第38章 黑暗中透露光明
§1
第38章 黑暗中透露光明
§2
Chap. 38 - Light Through Darkness
§3
犹大国末期所经历的毁灭与死亡的黑暗年日，若不是上帝的信使们所发出的预言中带有勉励的话，就难免要使那最刚强的心志也为之绝望了。主本乎怜悯的心，借着在耶路撒冷的耶利米、在巴比伦朝廷中的但以理，以及在迦巴鲁河边的以西结，阐明了他永恒的旨意，并保证他乐意为他的选民实现那记在摩西书卷中的诸般应许。凡他所说要为那些忠于他的人成就的事，他一定要使之实现。上帝的道乃是“活泼常存的。”（彼前1:23）[1]{PK 464.1}
§4
The dark years of destruction and death marking the end of the kingdom of Judah would have brought despair to the stoutest heart had it not been for the encouragements in the prophetic utterances of Gods messengers. Through Jeremiah in Jerusalem, through Daniel in the court of Babylon, through Ezekiel on the banks of the Chebar, the Lord in mercy made clear His eternal purpose and gave assurance of His willingness to fulfill to His chosen people the promises recorded in the writings of Moses. That which He had said He would do for those who should prove true to Him, He would surely bring to pass. The word of God . . . liveth and abideth forever. 1 Peter 1:23.{PK 464.1}[1]
§5
当以色列民在旷野飘流的时候，主曾为他的儿女作了充分的安排，使他们能牢记他律法上的一切话。及至他们在迦南定居之后，每一个家庭都要天天复习神圣的律例，将之清楚地写在门框和城门上，并刻在纪念碑上。他们也要将之配合乐曲，由老老少少歌唱吟诵。祭司们要在公众聚会中教导这些圣洁的法度，而国家的首领也要把它们作为每日研究的题旨。关于这律法书，主曾吩咐约书亚说：“总要昼夜思想，好使你谨守遵行这书上所写的一切话；如此你的道路就可以亨通，凡事顺利。”（书1:8）[2]{PK 464.2}
§6
In the days of the wilderness wandering the Lord had made abundant provision for His children to keep in remembrance the words of His law. After the settlement in Canaan the divine precepts were to be repeated daily in every home; they were to be written plainly upon the doorposts and gates, and spread upon memorial tablets. They were to be set to music and chanted by young and old. Priests were to teach these holy precepts in public assemblies, and the rulers of the land were to make them their daily study. Meditate therein day and night, the Lord commanded Joshua concerning the book of the law, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8.{PK 464.2}[2]
§7
约书亚曾将摩西的著作教导全以色列。“摩西所吩咐的一切话，约书亚在以色列全会众和妇女、孩子，并他们中间寄居的外人面前，没有一句不宣读的。”（书8:35）这是遵照耶和华的明令，第七年要在守住棚节的时候公开宣读律法书上的话。以色列的属灵领袖曾蒙指示说：“要招聚他们男、女、孩子，并城里寄居的，使他们听、使他们学习，好敬畏耶和华你们的上帝，谨守遵行这律法的一切话；也使他们未曾晓得这律法的儿女得以听见，学习敬畏耶和华你们的上帝，在你们过约旦河要得为业之地，存活的日子，常常这样行。”（申31:12-13）[3]{PK 465.1}
§8
The writings of Moses were taught by Joshua to all Israel. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them. Joshua 8:35. This was in harmony with the express command of Jehovah providing for a public rehearsal of the words of the book of the law every seven years, during the Feast of Tabernacles. Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, the spiritual leaders of Israel had been instructed, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: and that their children, which have not known anything, may hear, and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. Deuteronomy 31:12, 13.{PK 465.1}[3]
§9
如果以色列人在以后的各世纪中遵从这项训勉，那么他们的历史该是何等的不同了啊！他们唯有将上帝的圣言珍藏在众民的心中，才有希望成全神的旨意。由于重视上帝的律法，才使以色列在大卫王朝和所罗门统治的初叶大有力量；也由于笃信活泼常存的道，所以以利亚和约西亚的时代才能实施改革运动。后来耶利米对于进行改革所作的努力，也是取决于这真理的《圣经》，就是以色列最丰富的遗产。他无论在什么地方工作，都用这诚恳的话去应付民众：“当听这约的话，”（耶11:2）这话将使他们充分了解上帝要将救恩真理的知识传达万国的旨意。[4]{PK 465.2}
§10
Had this counsel been heeded through the centuries that followed, how different would have been Israels history! Only as a reverence for Gods Holy Word was cherished in the hearts of the people, could they hope to fulfill the divine purpose. It was regard for the law of God that gave Israel strength during the reign of David and the earlier years of Solomons rule; it was through faith in the living word that reformation was wrought in the days of Elijah and of Josiah. And it was to these same Scriptures of truth, Israels richest heritage, that Jeremiah appealed in his efforts toward reform. Wherever he ministered he met the people with the earnest plea, Hear ye the words of this covenant, words which would bring them a full understanding of Gods purpose to extend to all nations a knowledge of saving truth. Jeremiah 11:2.{PK 465.2}[4]
§11
在犹大背道时期的末叶，众先知的劝告似乎没有起什么作用。所以当迦勒底的军队第三次，也就是最后一次围攻耶路撒冷时，众人的心中就完全绝望了。耶利米既预言全然的毁灭，又因他坚持投降，所以他终于被下在监里。但上帝并没有让那些仍然留在城内的忠贞“余数”完全陷入无望的绝境。正当耶利米被那些藐视他的信息之人严严监视着的时候，有一些关于上天如何乐愿赦免拯救的新启示临到他，这些启示从当时直到今日都成了上帝教会获得安慰的无尽来源。[5]{PK 466.1}
§12
In the closing years of Judahs apostasy the exhortations of the prophets were seemingly of but little avail; and as the armies of the Chaldeans came for the third and last time to besiege Jerusalem, hope fled from every heart. Jeremiah predicted utter ruin; and it was because of his insistence on surrender that he had finally been thrown into prison. But God left not to hopeless despair the faithful remnant who were still in the city. Even while Jeremiah was kept under close surveillance by those who scorned his messages, there came to him fresh revelations concerning Heavens willingness to forgive and to save, which have been an unfailing source of comfort to the church of God from that day to this.{PK 466.1}[5]
§13
耶利米坚守着上帝的诸般应许，所以借着一项已见诸行动的比喻，来向这注定遭劫之城邑的居民，显明自己坚信上帝对他子民的旨意终必实现。他在许多见证人面前，仔细遵照一切必须的合法手续，用十七舍客勒银子买了靠近亚拿突村的一块祖传的地。[6]{PK 466.2}
§14
Laying fast hold on the promises of God, Jeremiah, by means of an acted parable, illustrated before the inhabitants of the fated city his strong faith in the ultimate fulfillment of Gods purpose for His people. In the presence of witnesses, and with careful observance of all necessary legal forms, he purchased for seventeen shekels of silver an ancestral field situated in the neighboring village of Anathoth.{PK 466.2}[6]
§15
按世人的眼光看来，在巴比伦人已经占领的区域之内买地，显然是一项愚妄之举。先知自己曾预言耶路撒冷的毁灭、犹大的荒废、和全国的败亡。他也曾预言被掳到遥远的巴比伦去的漫长时期。何况他业已年纪老迈，决不能指望从他所买的地上获得什么私人的利益。然而他对于《圣经》所记载之预言的研究，已经使他心中坚信主定意要将被掳之民原来所占有的应许之地还给他们。耶利米以信心的眼睛展望到那些流亡者在苦难的岁月结束之后，回来重新占领他们的列祖之地。他借着购买亚拿突的那块地，来尽力以那使他自己的心灵获得无比安慰的指望去鼓舞别人。[7]{PK 469.1}
§16
From every human point of view this purchase of land in territory already under the control of the Babylonians, appeared to be an act of folly. The prophet himself had been foretelling the destruction of Jerusalem, the desolation of Judea, and the utter ruin of the kingdom. He had been prophesying a long period of captivity in faraway Babylon. Already advanced in years, he could never hope to receive personal benefit from the purchase he had made. However, his study of the prophecies that were recorded in the Scriptures had created within his heart a firm conviction that the Lord purposed to restore to the children of the captivity their ancient possession of the Land of Promise. With the eye of faith Jeremiah saw the exiles returning at the end of the years of affliction and reoccupying the land of their fathers. Through the purchase of the Anathoth estate he would do what he could to inspire others with the hope that brought so much comfort to his own heart.{PK 469.1}[7]
§17
耶利米既签署了买契，又得到证人的划押，便嘱咐他的书记巴录说：“万军之耶和华以色列的上帝如此说，要将这封缄的和敞着的两张契放在瓦器里，可以存留多日，因为万军之耶和华以色列的上帝如此说，将来在这地必有人再买房屋、田地和葡萄园。”（耶32:14-15）[8]{PK 469.2}
§18
Having signed the deeds of transfer and secured the countersignatures of witnesses, Jeremiah charged Baruch his secretary: Take these evidences, this evidence of the purchase, both which is sealed, and this evidence which is open; and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may continue many days. For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land. Jeremiah 32:14, 15.{PK 469.2}[8]
§19
在进行这项特殊交易时，犹大的前途颇令人沮丧，耶利米在完成买地的一切手续、并为保存证件作了安排之后，他的信心过去虽然从未动摇，这时却受到了严重的考验。他如此竭力勉励犹大是不是僭妄自恃之举呢？在他渴望要建立对上帝圣言中应许的信任时，他有没有让步给虚幻的希望呢？那些曾经与上帝立约的子民，早已藐视上帝为他们而安排的一切。上帝向这蒙拣选的国度所发的应许，还能有完全实现的一天吗？[9]{PK 469.3}
§20
So discouraging was the outlook for Judah at the time of this extraordinary transaction that immediately after perfecting the details of the purchase and arranging for the preservation of the written records, the faith of Jeremiah, unshaken though it had been, was now sorely tried. Had he, in his endeavor to encourage Judah, acted presumptuously? In his desire to establish confidence in the promises of Gods word, had he given ground for false hope? Those who had entered into covenant relationship with God had long since scorned the provisions made in their behalf. Could the promises to the chosen nation ever meet with complete fulfillment?{PK 469.3}[9]
§21
先知心中困惑，并为那些不肯悔罪改过之人所受的痛苦而深深忧伤，便祈求上帝对于那为人类而定的神圣旨意赐予进一步的启导。[10]{PK 470.1}
§22
Perplexed in spirit, bowed down with sorrow over the sufferings of those who had refused to repent of their sins, the prophet appealed to God for further enlightenment concerning the divine purpose for mankind.{PK 470.1}[10]
§23
耶利米祷告说“主耶和华啊，你曾用大能和伸出来的膀臂创造天地，在你没有难成的事；你施慈爱与千万人，又将父亲的罪孽报应在他后世子孙的怀中，是至大全能的上帝，万军之耶和华是你的名。谋事有大略，行事有大能，注目观看世人一切的举动，为要照各人所行的、和他作事的结果报应他；在埃及显神迹奇事，直到今日在以色列和别人中间也是如此，使自己得了名声，正如今日一样；用神迹奇事，和大能的手，并伸出来的膀臂，与大可畏的事，领你的百姓以色列出了埃及，将这地赐给他们，就是你向他们列祖起誓应许赐给他们流奶与蜜之地；他们进入这地得了为业，却不听从你的话，也不遵行你的律法；你一切所吩咐他们行的，他们一无所行；因此你使这一切的灾祸临到他们。”（耶32:17-23）[11]{PK 470.2}
§24
Ah Lord God! he prayed, behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched-out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee: Thou showest loving-kindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the great, the mighty God, the Lord of hosts, is His name, great in counsel, and mighty in work: for Thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give everyone according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings: which hast set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even unto this day, and in Israel, and among other men; and hast made Thee a name, as at this day; and hast brought forth Thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched-out arm, and with great terror; and hast given them this land, which Thou didst swear to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey; and they came in, and possessed it; but they obeyed not Thy voice, neither walked in Thy law; they have done nothing of all that Thou commandedst them to do: therefore Thou hast caused all this evil to come upon them. Verses 17-23.{PK 470.2}[11]
§25
尼布甲尼撒的军队即将强袭锡安的城墙。成千的人将在为保卫城池作最后的殊死战中捐躯。还有更多的人将因饥饿与瘟疫而丧命。耶路撒冷的厄运已经注定了。敌军围攻的高垒已经超越城墙了。先知继续祷告上帝说：“看哪，敌人已经来到，筑垒要攻取这城，城也因刀剑、饥荒、瘟疫，交在攻城的迦勒底人手中。你所说的话都成就了，你也看见了，主耶和华啊，你对我说要用银子为自己买那块地，又请见证人；其实这城已交在迦勒底人的手中了。”（耶32:24-25）[12]{PK 471.1}
§26
Nebuchadnezzars armies were about to take the walls of Zion by storm. Thousands were perishing in a last desperate defense of the city. Many thousands more were dying of hunger and disease. The fate of Jerusalem was already sealed. The besieging towers of the enemys forces were already overlooking the walls. Behold the mounts, the prophet continued in his prayer to God; they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what Thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, Thou seest it. And Thou hast said unto me, O Lord God, Buy thee the field for money, and take witnesses; for the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans. Verses 24, 25.{PK 471.1}[12]
§27
先知的祈祷得到了慈爱的答复。正在危难之际，当这位真理使者的信心受到烈火般的考验时，“耶和华的话临到耶利米说，我是耶和华，是凡有血气者的上帝；岂有我难成的事吗？”（耶32:26-27）圣城很快就要落到迦勒底人手中了，它的城门和宫殿都要被火焚毁，虽然毁灭的灾祸已迫近眉睫，耶路撒冷的居民将要被掳，但耶和华为以色列所定永恒的旨意终必实现。所以主更进一步地答复他仆人的祈祷，论到那些遭受他惩罚的人说：[13]{PK 471.2}
§28
The prayer of the prophet was graciously answered. The word of the Lord unto Jeremiah in that hour of distress, when the faith of the messenger of truth was being tried as by fire, was: Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for Me? Verses 26, 27. The city was soon to fall into the hand of the Chaldeans; its gates and palaces were to be set on fire and burned; but, notwithstanding the fact that destruction was imminent and the inhabitants of Jerusalem were to be carried away captive, nevertheless the eternal purpose of Jehovah for Israel was yet to be fulfilled. In further answer to the prayer of His servant, the Lord declared concerning those upon whom His chastisements were falling:{PK 471.2}[13]
§29
“我在怒气、忿怒和大恼恨中，将以色列人赶到各国；日后我必从那里将他们招聚出来，领他们回到此地，使他们安然居住。他们要作我的子民，我要作他们的上帝。我要使他们彼此同心同道，好叫他们永远敬畏我，使他们和他们后世的子孙得福乐。又要与他们立永远的约，必随着他们施恩，并不离开他们，且使他们有敬畏我的心，不离开我。我必欢喜施恩与他们，要尽心尽意、诚诚实实将他们栽于此地。”[14]{PK 472.1}
§30
Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in Mine anger, and in My fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: and they shall be My people, and I will be their God: and I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: and I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from Me. Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with My whole heart and with My whole soul.{PK 472.1}[14]
§31
“因为耶和华如此说，我怎样使这一切大祸临到这百姓，我也要照样使我所应许他们的一切福乐都临到他们。你们说，这地是荒凉，无人民，无牲畜，是交付迦勒底人手之地。日后在这境内，必有人置买田地。在便雅悯地、耶路撒冷四围的各处、犹大的城邑、山地的城邑、高原的城邑并南地的城邑，人必用银子买田地，在契上画押，将契封缄，请出见证人；因为我必使被掳的人归回。这是耶和华说的。”（耶32:37-44）[15]{PK 472.2}
§32
For thus saith the Lord; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them. And fields shall be bought in this land, whereof ye say, It is desolate without man or beast; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans. Men shall buy fields for money, and subscribe evidences, and seal them, and take witnesses in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, and in the cities of the mountains, and in the cities of the valley, and in the cities of the south: for I will cause their captivity to return, saith the Lord. Verses 37-44.{PK 472.2}[15]
§33
为要坚定这些有关救赎和复兴的保证起见，这时，耶利米还囚在护卫兵的院内，耶和华的话第二次临到他说：[16]{PK 472.3}
§34
In confirmation of these assurances of deliverance and restoration, the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying, {PK 472.3}[16]
§35
“成就的是耶和华，造作为要建立的也是耶和华；耶和华是他的名；他如此说：你求告我，我就应允你，并将你所不知道、又大又难的事指示你。论到这城中的房屋，和犹大王的宫室，就是拆毁为挡敌人高垒和刀剑的，耶和华以色列的上帝如此说：……看哪，我要使这城得以痊愈、安舒，使城中的人得医治，又将丰盛的平安和诚实显明与他们。我也要使犹大被掳的和以色列被掳的归回，并建立他们，和起初一样。我要除净他们的一切罪，就是向我所犯的罪，又要赦免他们的一切罪。……这城要在地上万国人面前，使我得颂赞，得荣耀，名为可喜可乐之城；万国人因听见我向这城所赐的福乐，所施的恩惠平安，就惧怕战兢。”[17]{PK 473.1}
§36
Thus saith the Lord the Maker thereof, the Lord that formed it, to establish it; the Lord is His name; Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. For thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword; . . . Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth. And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first. And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against Me; and I will pardon all their iniquities. . . . And it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise and an honor before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.{PK 473.1}[17]
§37
“耶和华如此说，……在这荒凉无人民无牲畜的犹大城邑和耶路撒冷的街上，必再听见有欢喜和快乐的声音，新郎和新妇的声音，并听见有人说，要称谢万军之耶和华；因耶和华本为善，他的慈爱永远长存；又有奉感谢祭到耶和华殿中之人的声音。因为我必使这地被掳的人归回，和起初一样；这是耶和华说的。[18]{PK 473.2}
§38
Thus saith the Lord; Again there shall be heard in this place, which ye say shall be desolate without man and without beast, even in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, . . . the voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the Lord of hosts: for the Lord is good; for His mercy endureth forever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the Lord.{PK 473.2}[18]
§39
万军之耶和华如此说，在这荒废无人民无牲畜之地，并其中所有的城邑，必再有牧人的住处；他们要使羊群躺卧在那里。在山地的城邑、高原的城邑、南地的城邑、便雅悯地、耶路撒冷四围的各处和犹大的城邑，必再有羊群从数点的人手下经过。这是耶和华说的。[19]{PK 473.3}
§40
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down. In the cities of the mountains, and in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth them, saith the Lord.{PK 473.3}[19]
§41
耶和华说，日子将到，我应许以色列家和犹大家的恩言，必然成就。”（耶33:1-14）[20]{PK 474.1}
§42
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. Jeremiah 33:1-14.{PK 474.1}[20]
§43
上帝的教会在与罪恶势力长期争斗的最黑暗的时刻，就此得到了安慰。撒但在力图毁灭以色列的事上似乎得胜了，但主依然支配着当前的一切事件，而在未来的岁月中，他的子民要得到补救过去的机会。他传给教会的信息是：[21]{PK 474.2}
§44
Thus was the church of God comforted in one of the darkest hours of her long conflict with the forces of evil. Satan had seemingly triumphed in his efforts to destroy Israel; but the Lord was overruling the events of the present, and during the years that were to follow, His people were to have opportunity to redeem the past. His message to the church was:{PK 474.2}[21]
§45
“我的仆人雅各啊，不要惧怕；以色列啊，不要惊惶；因我要从远方拯救你，从被掳到之地拯救你的后裔；雅各必回来得享平静安逸，无人使他害怕。因为我与你同在，要拯救你。”“我必使你痊愈，医好你的伤痕。”（耶30:10-11,17）[22]{PK 474.3}
§46
Fear thou not, O My servant Jacob; . . . neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid. For I am with thee, saith the Lord, to save thee. I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds. Jeremiah 30:10, 11, 17.{PK 474.3}[22]
§47
在那快乐复兴的日子，以色列分裂后的各支派要重新联合成为一个民族。主要被公认为管理“以色列各家的上帝。”他说：“他们必作我的子民。”“你们当为雅各欢乐歌唱，因万国中为首的欢呼；当传扬颂赞，说，耶和华啊，求你拯救你的百姓以色列所剩下的人。我必将他们从北方领来，从地极招聚，同着他们来的，有瞎子、瘸子；……他们要哭泣而来，我要照他们恳求的引导他们，使他们在河水旁走正直的路，在其上不致绊跌；因为我是以色列的父，以法莲是我的长子。”（耶31:1,7-9）[23]{PK 474.4}
§48
In the glad day of restoration the tribes of divided Israel were to be reunited as one people. The Lord was to be acknowledged as ruler over all the families of Israel. They shall be My people. He declared. Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O Lord, save Thy people, the remnant of Israel. Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame; . . . they shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is My first-born. Jeremiah 31:1, 7-9.{PK 474.4}[23]
§49
那些一度曾被承认为上天所恩宠过于世上其他一切民族的，竟在列国的面前被降为卑，而将在流亡中学习那与他们将来幸福密切攸关之顺从的教训。在他们还没有学会这番教训之前，上帝就不能实行他原来渴望为他们施行的一切了。他解释他定意管教他们乃为他们属灵的益处，说：“我……要从宽惩治你，万不能不罚你。”（耶30:11）然而那些曾经作为他怜爱的对像之人，决不会永远被撇弃一旁；他将要向地上的万国显明他的计划，乃是要从显然的失败中得到胜利，乃是要拯救而不是要毁灭。所以有如下的信息赐予先知：[24]{PK 475.1}
§50
Humbled in the sight of the nations, those who once had been recognized as favored of Heaven above all other peoples of the earth were to learn in exile the lesson of obedience so necessary for their future happiness. Until they had learned this lesson, God could not do for them all that He desired to do. I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished, He declared in explanation of His purpose to chastise them for their spiritual good. Jeremiah 30:11. Yet those who had been the object of His tender love were not forever set aside; before all the nations of earth He would demonstrate His plan to bring victory out of apparent defeat, to save rather than to destroy. To the prophet was given the message:{PK 475.1}[24]
§51
“赶散以色列的必招聚他，又看守他，好像牧人看守羊群。因耶和华救赎了雅各，救赎他脱离比他更强之人的手。他们要来到锡安的高处歌唱，又流归耶和华施恩之地，就是有五谷、新酒和油、并羊羔牛犊之地；他们的心必像浇灌的园子；他们也不再有一点愁烦。……因为我要使他们的悲哀变为欢喜，并要安慰他们，使他们的愁烦转为快乐。我必以肥油使祭司的心满足；我的百姓也要因我的恩惠知足，这是耶和华说的。”[25]{PK 475.2}
§52
He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all. . . . I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, saith the Lord.{PK 475.2}[25]
§53
“万军之耶和华以色列的上帝如此说，我使被掳之人归回的时候，他们在犹大地和其中的城邑必再这样说，公义的居所啊，圣山哪，愿耶和华赐福给你。犹大和属犹大城邑的人，农夫和牧羊的人，要一同住在其中。疲乏的人，我使他饱饫；愁烦的人，我使他知足。”[26]{PK 476.1}
§54
Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The Lord bless thee, O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness. And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they that go forth with flocks. For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.{PK 476.1}[26]
§55
“耶和华说：日子将到，我要与以色列家和犹大家另立新约，不像我拉着他们祖宗的手，领他们出埃及地的时候，与他们所立的约；我虽作他们的丈夫，他们却背了我的约，这是耶和华说的。耶和华说，那些日子以后，我与以色列家所立的约乃是这样，我要将我的律法放在他们里面，写在他们心上；我要作他们的上帝，他们要作我的子民。他们各人不再教导自己的邻舍，和自己的弟兄说，你该认识耶和华；因为他们从最小的到至大的，都必认识我。我要赦免他们的罪孽，不再记念他们的罪恶，这是耶和华说的。”（耶31:10-14,23-25,31-34）[27]{PK 476.2}
§56
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which My covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Jeremiah 31:10-14, 23-25, 31-34.{PK 476.2}[27]