第36章 最后的犹大王
§1
第36章 最后的犹大王
§2
Chap. 36 - The Last King of Judah
§3
西底家开始作王时，深得巴比伦王的信任，并有先知耶利米为可信赖的顾问。他若对巴比伦人保持忠顺的政策，并听从主借着耶利米所传的信息，就能长久博得许多在上掌权者的尊重，并有机会将关乎真神的知识传给他们。这样，那些已经被掳到巴比伦的人就处于有利的地位，而得享多方面的自由，上帝的圣名也必在远近各方大受尊崇。而那些留在犹大地的人就不致遭受后来降到他们身上的可怕灾祸了。[1]{PK 440.1}
§4
Zedekiah at the beginning of his reign was trusted fully by the king of Babylon and had as a tried counselor the prophet Jeremiah. By pursuing an honorable course toward the Babylonians and by paying heed to the messages from the Lord through Jeremiah, he could have kept the respect of many in high authority and have had opportunity to communicate to them a knowledge of the true God. Thus the captive exiles already in Babylon would have been placed on vantage ground and granted many liberties; the name of God would have been honored far and wide; and those that remained in the land of Judah would have been spared the terrible calamities that finally came upon them.{PK 440.1}[1]
§5
上帝曾借着耶利米劝告西底家和全犹大国，包括那些已经被掳到巴比伦去的人，务要镇静地顺服征服者暂时的统治。特别重要的是：“那些被掳的人应当为他们被掳到的那地求平安。”（见耶29:7）无论如何，这是与人之常情相背的。所以撒但就利用当时的环境，在耶路撒冷和巴比伦唆使许多假先知从百姓当中兴起，宣称奴役的轭很快就要被折断，而国家原先的威势不久就要恢复了。[2]{PK 440.2}
§6
Through Jeremiah, Zedekiah and all Judah, including those taken to Babylon, were counseled to submit quietly to the temporary rule of their conquerors. It was especially important that those in captivity should seek the peace of the land into which they had been carried. This, however, was contrary to the inclinations of the human heart; and Satan, taking advantage of the circumstances, caused false prophets to arise among the people, both in Jerusalem and in Babylon, who declared that the yoke of bondage would soon be broken and the former prestige of the nation restored.{PK 440.2}[2]
§7
如果国王和那些被掳的人相信了这种聊以自慰的预言，他们就采取极有害的行动，结果就必阻挠了上帝为他们所定的慈悲计划。主为要防止煽起叛乱和随之而来的大痛苦起见，就吩咐耶利米从速应付这个危机，去将叛变所有的必然结果警告犹大王。被掳的人也得到书面的通知，劝他们不可受诱而轻信拯救的日子已经临近。他强调说:“不要被你们中间的先知和占卜的诱惑。”（耶29:8）同时他也提到主的旨意，是要在他的众信使所预言被掳的七十年满了以后才复兴以色列。[3]{PK 441.1}
§8
The heeding of such flattering prophecies would have led to fatal moves on the part of the king and the exiles, and would have frustrated the merciful designs of God in their behalf. Lest an insurrection be incited and great suffering ensue, the Lord commanded Jeremiah to meet the crisis without delay, by warning the king of Judah of the sure consequence of rebellion. The captives also were admonished, by written communications, not to be deluded into believing their deliverance near. Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, he urged. Jeremiah 29:8. In this connection mention was made of the Lords purpose to restore Israel at the close of the seventy years of captivity foretold by His messengers.{PK 441.1}[3]
§9
上帝怀着何等亲切的怜悯，向他被掳的子民说明他为以色列所定的计划啊！他知道如果他们受假先知的劝诱而指望迅速的解救，那么他们在巴比伦的处境势必非常艰难。他们若作任何示威运动或叛变，就必引起迦勒底当局的警惕和整肃，而使他们的自由遭受更进一步地限制，结果必是痛苦与祸灾。他要他们安分守己，尽量愉快地度自己被奴役的生活，所以他给他们的劝告乃是：“你们要盖造房屋住在其中，栽种田园吃其中所产的。……我所使你们被掳到的那城，你们要为那城求平安，为那城祷告耶和华，因为那城得平安，你们也随着得平安。”（耶29:5-7）[4]{PK 441.2}
§10
With what tender compassion did God inform His captive people of His plans for Israel! He knew that should they be persuaded by false prophets to look for a speedy deliverance, their position in Babylon would be made very difficult. Any demonstration or insurrection on their part would awaken the vigilance and severity of the Chaldean authorities and would lead to a further restriction of their liberties. Suffering and disaster would result. He desired them to submit quietly to their fate and make their servitude as pleasant as possible; and his counsel to them was: Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; . . . and seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. Verses 5-7.{PK 441.2}[4]
§11
在巴比伦的假师傅中，有两个自命圣洁，而实际是生活腐败的人。耶利米曾谴责这两个人的恶行，并将他们的危险警告他们。他们却因受责而恼怒，便设法煽动民众污蔑真先知的话，并采取与上帝劝他们服从巴比伦王的话相背的行动，借此反对他的工作。主借着耶利米宣称，这些假先知将被交在尼布甲尼撒的手中，并当着他的面被杀害。过不多久，这预言果然逐字应验了。[5]{PK 442.1}
§12
Among the false teachers in Babylon were two men who claimed to be holy, but whose lives were corrupt. Jeremiah had condemned the evil course of these men and had warned them of their danger. Angered by reproof, they sought to oppose the work of the true prophet by stirring up the people to discredit his words and to act contrary to the counsel of God in the matter of subjecting themselves to the king of Babylon. The Lord testified through Jeremiah that these false prophets should be delivered into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar and slain before his eyes. Not long afterward, this prediction was literally fulfilled.{PK 442.1}[5]
§13
到了末时，必有人起来，在那些自称代表真神上帝的人中引起混乱和叛变。那些说假预言的人必鼓动人视罪恶为无足轻重之事。当他们恶行的可怕结果显明以后，他们就必尽可能地设法使那曾忠心警告他们的人为一切困难负责，正如犹大人把自己的厄运归咎于耶利米一样。但耶和华借着他先知所讲的话如何在古时确凿地应验，今日他所传信息的可靠性也必得到证实。[6]{PK 442.2}
§14
To the end of time, men will arise to create confusion and rebellion among those who claim to be representatives of the true God. Those who prophesy lies will encourage men to look upon sin as a light thing. When the terrible results of their evil deeds are made manifest, they will seek, if possible, to make the one who has faithfully warned them, responsible for their difficulties, even as the Jews charged Jeremiah with their evil fortunes. But as surely as the words of Jehovah through His prophet were vindicated anciently, so surely will the certainty of His messages be established today.{PK 442.2}[6]
§15
耶利米自始就一贯地劝人服从巴比伦人。这种劝告不但传给犹大，而且也传给许多邻国。在西底家作王的初期，曾有以东、摩押、推罗和其他国家的统治者所派来的使臣访问犹大王，想知道依他的判断，时机是否已经成熟可以联合背叛，他是否愿意与他们联合作战反抗巴比伦王。当这些使臣等待回音的时候，主的话临到耶利米说：“你作绳索与轭，加在自己的颈项上；借那些来到耶路撒冷见犹大王西底家的使臣之手，把绳索与轭送到以东王、摩押王、亚扪王、推罗王、西顿王那里。”（耶27:2-3）[7]{PK 442.3}
§16
From the first, Jeremiah had followed a consistent course in counseling submission to the Babylonians. This counsel was given not only to Judah, but to many of the surrounding nations. In the earlier portion of Zedekiahs reign, ambassadors from the rulers of Edom, Moab, Tyre, and other nations visited the king of Judah to learn whether in his judgment the time was opportune for a united revolt and whether he would join them in battling against the king of Babylon. While these ambassadors were awaiting a response, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, Make thee bonds and yokes, and put them upon thy neck, and send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the Ammonites, and to the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Zidon, by the hand of the messengers which come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah king of Judah. Jeremiah 27:2, 3.{PK 442.3}[7]
§17
耶利米受命要指示这些使臣去禀告他们的王说，上帝已经将他们一齐交在巴比伦王尼布甲尼撒的手中，而且他们要“服侍他和他的儿孙，直到他本国遭报的日期来到。”（耶27:7）[8]{PK 443.1}
§18
Jeremiah was commanded to instruct the ambassadors to inform their rulers that God had given them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, and that they were to serve him, and his son, and his sons son, until the very time of his land come. Verse 7.{PK 443.1}[8]
§19
这些使臣更得到指示要去奏禀他们的国王，如果他们不肯服侍巴比伦王，他们就要受“刀剑、饥荒、瘟疫”的刑罚，直到他们被毁灭为止。他们尤须转离那些另作其他劝告之假先知的教训。主说：“不可听从你们的先知和占卜的、圆梦的、观兆的，以及行邪术的，他们告诉你们说，你们不至服侍巴比伦王。他们向你们说假预言，要叫你们迁移，远离本地，以致我将你们赶出去，使你们灭亡。但哪一邦肯把颈项放在巴比伦王的轭下，服侍他，我必使那邦仍在本地存留，得以耕种居住。这是耶和华说的。”（耶27:8-11）这位慈怜的上帝所能加于如此悖逆之民身上的最轻刑罚，就是叫他们服从巴比伦的统治。但他们如果违抗这个叫他们服奴役的命令，就必尝受他极严厉的惩罚。[9]{PK 443.2}
§20
The ambassadors were further instructed to declare to their rulers that if they refused to serve the Babylonian king they should be punished with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence till they were consumed. Especially were they to turn from the teaching of false prophets who might counsel otherwise. Hearken not ye to your prophets, the Lord declared, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you, to remove you far from your land; and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish. But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the Lord; and they shall till it, and dwell therein. Verses 8-11. The lightest punishment that a merciful God could inflict upon so rebellious a people was submission to the rule of Babylon, but if they warred against this decree of servitude they were to feel the full vigor of His chastisement.{PK 443.2}[9]
§21
当耶利米颈项上带着顺服的轭，来向那不知约束之各国的使节说明上帝的旨意时，他们就不胜惊异。[10]{PK 444.1}
§22
The amazement of the assembled council of nations knew no bounds when Jeremiah, carrying the yoke of subjection about his neck, made known to them the will of God.{PK 444.1}[10]
§23
耶利米在强烈的反对势力之下坚持顺服的政策。在那些胆敢否定主的训诲之人中，最出名的有哈拿尼雅，他是民众早已得到警告要防备的假先知中的一个。他想博取国王和朝廷的欢心，便扬声反对，并声称上帝已将鼓励犹大人的话赐给他。他说：“万军之耶和华以色列的上帝如此说：我已经折断巴比伦的轭。二年之内，我要将巴比伦王尼布甲尼撒从这地掠到巴比伦的器皿，就是耶和华殿中的一切器皿，都带回此地。我又要将犹大王约雅敬的儿子耶哥尼雅和被掳到巴比伦去的一切犹大人带回此地，因为我要折断巴比伦王的轭:这是耶和华说的。”（耶28:2-4）[11]{PK 444.2}
§24
Against determined opposition Jeremiah stood firmly for the policy of submission. Prominent among those who presumed to gainsay the counsel of the Lord was Hananiah, one of the false prophets against whom the people had been warned. Thinking to gain the favor of the king and of the royal court, he lifted his voice in protest, declaring that God had given him words of encouragement for the Jews. Said he: Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels of the Lords house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place, and carried them to Babylon: and I will bring again to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah, that went into Babylon, saith the Lord: for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. Jeremiah 28:2-4.{PK 444.2}[11]
§25
耶利米当着祭司和民众的面，诚恳地劝他们在主所指定的时期服从巴比伦王。他向犹大人引证何西阿、哈巴谷、西番雅的预言，和其他先知所传与他自己所讲并无二致的责备和警告之信息。他也向他们提到许多事件的发生，都是应验了报应不肯悔改之罪的预言。上帝的刑罚过去曾降在怙恶不悛之徒的身上，这就完全应验了他借着他使者所启示的旨意。[12]{PK 445.1}
§26
Jeremiah, in the presence of the priests and people, earnestly entreated them to submit to the king of Babylon for the time the Lord had specified. He cited the men of Judah to the prophecies of Hosea, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and others whose messages of reproof and warning had been similar to his own. He referred them to events which had taken place in fulfillment of prophecies of retribution for unrepented sin. In the past the judgments of God had been visited upon the impenitent in exact fulfillment of His purpose as revealed through His messengers.{PK 445.1}[12]
§27
耶利米提出结论说：“先知预言的平安，到话语成就的时候，人便知道他真是耶和华所差来的。”（耶28:9）如果以色列人宁愿冒险，则日后事情的发展就必确定谁是真先知了。[13]{PK 445.2}
§28
The prophet which prophesieth of peace, Jeremiah proposed in conclusion, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent him. Verse 9. If Israel chose to run the risk, future developments would effectually decide which was the true prophet. {PK 445.2}[13]
§29
耶利米劝人顺服的话，激起哈拿尼雅来大胆质问所传信息的可靠性。哈拿尼雅将那表号性的轭从耶利米的颈项上取下来折断了，说：“耶和华如此说，二年之内我必照样从列国人的颈项上，折断巴比伦王尼布甲尼撒的轭。”[14]{PK 446.1}
§30
The words of Jeremiah counseling submission aroused Hananiah to a daring challenge of the reliability of the message delivered. Taking the symbolic yoke from Jeremiahs neck, Hananiah broke it, saying, Thus saith the Lord; Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years.{PK 446.1}[14]
§31
“于是先知耶利米就走了。”（耶28:11）当时他除了退出这一争斗的场合之外，显然是无可施为了。但耶利米又得到另一道信息，主吩咐他说:“你去告诉哈拿尼雅说，耶和华如此说，你折断木轭，却换了铁轭。因为万军之耶和华以色列的上帝如此说，我已将铁轭加在这些国的颈项上，使他们服侍巴比伦王尼布甲尼撒，他们总要服侍他。”[15]{PK 446.2}
§32
And the prophet Jeremiah went his way. Verse 11. Apparently he could do nothing more than to retire from the scene of conflict. But Jeremiah was given another message. Go and tell Hananiah, he was bidden, Thus saith the Lord; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron. For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him. . . .{PK 446.2}[15]
§33
于是先知耶利米对先知哈拿尼雅说：“哈拿尼雅啊，你应当听！耶和华并没有差遣你，你竟使这百姓倚靠谎言。所以耶和华如此说，看哪我要叫你去世，你今年必死！因为你向耶和华说了叛逆的话。这样，先知哈拿尼雅当年七月间就死了。”（耶28:13-17）[16]{PK 446.3}
§34
Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The Lord hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie. Therefore thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the Lord. So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month. Verses 13-17.{PK 446.3}[16]
§35
这假先知曾加强了民众不信耶利米和他所传信息的心。他也曾恶意地宣称自己是主的使者，终于遭受了死亡的后果。耶利米在五月间预言哈拿尼雅的死，到了七月间他的话就应验而证明是千真万确的了。[17]{PK 446.4}
§36
The false prophet had strengthened the unbelief of the people in Jeremiah and his message. He had wickedly declared himself the Lords messenger, and he suffered death in consequence. In the fifth month Jeremiah prophesied the death of Hananiah, and in the seventh month his words were proved true by their fulfillment. {PK 446.4}[17]
§37
假先知的言论所引起的纷扰，使西底家受到了背叛的嫌疑，所以他唯有采取迅速而果断的行动，才能继续作巴比伦属国的王。在各使臣从耶路撒冷归回四围的列国之后不久，犹大王就趁着“王宫的大臣”西莱雅赋有重要的使命而赴巴比伦的机会（耶51:59）和他一同前去采取行动。西底家在这次访问迦勒底朝廷的时候，就向尼布甲尼撒重新宣誓效忠于他。[18]{PK 447.1}
§38
The unrest caused by the representations of the false prophets brought Zedekiah under suspicion of treason, and only by quick and decisive action on his part was he permitted to continue reigning as a vassal. Opportunity for such action was taken advantage of shortly after the return of the ambassadors from Jerusalem to the surrounding nations, when the king of Judah accompanied Seraiah, a quiet prince, on an important mission to Babylon. Jeremiah 51:59. During this visit to the Chaldean court, Zedekiah renewed his oath of allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar.{PK 447.1}[18]
§39
这时巴比伦王已经从但以理和其他希伯来的俘虏身上，认识了真神上帝的能力和无上威权。所以当西底家再度郑重地许诺效忠的时候，尼布甲尼撒就要他凭耶和华以色列的上帝的名为他所应许的起誓。西底家如果尊重他这次重新订立的誓约，则他的忠顺就必在许多人的心中发挥强大的影响，因为他们正在注意那些自称敬畏希伯来人上帝的圣名，并关心他尊荣之人的行为。[19]{PK 447.2}
§40
Through Daniel and others of the Hebrew captives, the Babylonian monarch had been made acquainted with the power and supreme authority of the true God; and when Zedekiah once more solemnly promised to remain loyal, Nebuchadnezzar required him to swear to this promise in the name of the Lord God of Israel. Had Zedekiah respected this renewal of his covenant oath, his loyalty would have had a profound influence on the minds of many who were watching the conduct of those who claimed to reverence the name and to cherish the honor of the God of the Hebrews.{PK 447.2}[19]
§41
可惜犹大王忽视了这项将荣耀归与永生上帝圣名的崇高特权。《圣经》论到西底家说：他“行耶和华他上帝眼中看为恶的事；先知耶利米以耶和华的话劝他，他仍不在耶利米面前自卑。尼布甲尼撒曾使他指着上帝起誓，他却背叛，强项硬心，不归服耶和华以色列的上帝。”（代下36:12-13）[20]{PK 447.3}
§42
But Judahs king lost sight of his high privilege of bringing honor to the name of the living God. Of Zedekiah it is recorded: He did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord his God, and humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet speaking from the mouth of the Lord. And he also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the Lord God of Israel. 2 Chronicles 36:12, 13. {PK 447.3}[20]
§43
当耶利米继续在犹大地作见证的时候，主在巴比伦的俘虏当中兴起了先知以西结，为要警戒并安慰流亡的人，并坚定他借着耶利米所讲的话。当西底家作王的末叶，以西结就很清楚地指明了相信那引使俘虏们指望早日归回耶路撒冷之假预言的愚妄。他也蒙指示要用种种表号和严肃的信息，来预言耶路撒冷被围困和完全毁灭的事。[21]{PK 448.1}
§44
While Jeremiah continued to bear his testimony in the land of Judah, the prophet Ezekiel was raised up from among the captives in Babylon, to warn and to comfort the exiles, and also to confirm the word of the Lord that was being spoken through Jeremiah. During the years that remained of Zedekiahs reign, Ezekiel made very plain the folly of trusting to the false predictions of those who were causing the captives to hope for an early return to Jerusalem. He was also instructed to foretell, by means of a variety of symbols and solemn messages, the siege and utter destruction of Jerusalem.{PK 448.1}[21]
§45
西底家作王第六年，主在异象中向以西结显示在耶路撒冷和主圣殿院门内，甚至在内院里所行的一些可憎之事。那些满布偶像的房间和画像，“画着各样爬物和可憎的走兽，并以色列家一切的偶像，”（结8:10）这一切都一幕一幕地迅速在先知惊愕不置的眼前显现。[22]{PK 448.2}
§46
In the sixth year of the reign of Zedekiah, the Lord revealed to Ezekiel in vision some of the abominations that were being practiced in Jerusalem, and within the gate of the Lords house, and even in the inner court. The chambers of images, and the pictured idols, every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel--all these in rapid succession passed before the astonished gaze of the prophet. Ezekiel 8:10.{PK 448.2}[22]
§47
他看见那些原应在民间作属灵领袖的“以色列家的七十个长老，”向那摆设于圣殿内院之神圣范围内密室中的偶像烧香。当犹大人进行他们邪教的仪式时，他们竟自宽自慰地说：“耶和华看不见我们”他们又亵慢地宣称：“耶和华已经离弃这地。”（结8:11-12）[23]{PK 448.3}
§48
Those who should have been spiritual leaders among the people, the ancients of the house of Israel, to the number of seventy, were seen offering incense before the idolatrous representations that had been introduced into hidden chambers within the sacred precincts of the temple court. The Lord seeth us not, the men of Judah flattered themselves as they engaged in their heathenish practices; the Lord hath forsaken the earth, they blasphemously declared. Verses 11, 12.{PK 448.3}[23]
§49
先知还要看见“大可憎的事”呢。他见到在那从外院通入内院的门口，“有妇女坐着，为搭模斯哭泣”又在“耶和华殿的内院，……在耶和华的殿门口，廊子和祭坛中间，约有二十五个人，背向耶和华的殿，面向东方拜日头。”（结8:13-16）[24]{PK 448.4}
§50
There were still greater abominations for the prophet to behold. At a gate leading from the outer to the inner court he was shown women weeping for Tammuz, and within the inner court of the Lords house, . . . at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Lord, and their faces toward the east; and they worshiped the sun toward the east. Verses 13-16.{PK 448.4}[24]
§51
这时，那位在此显示犹大地权贵们之邪行的惊人异象中，一直陪同以西结的荣耀之神问他说：“人子啊，你看见了吗？犹大家在此行这可憎的事，还算为小吗？他们在这地遍行强暴，再三惹我发怒，他们手拿枝条举向鼻前。因此，我也要以忿怒行事；我眼必不顾惜，也不可怜他们。他们虽向我耳中大声呼求，我还是不听。”（结8:17-18）[25]{PK 449.1}
§52
And now the glorious Being who accompanied Ezekiel throughout this astonishing vision of wickedness in high places in the land of Judah, inquired of the prophet: Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke Me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose. Therefore will I also deal in fury: Mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in Mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them. Verses 17, 18.{PK 449.1}[25]
§53
主曾借着耶利米论到那些胆敢奉他的名站在众民面前的人说：“连先知带祭司都是亵渎的，就是在我殿中，我也看见他们的恶。”（耶23:11）在《圣经》编年史家记录于西底家王朝末叶史迹上的犹大所受可怕之谴责中，曾一再提及这一亵渎圣殿神圣性的罪状。神圣的作者宣称：“众祭司长和百姓也大大犯罪，效法外邦人一切可憎的事，污秽耶和华在耶路撒冷分别为圣的殿。”（代下36:14）[26]{PK 449.2}
§54
Through Jeremiah the Lord had declared of the wicked men who presumptuously dared to stand before the people in His name: Both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in My house have I found their wickedness. Jeremiah 23:11. In the terrible arraignment of Judah as recorded in the closing narrative of the chronicler of Zedekiahs reign, this charge of violating the sanctity of the temple was repeated. Moreover, the sacred writer declared, all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the Lord which He had hallowed in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 36:14. {PK 449.2}[26]
§55
犹大国的末日很快就要来到了。主再也无法将避免他最严厉之刑罚的希望摆在他们面前了。他发问说：“你们能尽免刑罚吗？你们必不能免。”（耶25:29）[27]{PK 450.1}
§56
The day of doom for the kingdom of Judah was fast approaching. No longer could the Lord set before them the hope of averting the severest of His judgments. Should ye be utterly unpunished? He inquired. Ye shall not be unpunished. Jeremiah 25:29.{PK 450.1}[27]
§57
甚至连这样的话也都被人讥诮嘲弄。那些不知悔悟的人说：“日子迟延，一切异象都落了空。”但借着以西结，有严厉地斥责这种否定确切预言的话传出。主说：“你要告诉他们说，主耶和华如此说，我必使这俗语止息，以色列中不再用这俗语，你却要说对他们说，日子临近一切的异象都必应验。从此，在以色列家中必不再有虚假的异象和奉承的占卜。我耶和华说话，所说的必定成就，不再耽延，你们这悖逆之家，我所说的话，必趁你们在世的日子成就。这是主耶和华说的。”[28]{PK 450.2}
§58
Even these words were received with mocking derision. The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth, declared the impenitent. But through Ezekiel this denial of the sure word of prophecy was sternly rebuked. Tell them, the Lord declared, I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision. For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel. For I am the Lord: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord God.{PK 450.2}[28]
§59
以西结作证说，耶和华的话又临到我说：“人子啊！以色列家的人说，他所见的异象，是关乎后来许多的日子，所说的预言，是指着极远的时候。所以你要对他们说，主耶和华如此说，我的话没有一句再耽延的，我所说的必定成就。这是主耶和华说的。”（结12:27-28）[29]{PK 450.3}
§60
Again, testifies Ezekiel, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off. Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; There shall none of My words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord God. Ezekiel 12:22-28.{PK 450.3}[29]
§61
在那些迅速地引使全国趋于灭亡的人中，西底家王乃是罪魁首恶。这个犹大王由于全然弃绝主借众先知所传给他的训诲，忘记了他对于尼布甲尼撒所应有的感激，又违犯了他奉以色列的主上帝之圣名所起的誓，结果就悖逆了众先知，悖逆了他的恩人，更悖逆了他的上帝。他凭着自己虚妄的智慧转向那从古以来就与以色列的昌盛为敌的国家，“打发使者往埃及去，要他们给他马匹和多民。”[30]{PK 450.4}
§62
Foremost among those who were rapidly leading the nation to ruin was Zedekiah their king. Forsaking utterly the counsels of the Lord as given through the prophets, forgetting the debt of gratitude he owed Nebuchadnezzar, violating his solemn oath of allegiance taken in the name of the Lord God of Israel, Judahs king rebelled against the prophets, against his benefactor, and against his God. In the vanity of his own wisdom he turned for help to the ancient enemy of Israels prosperity, sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people.{PK 450.4}[30]
§63
主论到这个如此卑鄙地背弃一切神圣委托的人时，发问说：“……他岂能亨通呢？行这样事的人，岂能逃脱呢？他背约岂能逃脱呢？他轻看向王所起的誓，背弃王与他所立的约。主耶和华说，我指着我的永生起誓，他定要死在立他作王巴比伦王的京都。……法老虽领大军队和大群众，还是不能帮助他。他轻看誓言，背弃盟约，已经投降，却又作这一切的事，他必不能逃脱。”（结17:15-18）[31]{PK 451.1}
§64
Shall he prosper? the Lord inquired concerning the one who had thus basely betrayed every sacred trust; shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered? As I live, saith the Lord God, surely in the place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die. Neither shall Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company make for him in the war: . . . seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape. Ezekiel 17:15-18.{PK 451.1}[31]
§65
最后清算的日子已临到“这受死伤行恶的以色列王”了。主下令说：“当除掉冠，摘下冕。”犹大将不再有君王，直到基督自己建立他的国为止。关于大卫家的宝座，有神圣的谕旨宣布：“我要将这国倾覆，倾覆，而又倾覆，这国也必不再有，直等到那应得的人来到，我就赐给他。”（结21:25-27）[32]{PK 451.2}
§66
To the profane wicked prince had come the day of final reckoning. Remove the diadem, the Lord decreed, and take off the crown. Not until Christ Himself should set up His kingdom was Judah again to be permitted to have a king. I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it, was the divine edict concerning the throne of the house of David; and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him. Ezekiel 21:25-27.{PK 451.2}[32]