第42章 真正的伟大
§1
第42章 真正的伟大
§2
Chap. 42 - True Greatness
§3
（本章根据：但以理四章）
§4
尼布甲尼撒虽然在属世的尊荣上登峰造极，甚至连《圣经》也承认他为“诸王之王，”（结26:7）但他有几次仍不得不将他国度的光荣和他王朝的声威，归功于耶和华的恩宠。在他梦见那大像之后就是如此。他的心因这异象和以下的思想而深受感动，那就是，巴比伦帝国虽然席卷天下，但终必倾覆，其他各国必相继掌权，直到最后，一切属世的列强都要被天上的上帝所建立的国代替，而这国乃是永不败坏的。[1]{PK 514.1}
§5
Exalted to the pinnacle of worldly honor, and acknowledged even by Inspiration as a king of kings (Ezekiel 26:7). Nebuchadnezzar nevertheless at times had ascribed to the favor of Jehovah the glory of his kingdom and the splendor of his reign. Such had been the case after his dream of the great image. His mind had been profoundly influenced by this vision and by the thought that the Babylonian Empire, universal though it was, was finally to fall, and other kingdoms were to bear sway, until at last all earthly powers were to be superseded by a kingdom set up by the God of heaven, which kingdom was never to be destroyed.{PK 514.1}[1]
§6
尼布甲尼撒后来在他的经验中，竟忘记了他对于上帝为万国所定旨意的高贵认识。然而及至他的傲气当着那聚集在杜拉平原的群众面前受到挫折的时候，他就再度承认上帝的国“是永远的，他的权柄存到万代。”他虽然出生并受教为拜偶像之人，又身为拜偶像之民族的元首，但他却具有天赋的真诚与正义感，所以上帝能利用他作为惩罚悖逆之徒并成就神圣旨意的工具。尼布甲尼撒被称为“列国中的强暴人，”（结28:7）他经过多年的忍苦耐劳。终于征服了推罗，埃及也在他胜利的队伍之前倾覆而成为掠物；当他将各国一一并吞于巴比伦国领土之内时，他身为当代最伟大的统治者的威望也就越来越高了。[2]{PK 514.2}
§7
Nebuchadnezzars noble conception of Gods purpose concerning the nations was lost sight of later in his experience; yet when his proud spirit was humbled before the multitude on the plain of Dura, he once more had acknowledged that Gods kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation. An idolater by birth and training, and at the head of an idolatrous people, he had nevertheless an innate sense of justice and right, and God was able to use him as an instrument for the punishment of the rebellious and for the fulfillment of the divine purpose. The terrible of the nations (Ezekiel 28:7), it was given Nebuchadnezzar, after years of patient and wearing labor, to conquer Tyre; Egypt also fell a prey to his victorious armies; and as he added nation after nation to the Babylonian realm, he added more and more to his fame as the greatest ruler of the age.{PK 514.2}[2]
§8
这个野心勃勃、狂傲成性、而无往不利的君王，竟因受诱而偏离那唯一导往真正伟大的谦卑之路，原是无足为奇的事。他在征战之余，也曾多用心机来巩固并美化他的京都，直到巴比伦城成为他国度中的最大光荣，“黄金的城邑，”为“全地所赞美的。”他那作建筑家的热忱，以及他使巴比伦成为世界奇观之一的显著成就，都助长了他的骄傲，直到他陷入有破坏自己为贤明君王、可供上帝续用为完成神圣旨意之工具的记录的严重危险。[3]{PK 515.1}
§9
It is not surprising that the successful monarch, so ambitious and so proud-spirited, should be tempted to turn aside from the path of humility, which alone leads to true greatness. In the intervals between his wars of conquest he gave much thought to the strengthening and beautifying of his capital, until at length the city of Babylon became the chief glory of his kingdom, the golden city, the praise of the whole earth. His passion as a builder, and his signal success in making Babylon one of the wonders of the world, ministered to his pride, until he was in grave danger of spoiling his record as a wise ruler whom God could continue to use as an instrument for the carrying out of the divine purpose.{PK 515.1}[3]
§10
上帝本乎慈怜又赐给王另一个梦兆，将他的危险以及那为陷害他而布置的网罗警告他。尼布甲尼撒在夜间的异象中，见到一棵大树在全地当中渐长，高得顶天，树枝一直伸展到地极。来自群山之间的牲畜、走兽都在它的荫下休息，天空的飞鸟也在其枝上搭窝。“叶子华美，果子甚多，可作众生的食物；……凡有血气的，都从这树得食。”[4]{PK 515.2}
§11
In mercy God gave the king another dream, to warn him of his peril and of the snare that had been laid for his ruin. In a vision of the night, Nebuchadnezzar saw a great tree growing in the midst of the earth, its top towering to the heavens and its branches stretching to the ends of the earth. Flocks and herds from the mountains and hills enjoyed shelter beneath its shadow, and the birds of the air built their nests in its boughs. The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: . . . and all flesh was fed of it.{PK 515.2}[4]
§12
当王注视着这棵大树时，他见有“一位守望的圣者”来到树前，大声呼叫说：[5]{PK 516.1}
§13
As the king gazed upon the lofty tree, he beheld a Watcher, even an Holy One, who approached the tree and in a loud voice cried:{PK 516.1}[5]
§14
“伐倒这树，砍下枝子，摇掉叶子，抛散果子；使走兽离开树下，飞鸟躲开树枝；树墩却要留在地内，用铁圈和铜圈箍住，在田野的青草中，让天露滴湿；使他与地上的兽一同吃草，使他的心改变，不如人心，给他一个兽心，使他经过七期。这是守望者所发的命，圣者所出的令、好叫世人知道：至高者在人的国中掌权，要将国赐与谁就赐与谁，或立极卑微的人执掌国权。”[6]{PK 516.2}
§15
Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches: nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: let his heart be changed from mans, and let a beasts heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.{PK 516.2}[6]
§16
王因这梦而大为不安，因为它显然是一个不祥的征兆，所以他就将梦告诉“那些术士、用法术的、迦勒底人、观兆的。”这梦虽然非常明显，但哲士中却没有一人能加以圆解。[7]{PK 516.3}
§17
Greatly troubled by the dream, which was evidently a prediction of adversity, the king repeated it to the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers; but although the dream was very explicit, none of the wise men could interpret it.{PK 516.3}[7]
§18
这个拜偶像的国家将再次得到一个见证，说明唯有敬畏上帝的人才能明白天国的奥秘。王在困惑之中差人将他的臣仆但以理召来，因为他是一个在正直和忠实以及盖世无双的智慧、都受人尊重的人。[8]{PK 516.4}
§19
Once more in this idolatrous nation, testimony was to be borne to the fact that only those who love and fear God can understand the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. The king in his perplexity sent for his servant Daniel, a man esteemed for his integrity and constancy and for his unrivaled wisdom. {PK 516.4}[8]
§20
当但以理应召侍立在尼布甲尼撒面前时，王就对他说：“术士的领袖伯提沙撒啊，因我知道你里头有圣神的灵，什么奥秘的事，都不能使你为难，现在要把我梦中所见的异象，和梦的讲解告诉我。”尼布甲尼撒在讲述他的梦之后，就说：“伯提沙撒啊，你要说明这梦的讲解，因为我国中的一切哲士，都不能将梦的讲解告诉我。唯独你能，因你里头有圣神的灵。”[9]{PK 517.1}
§21
When Daniel, in response to the royal summons, stood in the kings presence, Nebuchadnezzar said, O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof. After relating the dream, Nebuchadnezzar said: O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.{PK 517.1}[9]
§22
这梦的含义对但以理而言，乃是明显的，而它的关系重大也使他感到震惊。他“惊讶片时，心意惊惶。”王既看出但以理的迟疑和作难，就向他的仆人表示关怀说：“伯提沙撒啊，不要因梦和梦的讲解惊惶。”[10]{PK 517.2}
§23
To Daniel the meaning of the dream was plain, and its significance startled him. He was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. Seeing Daniels hesitation and distress, the king expressed sympathy for his servant. Belteshazzar, he said, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee.{PK 517.2}[10]
§24
但以理回答说：“我主啊，愿这梦归与恨恶你的人，讲解归于你的敌人。”先知这时发觉上帝已经将一项最严肃的任务交给他，就是要向尼布甲尼撒宣布那因他的骄傲自大而将降于他的刑罚。但以理必须用王所能明了的话向他解释这梦，虽然这梦的可怕含义曾使他惊讶无言，但不论后果对他自己如何，他仍须讲明其中的真理。[11]{PK 517.3}
§25
My lord, Daniel answered, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies. The prophet realized that upon him God had laid the solemn duty of revealing to Nebuchadnezzar the judgment that was about to fall upon him because of his pride and arrogance. Daniel must interpret the dream in language the king could understand; and although its dreadful import had made him hesitate in dumb amazement, yet he must state the truth, whatever the consequences to himself.{PK 517.3}[11]
§26
于是但以理便解明了全能者的命令。他说：“你所见的树渐长，而且坚固，高得顶天，从地极都能看见，叶子华美，果子甚多，可作众生的食物；田野的走兽住在其下，天空的飞鸟宿在枝上。王啊，这渐长又坚固的树就是你。你的威势渐长及天，你的权柄管到地极。”[12]{PK 517.4}
§27
Then Daniel made known the mandate of the Almighty. The tree that thou sawest, he said, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beast of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation: it is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.{PK 517.4}[12]
§28
“王既看见一位守望的圣者从天而降说，将这树砍伐毁坏；树墩却要留在地内，用铁圈和铜圈箍住，在田野的青草中，让天露滴湿；使他与地上的兽一同吃草，直到经过七期。王啊，讲解就是这样，临到我主我王的事，是出于至高者的命。你必被赶出离开世人，与野地的兽同居，吃草如牛，被天露滴湿，且要经过七期；等你知道至高者在人的国中掌权，要将国赐与谁就赐与谁。守望者既吩咐存留树墩，等你知道诸天掌权，以后你的国必定归你。”[13]{PK 518.1}
§29
And whereas the king saw a Watcher and an Holy One coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which is come upon my lord the king: that they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will. And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the Heavens do rule.{PK 518.1}[13]
§30
但以理既已忠实地讲解这梦，就劝谏这位骄傲的君王悔改归向上帝，借着行义或可避免那迫近眉睫的灾祸。先知恳劝说：“王啊，求你悦纳我的谏言，以施行公义断绝罪过，以怜悯穷人除掉罪孽；或者你的平安可以延长。”[14]{PK 518.2}
§31
Having faithfully interpreted the dream, Daniel urged the proud monarch to repent and turn to God, that by rightdoing he might avert the threatened calamity. O king, the prophet pleaded, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.{PK 518.2}[14]
§32
先知的忠告和谏言，在尼布甲尼撒的心中，一时留下的印象颇为深刻。但那未经上帝恩典所改造的心，很快就失去圣灵所留下的印象。任性和野心还没有从王的心中除掉，过不久这些癖性又死灰复燃了。尼布甲尼撒不顾如此恩慈地赐与他的指教，以及过去经验的警告，而竟又任由那对于将来要继兴的各国所怀的嫉妒心控制自己。于是他过去所慨施的德泽仁政就变成苛政了。他竟硬着心肠用上帝所赐给他的才干来荣耀自己，高举自己过于那位赐他生命与权势的上帝。[15]{PK 519.1}
§33
For a time the impression of the warning and the counsel of the prophet was strong upon Nebuchadnezzar; but the heart that is not transformed by the grace of God soon loses the impressions of the Holy Spirit. Self-indulgence and ambition had not yet been eradicated from the kings heart, and later on these traits reappeared. Notwithstanding the instruction so graciously given him, and the warnings of past experience, Nebuchadnezzar again allowed himself to be controlled by a spirit of jealousy against the kingdoms that were to follow. His rule, which heretofore had been to a great degree just and merciful, became oppressive. Hardening his heart, he used his God-given talents for self-glorification, exalting himself above the God who had given him life and power.{PK 519.1}[15]
§34
经过数月之久，上帝的刑罚迟迟不降。可是王非但没有因这种长久的容忍而悔改，反而放纵自己的骄傲，直到不再相信那梦的解释，并对自己先前的恐惧觉得可笑。[16]{PK 519.2}
§35
For months the judgment of God lingered. But instead of being led to repentance by this forbearance, the king indulged his pride until he lost confidence in the interpretation of the dream, and jested at his former fears.{PK 519.2}[16]
§36
尼布甲尼撒受到警告后过了一年，正在自己的王宫里游行，傲然想到自己作君王的权能和作建筑家的成功，便感慨地说：“这大巴比伦不是我用大能大力建为京都，要显我威严的荣耀吗？”[17]{PK 519.3}
§37
A year from the time he had received the warning, Nebuchadnezzar, walking in his palace and thinking with pride of his power as a ruler and of his success as a builder, exclaimed, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?{PK 519.3}[17]
§38
这狂傲的话在王口中尚未说完，就有声音从天上宣布上帝所指定刑罚的时候已经到了。有耶和华的命令传到他的耳中，说：“尼布甲尼撒王啊，有话对你说，你的国位离开你了。你必被赶出离开世人，与野地的兽同居，吃草如牛，且要经过七期；等你知道至高者在人的国中掌权，要将国赐与谁就赐与谁。”[18]{PK 519.4}
§39
While the proud boast was yet on the kings lips, a voice from heaven announced that Gods appointed time of judgment had come. Upon his ears fell the mandate of Jehovah: O King Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will.{PK 519.4}[18]
§40
顷刻之间，上帝所赐给他的理性被取去了。王所认为健全的判断力和他所引以自豪的智慧都被挪除了，结果昔日的大统治者竟成了一个疯子，他的手再不能执掌王权了。尼布甲尼撒不顾警告的信息，因此创造主所赐与他的权柄此时被剥夺了，他被赶出离开世人。“吃草如牛，身被天露滴湿，头发长长，好像鹰毛，指甲长长，如同鸟爪。”[19]{PK 520.1}
§41
In a moment the reason that God had given him was taken away; the judgment that the king thought perfect, the wisdom on which he prided himself, was removed, and the once mighty ruler was a maniac. His hand could no longer sway the scepter. The messages of warning had been unheeded; now, stripped of the power his Creator had given him, and driven from men, Nebuchadnezzar did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles feathers, and his nails like birds claws.{PK 520.1}[19]
§42
七年之久，尼布甲尼撒成了使他臣民惊骇的怪物，七年之久，他在全世界面前降卑了。后来他的理性又恢复了，于是他从所受的惩罚中认明了神圣的手段，便虚心地仰望天上的上帝。他在公布的谕旨中承认自己的罪，以及上帝在使他复原的事上所彰显的伟大慈怜。他说：“日子满足，我尼布甲尼撒举目望天，我的聪明复归于我，我便称颂至高者，赞美尊敬活到永远的上帝，他的权柄是永有的，他的国存到万代。世上所有的居民，都算为虚无；在天上的万军和世上的居民中，他都凭自己的意旨行事，无人能拦住他手，或问他说，你作什么呢？[20]{PK 520.2}
§43
For seven years Nebuchadnezzar was an astonishment to all his subjects; for seven years he was humbled before all the world. Then his reason was restored and, looking up in humility to the God of heaven, he recognized the divine hand in his chastisement. In a public proclamation he acknowledged his guilt and the great mercy of God in his restoration. At the end of the days, he said, I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation: and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest Thou?{PK 520.2}[20]
§44
“那时我的聪明复归于我，为我国的荣耀威严和光耀，也都复归于我；并且我的谋士和大臣，也来朝见我，我又得坚立在国位上，至大的权柄加增于我。”[21]{PK 521.1}
§45
At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honor and brightness returned unto me; and my counselors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.{PK 521.1}[21]
§46
这个一度骄傲的君王，变成了上帝谦卑的孩子，这个暴虐苛刻的统治者，变成了贤明仁慈的国王。他曾抗拒并亵渎天上的上帝，但这时却承认至高者的能力，又诚恳地设法倡导敬畏耶和华并促进他臣民的幸福。尼布甲尼撒在万王之王、万主之主的斥责下，终于学得了每一个统治者都需要学习的教训，真正的伟大乃寓于真正的善良之中。他承认耶和华为永生的上帝，说：“我尼布甲尼撒赞美尊崇恭敬天上的王，因为他所作的全都诚实，他所行的也都公平；那行动骄傲的，他能降为卑。”[22]{PK 521.2}
§47
The once proud monarch had become a humble child of God; the tyrannical, overbearing ruler, a wise and compassionate king. He who had defied and blasphemed the God of heaven, now acknowledged the power of the Most High and earnestly sought to promote the fear of Jehovah and the happiness of his subjects. Under the rebuke of Him who is King of kings and Lord of lords, Nebuchadnezzar had learned at last the lesson which all rulers need to learn--that true greatness consists in true goodness. He acknowledged Jehovah as the living God, saying, I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase.{PK 521.2}[22]
§48
上帝要世界上最强大的国家彰显他荣耀的旨意，这时已经实现了。尼布甲尼撒在这道公布的谕旨中承认上帝的慈怜、良善和权柄，乃是圣史中所记载的他生平最后行的一件事。[23]{PK 521.3}
§49
Gods purpose that the greatest kingdom in the world should show forth His praise was now fulfilled. This public proclamation, in which Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the mercy and goodness and authority of God, was the last act of his life recorded in sacred history.{PK 521.3}[23]