you: therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before Me forever. Verses 18, 19. Thus God taught His people that faithfulness and obedience would be reflected back upon Judah in blessing, even as the Rechabites were blessed for obedience to their fathers command.{PK 425.3}[10]
§23
这个教训也是赐予我们的。如果一个良善贤明的祖先为保守子孙不受放纵的祸害，而采取最妥善最有效的方法，他的所规定的一切条件尚且值得严格遵从，那么上帝既比人更为圣洁，他的权威自确应受到更大的尊重了。我们的“创造主”和“司令”权能无限，刑罚可畏，他要用各样的方法使世人认清并悔改他们的罪过。他借他仆人的口预言悖逆的危险；他敲响警钟，并忠实地谴责罪恶。他的子民唯有靠赖他的恩典，借着他所拣选之媒介的警觉照顾，方可长保兴盛。他不能扶持或保卫那些拒绝他劝告并轻视他责备的子民。有时他可能抑制他报应的刑罚；然而他决不能长久止住他的圣手。[11]{PK 425.4}
§24
The lesson is for us. If the requirements of a good and wise father, who took the best and most effectual means to secure his posterity against the evils of intemperance, were worthy of strict obedience, surely Gods authority should be held in as much greater reverence as He is holier than man. Our Creator and our Commander, infinite in power, terrible in judgment, seeks by every means to bring men to see and repent of their sins. By the mouth of His servants He predicts the dangers of disobedience; He sounds the note of warning and faithfully reproves sin. His people are kept in prosperity only by His mercy, through the vigilant watchcare of chosen instrumentalities. He cannot uphold and guard a people who reject His counsel and despise His reproofs. For a time He may withhold His retributive judgments; yet He cannot always stay His hand.{PK 425.4}[11]
§25
上帝曾经向一班人宣称：“你们要归我作祭司的国度，为圣洁的国民，”（出19:6）犹大的子民也列于这等人中。耶利米在他的传道工作中，从未忽略过在各种人生关系中，尤其是在侍奉至高上帝方面，追求内心圣洁的重要性。他清楚地预见到犹大国的倾覆和居民的分散在列国中；但他凭信心的眼目超越这一切而展望到复兴的时期。那萦回在他耳中的乃是这神圣的应许：“我要将我羊群中所余剩的，从我赶他们到的各国内招聚出来，领他们归回本圈。……耶和华说：日子将到，我要给大卫兴起一个公义的苗裔，他必掌王权，行事有智慧，在地上施行公平和公义。在他的日子，犹大必得救，以色列也安然居住；他的名必称为耶和华我们的义”。（耶23:3-6）[12]{PK 426.1}
§26
The children of Judah were numbered among those of whom God had declared, Ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. Exodus 19:6. Never did Jeremiah in his ministry lose sight of the vital importance of heart holiness in the varied relationships of life, and especially in the service of the most high God. Plainly he foresaw the downfall of the kingdom and a scattering of the inhabitants of Judah among the nations; but with the eye of faith he looked beyond all this to the times of restoration. Ringing in his ears was the divine promise: I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds. . . . Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jeremiah 23:3-6.{PK 426.1}[12]
§27
这样，刑罚即将来到的预言便与最后光荣得救的应许搀合起来了。凡甘愿与上帝和好而在横行的背道中度圣洁生活的人，就必获得应付各样试炼的力量，并能大有力量为上帝作见证了。而且在未来的世代中，那为他们而施行的拯救，在名声方面必超过那在出埃及时为以色列民所行的。日子将到，主借着他的先知说：那时“人必不再指着那领以色列人从埃及地上来永生的耶和华起誓；却要指着那领以色列家的后裔从北方，和赶他们到的各国中上来永生的耶和华起誓；他们必住在本地。”（耶23:7-8）这就是耶利米在犹大国历史的末叶，巴比伦人行将统治世界，而当时他们的军队即将围攻锡安城墙所说的奇妙预言。[13]{PK 427.1}
§28
Thus prophecies of oncoming judgment were mingled with promises of final and glorious deliverance. Those who should choose to make their peace with God and live holy lives amid the prevailing apostasy, would receive strength for every trial and be enabled to witness for Him with mighty power. And in the ages to come the deliverance wrought in their behalf would exceed in fame that wrought for the children of Israel at the time of the Exodus. The days were coming, the Lord declared through His prophet, when they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, The Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land. Verses 7, 8. Such were the wonderful prophecies uttered by Jeremiah during the closing years of the history of the kingdom of Judah, when the Babylonians were coming unto universal rule, and were even then bringing their besieging armies against the walls of Zion.{PK 427.1}[13]
§29
这些施行拯救的应许，落在那班坚定敬奉耶和华之人的耳中，犹如最美妙的音乐一般。无论在富贵或贫贱之人的家中，只要他们仍旧尊重守约之上帝的劝告，先知的这些话就被反复述说不已。甚至连儿童也受了极大的感动，而在他们幼稚而敏于容受的心意中留下了持久的印象。[14]{PK 427.2}
§30
Like sweetest music these promises of deliverance fell upon the ears of those who were steadfast in their worship of Jehovah. In the homes of the high and the lowly, where the counsels of a covenant-keeping God were still held in reverence, the words of the prophet were repeated again and again. Even the children were mightily stirred, and upon their young and receptive minds lasting impressions were made. {PK 427.2}[14]
§31
在耶利米服务的日子，但以理和他的同伴由于衷心遵守《圣经》的命令，才得有机会在地上的列国面前高举真神上帝。这些希伯来儿童在父母家中所领受的教训，使他们的信心坚强，一直侍奉创造天地的主宰永生的上帝。及至约雅敬作王之初，当尼布甲尼撒第一次围困并攻破耶路撒冷，掳去但以理和他的同伴以及其他特选在巴比伦宫廷侍奉的人时，这些希伯来俘虏的信心受到极严重的考验了。但那些已经学会倚靠上帝应许的人，却发现这些应许足以帮助他们在异地寄居时应付他们所必须经历的各种环境。《圣经》已向他们显明足为向导和倚靠。[15]{PK 428.1}
§32
It was their conscientious observance of the commands of Holy Scripture, that in the days of Jeremiahs ministry brought to Daniel and his fellows opportunities to exalt the true God before the nations of earth. The instruction these Hebrew children had received in the homes of their parents, made them strong in faith and constant in their service of the living God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. When, early in the reign of Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar for the first time besieged and captured Jerusalem, and carried away Daniel and his companions, with others specially chosen for service in the court of Babylon, the faith of the Hebrew captives was tried to the utmost. But those who had learned to place their trust in the promises of God found these all-sufficient in every experience through which they were called to pass during their sojourn in a strange land. The Scriptures proved to them a guide and a stay.{PK 428.1}[15]
§33
耶利米以那开始降与犹大的刑罚涵义之解释者的身份，勇敢地屹立着为上帝的公义与他即使在最严厉的惩戒中仍含有的恩旨辩护。先知不息不倦地工作着。他为要接触到各阶层的人起见，就时常访问国内各处，将他的影响伸展到耶路撒冷以外的四围地区。[16]{PK 428.2}
§34
As an interpreter of the meaning of the judgments beginning to fall upon Judah, Jeremiah stood nobly in defense of the justice of God and of His merciful designs even in the severest chastisements. Untiringly the prophet labored. Desirous of reaching all classes, he extended the sphere of his influence beyond Jerusalem to the surrounding districts by frequent visits to various parts of the kingdom.{PK 428.2}[16]
§35
耶利米在向教会所作的见证中，经常提述约西亚作王时所大大尊荣并高举的律法书中的教训。他重新强调与那位曾在西奈山顶颁布十诫的、满有恩慈怜悯之主保持立约关系的重要性。耶利米所讲警告和恳劝的话传达国内各地，以致众人都有机会明白上帝对于本国所有的旨意。[17]{PK 428.3}
§36
In his testimonies to the church, Jeremiah constantly referred to the teachings of the book of the law that had been so greatly honored and exalted during Josiahs reign. He emphasized anew the importance of maintaining a covenant relationship with the all-merciful and compassionate Being who upon the heights of Sinai had spoken the precepts of the Decalogue. Jeremiahs words of warning and entreaty reached every part of the kingdom, and all had opportunity to know the will of God concerning the nation.{PK 428.3}[17]
§37
先知清楚地说明这一事实，那就是我们的天父之所以容许刑罚降下，乃要“使外邦人……知道自己不过是人。”（诗9:20）主预先警告他的子民说：“你们行事若与我反对，不肯听从我，……我要把你们散在列邦中，我也要拔刀追赶你们；你们的地要成为荒场，你们的城邑要变为荒凉。”（利26:21-33）[18]{PK 429.1}
§38
The prophet made plain the fact that our heavenly Father allows His judgments to fall, that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Psalm 9:20. If ye walk contrary unto Me, and will not hearken unto Me, the Lord had forewarned His people, I, even I, . . . will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste. Leviticus 26:21, 28, 33.{PK 429.1}[18]
§39
正当厄运迫近的信息传给首领和民众的时候，那原应作一个贤明的属灵领袖，最先认罪并改过行义的他们的王约雅敬，反倒浪费他的光阴在自私的享乐中了。他建议：“我要为自己盖广大的房，宽敞的楼，……这楼房的护墙板是香柏木的；楼房是丹色油漆的，”（耶22:14）而建楼的金钱和人工则都是从欺压得来的。[19]{PK 429.2}
§40
At the very time messages of impending doom were urged upon princes and people, their ruler, Jehoiakim, who should have been a wise spiritual leader, foremost in confession of sin and in reformation and good works, was spending his time in selfish pleasure. I will build me a wide house and large chambers, he proposed; and this house, ceiled with cedar, and painted with vermilion (Jeremiah 22:14), was built with money and labor secured through fraud and oppression.{PK 429.2}[19]
§41
先知怒气发作，他受感宣布有刑罚临到这不信的王。他说：“那行不义盖房，行不公造楼，白白使用人的手工不给工价的，有祸了。……难道你作王是在乎造香柏木楼房争胜吗？你的父亲岂不是也吃、也喝，也施行公平和公义吗？那时他得了福乐。他为困苦和穷乏人伸冤，那时就得了福乐；认识我不在乎此吗？这是耶和华说的。唯有你的眼和你的心专顾贪婪，流无辜人的血，行欺压和强暴。[20]{PK 429.3}
§42
The wrath of the prophet was aroused, and he was inspired to pronounce judgment upon the faithless ruler. Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong, he declared; that useth his neighbors service without wages, and giveth him not for his work. . . . Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? Did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him? He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know Me? saith the Lord. But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.{PK 429.3}[20]
§43
“所以，耶和华论到犹大王约西亚的儿子约雅敬如此说：人必不为他举哀说：哀哉！我的哥哥；或说：哀哉！我的姐姐；也不为他举哀说：哀哉，我的主；或说：哀哉！我主的荣华。他被埋葬好像埋驴一样，要拉出去扔在耶路撒冷的城门之外。”（耶22:13-19）[21]{PK 430.1}
§44
Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, saying, Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, saying, Ah lord! or, Ah his glory! He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem. Verses 13-19.{PK 430.1}[21]
§45
在少数几年之内，这可怕的刑罚就要降在约雅敬的身上了；但主却本乎他的怜悯，先将他所定的旨意告诉这个不肯悔改的国家。在约雅敬作王的第四年，“先知耶利米就将这话对犹大众人和耶路撒冷的一切居民说：从……约西亚十三年直到今日，”（耶25:2-3）他指出在这二十余年之内，他一直为上帝的乐意拯救作见证，但他的信息始终被人轻视。如今主向他们所说的话乃是：[22]{PK 430.2}
§46
Within a few years this terrible judgment was to be visited upon Jehoiakim; but first the Lord in mercy informed the impenitent nation of His set purpose. In the fourth year of Jehoiakims reign Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, pointing out that for over a score of years, from the thirteenth year of Josiah, . . . even unto this day, he had borne witness of Gods desire to save, but that his messages had been despised. Jeremiah 25:2, 3. And now the word of the Lord to them was:{PK 430.2}[22]
§47
“万军之耶和华如此说：因为你们没有听从我的话，我必召北方的众族，和我仆人巴比伦王尼布甲尼撒来攻击这地和这地的居民，并四围一切的国民，我要将他们尽行灭绝，以致他们令人惊骇，嗤笑，并且永久荒凉：这是耶和华说的。我又要使欢喜快乐的声音，新郎和新妇的声音，推磨的声音，和灯的亮光，从他们中间止息。这全地必然荒凉，令人惊骇；这些国民要服侍巴比伦王七十年。”（耶25:8-11）[23]{PK 430.3}
§48
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Because ye have not heard My words, behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the Lord, and Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations. Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle. And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. Verses 8-11.{PK 430.3}[23]
§49
这遭受厄运的判决虽已清楚地宣布出来了，但听见的群众却并不明了其中可怕的意义。主为要使之产生更深刻的印象起见，就设法用比喻来说明所说之话的意义。他吩咐耶利米将国家的命运比作喝干充满神的忿怒之酒的杯。首先喝这灾祸之杯的，将是“耶路撒冷和犹大的城邑，并耶路撒冷的君王。”其他要同喝这杯的，“有埃及王法老和他的臣仆、首领以及他的众民，”与地上许多其他的国家，直到上帝的旨意应验为止（见耶25:）。[24]{PK 431.1}
§50
Although the sentence of doom had been clearly pronounced, its awful import could scarcely be understood by the multitudes who heard. That deeper impressions might be made, the Lord sought to illustrate the meaning of the words spoken. He bade Jeremiah liken the fate of the nation to the draining of a cup filled with the wine of divine wrath. Among the first to drink of this cup of woe was to be Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof. Others were to partake of the same cup--Pharaoh king of Egypt, and his servants, and his princes, and all his people, and many other nations of earth--until Gods purpose should have been fulfilled. See Jeremiah 25.{PK 431.1}[24]
§51
为要进一步说明那迅将临到之刑罚的性质起见，先知又奉命要“带百姓中的长老，和祭司中的长老，出去到欣嫩子谷，”在那里他要重述犹大背道的经过，然后要将“窑匠的瓦瓶”打碎，并且代表耶和华，就是他所侍奉的上帝，宣布说：“要照样打碎这民和这城，正如人打碎窑匠的瓦器，以致不能再囫囵。”[25]{PK 431.2}
§52
To illustrate further the nature of the swift-coming judgments, the prophet was bidden to take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests; and go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, and there, after reviewing the apostasy of Judah, he was to dash to pieces a potters earthen bottle, and declare in behalf of Jehovah, whose servant he was, Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a potters vessel, that cannot be made whole again.{PK 431.2}[25]
§53
先知照着所吩咐的行了。然后，他回到城里，站在圣殿的院中，当着众人宣布说：“军之耶和华以色列的上帝如此说：我必使我所说的一切灾祸临到这城和属城的一切城邑；因为他们硬着颈项，不听我的话。”（见耶19:）[26]{PK 431.3}
§54
The prophet did as he was commanded. Then, returning to the city, he stood in the court of the temple and declared in the hearing of all the people. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear My words. See Jeremiah 19.{PK 431.3}[26]
§55
先知的话不但没有引导人认罪悔改，反而惹起了权贵们的忿怒，结果耶利米竟丧失了自由。先知虽然被囚在监里，上了枷，但他仍然继续向站在旁边的人传讲这天来的信息。逼迫并不能止息他的声音。他说：真理的话在我心里，我便“得似乎有烧着的火闭塞在我骨中，我就含忍不住，不能自禁。”（耶20:9）[27]{PK 432.1}
§56
The prophets words, instead of leading to confession and repentance, aroused the anger of those high in authority, and as a consequence Jeremiah was deprived of his liberty. Imprisoned, and placed in the stocks, the prophet nevertheless continued to speak the messages of Heaven to those who stood by. His voice could not be silenced by persecution. The word of truth, he declared, was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. Jeremiah 20:9.{PK 432.1}[27]
§57
约在这个时候，主吩咐耶利米将那要传给他的怜悯之心所不断渴望其得救之人的信息写下来。耶和华吩咐他的仆人说：“取一书卷，将我对你说攻击以色列和犹大，并各国的一切话，从我对你说话的那日，就是从约西亚的日子起，直到今日，都写在其上。或者犹大家听见我想要降与他们的一切灾祸，各人就回头离开恶道；我好赦免他们的罪孽和罪恶。”（耶36:2-3）[28]{PK 432.2}
§58
It was about this time that the Lord commanded Jeremiah to commit to writing the messages he desired to bear to those for whose salvation his heart of pity was continually yearning.Take thee a roll of a book, the Lord bade His servant, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day. It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin. Jeremiah 36:2, 3.{PK 432.2}[28]
§59
耶利米顺从这一命令，就召了他的忠心朋友文士巴录来，帮助他笔录“和华对耶利米所说的一切话。”（耶36:4）这些话都被仔细地写在羊皮卷上，其中包括对于罪恶的严厉斥责，对于继续背道的所有必然后果的警告，以及呼召众人离弃一切恶行的恳劝。[29]{PK 432.3}
§60
In obedience to this command, Jeremiah called to his aid a faithful friend, Baruch the scribe, and dictated all the words of the Lord, which He had spoken unto him. Verse 4. These were carefully written out on a roll of parchment and constituted a solemn reproof for sin, a warning of the sure result of continual apostasy, and an earnest appeal for the renunciation of all evil.{PK 432.3}[29]
§61
书卷写完，耶利米仍被囚禁着，这时他就差遣巴录趁全国禁食的日子，就是“犹大王约西亚的儿子约雅敬第五年九月，”向那些聚集在圣殿的民众宣读这书卷。先知说：“或者他们在耶和华面前恳求，各人回头离开恶道；因为耶和华向这百姓所说要发的怒气和忿怒是大的。”（耶36:9,7）[30]{PK 433.1}
§62
When the writing was completed, Jeremiah, who was still a prisoner, sent Baruch to read the roll to the multitudes who were assembling at the temple on the occasion of a national fast day, in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month. It may be, the prophet said, they will present their supplication before the Lord, and will return everyone from his evil way: for great is the anger and the fury that the Lord hath pronounced against this people. Verses 9, 7.{PK 433.1}[30]
§63
巴录遵命而行，将书卷在全体犹大人面前宣读。后来这位文士又被召到众首领面前去向他们宣读这些话。他们听了大感兴趣，就应许将一切所听见的都告诉王，但却建议这位文士去藏起来；因为他们深恐王会拒绝这见证，而图谋杀害那些准备并传达这信息的人。[31]{PK 433.2}
§64
Baruch obeyed, and the roll was read before all the people of Judah. Afterward the scribe was summoned before the princes to read the words to them. They listened with great interest and promised to inform the king concerning all they had heard, but counseled the scribe to hide himself, for they feared the king would reject the testimony and seek to slay those who had prepared and delivered the message.{PK 433.2}[31]
§65
当众首领将巴录所宣读的一切话告诉约雅敬王时，他就立刻吩咐把书卷拿来读给他听。王的一个侍从名叫犹底的，便把书卷取来，开始念读那些责备和警告的话。当时正值冬令，王和朝臣并犹大众首领都围着火盆烤火。刚读了几篇，王不但没有因那已临到他自己和百姓头上的危险而恐惧战兢，反而狂怒地拿起书卷来，“用文士的刀将书卷割破，扔在火盆中，直到全卷在火中烧尽了。”（耶36:23）[32]{PK 433.3}
§66
When King Jehoiakim was told by the princes what Baruch had read, he immediately ordered the roll brought before him and read in his hearing. One of the royal attendants, Jehudi by name, fetched the roll and began reading the words of reproof and warning. It was the time of winter, and the king and his companions of state, the princes of Judah, were gathered about an open fire. Only a small portion had been read, when the king, far from trembling at the danger hanging over himself and his people, seized the roll and in a frenzy of rage cut it with the penknife and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed. Verse 23.{PK 433.3}[32]
§67
王和他的众首领“都不惧怕，也不撕裂衣服。”有几个首领曾“恳求王不要烧这书卷；他却不听。”这个恶王既烧了书卷；就迁怒于耶利米和巴录，派人去捉拿他们；“耶和华却将他们隐藏。”（耶36:24-26）[33]{PK 434.1}
§68
Neither the king nor his princes were afraidnor rent their garments. Certain of the princes, however, had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them. The writing having been destroyed, the wrath of the wicked king rose against Jeremiah and Baruch, and he forthwith sent for them to be taken; but the Lord hid them. Verses 24-26. {PK 434.1}[33]
§69
上帝之所以使那些在殿中敬拜的人，以及众首领和王注意那默示的书卷中所写的劝告，原是为了犹大人的好处而慈悲地警戒他们。他说：“或者犹大家听见我想要降与他们的一切灾祸，各人就回头离开恶道；我好赦免他们的罪孽和罪恶。”（耶36:3）上帝怜惜一切在邪恶中盲目挣扎的人；他力图借着发出责备和恐吓的话光照他们昏昧的见解，这些话旨在使身居最高地位的人感觉自己的无知并忏悔自己的错谬。他竭力要帮助那些自负的人转而不满足自己空虚的成就，而借着与上天取得亲密的联络去追求属灵的福惠。[34]{PK 435.1}
§70
In bringing to the attention of the temple worshipers, and of the princes and king, the written admonitions contained in the inspired roll, God was graciously seeking to warn the men of Judah for their good. It may be, He said, the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin. Verse 3. God pities men struggling in the blindness of perversity; He seeks to enlighten the darkened understanding by sending reproofs and threatenings designed to cause the most exalted to feel their ignorance and to deplore their errors. He endeavors to help the self-complacent to become dissatisfied with their vain attainments and to seek for spiritual blessing through a close connection with heaven.{PK 435.1}[34]
§71
上帝的计划并不是要差遣信使来讨好或谄媚罪人,他也不传什么平安的信息来安抚不圣洁的人，而任由他们沉湎于肉体的安全感之中。反之，他却将重担压在行恶之人的良心上，并用折服的利箭刺透他的心灵。服役的天使将上帝的可怕刑罚摆在他面前，加深他需要帮助的感觉，促使发出痛苦的呼喊说：“我当怎样行才可以得救？”（徒16:30）但那使人降到灰尘之中、谴责罪恶、并使骄傲和野心蒙羞的圣手，也就是那提拔忧伤痛悔之人的圣手。那位容许降下惩罚的主，怀着最深切的同情问道：“你要我为你作什么？”[35]{PK 435.2}
§72
Gods plan is not to send messengers who will please and flatter sinners; He delivers no messages of peace to lull the unsanctified into carnal security. Instead, He lays heavy burdens upon the conscience of the wrongdoer and pierces his soul with sharp arrows of conviction. Ministering angels present to him the fearful judgments of God, to deepen the sense of need and to prompt the agonizing cry, What must I do to be saved? Acts 16:30. But the Hand that humbles to the dust, rebukes sin, and puts pride and ambition to shame, is the Hand that lifts up the penitent, stricken one. With deepest sympathy He who permits the chastisement to fall, inquires, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?{PK 435.2}[35]
§73
当世人得罪圣洁慈悲的上帝时，他所能采取的最崇高的途径莫如真诚悔改，伤心流泪地承认自己的过错。这就是上帝向他所要的,唯有痛悔的心和忧伤的灵，才能蒙他悦纳。可惜约雅敬王和他的臣仆因骄矜傲慢而拒绝了上帝的邀请。他们不肯听从警告而悔改。在神圣书卷被焚时所提供给他们的机会，乃是他们最后的机会。上帝已经宣称：如果他们到了那时还不肯听从他的话，他就必将可怕的报应降在他们身上。他们果然不肯听从，所以他就宣布要将最后的刑罚降于犹大；他也必降特别的忿怒在那个傲慢地高抬自己反抗全能者的人。[36]{PK 435.3}
§74
When man has sinned against a holy and merciful God, he can pursue no course so noble as to repent sincerely and confess his errors in tears and bitterness of soul. This God requires of him; He accepts nothing less than a broken heart and a contrite spirit. But King Jehoiakim and his lords, in their arrogance and pride, refused the invitation of God. They would not heed the warning, and repent. The gracious opportunity proffered them at the time of the burning of the sacred roll, was their last. God had declared that if at that time they refused to hear His voice, He would inflict upon them fearful retribution. They did refuse to hear, and He pronounced His final judgments upon Judah, and He would visit with special wrath the man who had proudly lifted himself up against the Almighty.{PK 435.3}[36]
§75
“所以耶和华论到犹大王约雅敬说：他后裔中必没有人坐在大卫的宝座上；他的尸首必被抛弃，白日受炎热，黑夜受寒霜。我必因他和他后裔，并他臣仆的罪孽刑罚他们。我要使我所说的一切灾祸降到他们和耶路撒冷的居民，并犹大人。”（耶36:30-31）[37]{PK 436.1}
§76
Thus saith the Lord of Jehoiakim king of Judah; He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David: and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost. And I will punish him and his seed and his servants for their iniquity; and I will bring upon them, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and upon the men of Judah, all the evil that I have pronounced against them. Jeremiah 36:30, 31.{PK 436.1}[37]
§77
焚烧书卷并未了结事件。写成的书卷固然较比其中所含责备和警告的话，以及上帝对悖逆之以色列所宣布的迅将降到的刑罚更易于处理。但是连书卷也要重新再写呢！主吩咐他的仆人说：“你再取一卷，将犹大王约雅敬所烧第一卷上的一切话写在其上。”关于向犹大和耶路撒冷所发预言的记录，固然已化为灰烬,但其上的话语在耶利米的心中记忆犹新，如同“烧着的火”一般，而先知竟得蒙准许，重写人的怒气所亟欲销毁的一切。[38]{PK 436.2}
§78
The burning of the roll was not the end of the matter. The written words were more easily disposed of than the reproof and warning they contained and the swift-coming punishment God had pronounced against rebellious Israel. But even the written roll was reproduced. Take thee again another roll, the Lord commanded His servant, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned. The record of the prophecies concerning Judah and Jerusalem had been reduced to ashes; but the words were still living in the heart of Jeremiah, as a burning fire, and the prophet was permitted to reproduce that which the wrath of man would fain have destroyed.{PK 436.2}[38]
§79
耶利米又取一书卷，交与巴录，“他就从耶利米的口中写了犹大王约雅敬所烧前卷上的一切话,另外又添了许多相仿的话。”（耶36:28,32）人的怒气力谋拦阻上帝先知的工作；但约雅敬所想用来限制耶和华仆人之感化的方法，正好提供了更进一步阐明神的要求的机会。[39]{PK 437.1}
§80
Taking another roll, Jeremiah gave it to Baruch, who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire: and there were added besides unto them many like words. Verses 28, 32. The wrath of man had sought to prevent the labors of the prophet of God; but the very means by which Jehoiakim had endeavored to limit the influence of the servant of Jehovah, gave further opportunity for making plain the divine requirements.{PK 437.1}[39]
§81
那导致逼迫与耶利米被囚的反抗责备之风，今日依然存在。许多人不肯留意那一再传扬的警告，宁愿听从那些夸赞他们的虚荣并忽视他们的恶行之假师傅。这样的人在患难的日子必没有可靠的避难所，也没有自天而来的帮助。上帝所拣选的仆人必须以勇敢和忍耐来应付那经由侮辱、轻视、与诬告而落在他们身上的试炼和苦难。他们必须一直忠心履行上帝所交托他们去从事的工作，务要记得古时的先知与人类的救主，以及他的使徒，都曾为道而忍受侮辱和逼迫。[40]{PK 437.2}
§82
The spirit of opposition to reproof, that led to the persecution and imprisonment of Jeremiah, exists today. Many refuse to heed repeated warnings, preferring rather to listen to false teachers who flatter their vanity and overlook their evil-doing. In the day of trouble such will have no sure refuge, no help from heaven. Gods chosen servants should meet with courage and patience the trials and sufferings that befall them through reproach, neglect, and misrepresentation. They should continue to discharge faithfully the work God has given them to do, ever remembering that the prophets of old and the Saviour of mankind and His apostles also endured abuse and persecution for the Words sake.{PK 437.2}[40]
§83
上帝的旨意原是要约雅敬听从耶利米的劝告，这样他就可以在尼布甲尼撒的眼中得蒙恩宠，并使他自己免去许多忧患。这个年轻的君王曾起誓效忠巴比伦王；如果他遵守诺言，他就必博得外邦人的尊重，这样就会有很多宝贵的机会使多人悔改了。[41]{PK 437.3}
§84
It was Gods purpose that Jehoiakim should heed the counsels of Jeremiah and thus win favor in the eyes of Nebuchadnezzar and save himself much sorrow. The youthful king had sworn allegiance to the Babylonian ruler, and had he remained true to his promise he would have commanded the respect of the heathen, and this would have led to precious opportunities for the conversion of souls.{PK 437.3}[41]
§85
犹大王轻蔑所赐给他的非常特权，故意地随自己的心愿而行。他竟违背自己尊敬巴比伦王的诺言而反叛了。这就使他和他的国家落到非常窘困的地步。耶和华“使迦勒底军、亚兰军、摩押军和亚扪人的军”来攻击他（王下24:2），他完全无力阻止国土遭受这些掠夺者的蹂躏。他在几年之内，就羞愧地结束了他那灾祸频繁的王朝，为上天所弃绝，为民众所厌恶，为对之失去信任的巴比伦诸王所轻视，这一切都是因为他铸了大错，不听上帝借着他指定的信使所显示的旨意之结果。[42]{PK 438.1}
§86
Scorning the unusual privileges granted him, Judahs king willfully followed a way of his own choosing. He violated his word of honor to the Babylonian ruler, and rebelled. This brought him and his kingdom into a very strait place. Against him were sent bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and he was powerless to prevent the land from being overrun by these marauders. 2 Kings 24:2. Within a few years he closed his disastrous reign in ignominy, rejected of Heaven, unloved by his people, and despised by the rulers of Babylon whose confidence he had betrayed--and all as the result of his fatal mistake in turning from the purpose of God as revealed through His appointed messenger.{PK 438.1}[42]
§87
约雅敬的儿子约雅斤（又名耶哥尼亚，或哥尼亚）登基作王只有三个月零十天，迦勒底的军队就因犹大王的背叛而再度围攻这不幸的城邑，于是他投降了。这一次尼布甲尼撒“将约雅斤和王母、后妃、太监与国中的大官”等数千人，连同“木匠、铁匠一千人，”都掳到巴比伦去了。此外，巴比伦王“将耶和华殿和王宫里的宝物”也都拿去了。”（王下24:15-16,13）[43]{PK 438.2}
§88
Jehoiachin [also known as Jeconiah, and Coniah], the son of Jehoiakim, occupied the throne only three months and ten days, when he surrendered to the Chaldean armies which, because of the rebellion of Judahs ruler, were once more besieging the fated city. On this occasion Nebuchadnezzar carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the kings mother, and the kings wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, several thousand in number, together with craftsmen and smiths a thousand. With these the king of Babylon took all the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the kings house. 2 Kings 24:15, 16, 13. {PK 438.2}[43]
§89
犹大国权势崩溃，人力财力遭受掠夺，但仍得保持独立的政府。尼布甲尼撒立约西亚的幼子玛探雅为王，给他改名西底家。[44]{PK 439.1}
§90
The kingdom of Judah, broken in power and robbed of its strength both in men and in treasure, was nevertheless still permitted to exist as a separate government. At its head Nebuchadnezzar placed Mattaniah, a younger son of Josiah, changing his name to Zedekiah.{PK 439.1}[44]